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Pennsylvania’s bike laws are similar to those of other states, but there are several important differences you should be aware of. Knowing your rights and responsibilities as a cyclist is essential to helping you and others stay safe on the road. Here’s what you should know before riding a bike in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania’s Bike Law

Under Pennsylvania law, bicycles are considered vehicles. This means that a person riding a bike on a Pennsylvania roadway has the same rights and duties as a driver of a motor vehicle. For example, Pennsylvania bicyclists are required to come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights and the state’s DUI law applies also to cyclists.

Riding on the Roadways

In Pennsylvania, you can ride a bike on the shoulder of the road and in bike lanes or paths, however, you are not required to do so. Because bicycles are treated as vehicles, they have the same right to use roadways as any other motor vehicle.

Rules for riding on the roadway

When riding your bike on a roadway in Pennsylvania, you must obey the following rules:

• You have to ride in the same direction as the flow of traffic at all times. 
• It is not permitted to ride in the opposite direction of traffic in any lane. 
• On a two-lane, you may ride your bike in the right lane.
• On a multi-lane roadway, you may ride the bike in the right-most travel lane.
• On a roadway with no center line, you can ride anywhere on the right side of the road.

When is riding in the left lane permitted?

In some circumstances, you are allowed to move to the left lane, for example: 

• When preparing to make a left turn
• When overtaking another vehicle 
• When an obstruction makes it necessary to change lanes
• If the right side of the road is not safe to ride on
• If the roadway has only one lane of traffic going either way.

Riding side-by-side

No more than two cyclists are allowed to ride side-by-side, except when they are using a path exclusively designed for bicycles. 

Motor Vehicles and Bikes

Whereas most states have a safe passing law of two to three feet between cyclists and drivers, in Pennsylvania motor vehicles must allow at least a four feet distance. A driver may not drive recklessly or drive too close to a bicyclist. 

Overtaking a bicycle

Motor vehicles may overtake a bicycle in a no-passing zone with the required four feet of clearance. 

In Pennsylvania, it is against the law for motorists to force a cyclist off of the road. Drivers who disobey this rule may face criminal charges.

Bikes on the Freeway

Riding a bicycle is not permitted on Pennsylvania freeways and divided highways, unless you have received the permission of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

Bikes and Sidewalks

Sidewalk riding is generally allowed in Pennsylvania. However, many municipalities ban sidewalk riding for individuals over the age of 12. 

You are not permitted to use a sidewalk if there is an adjacent usable bicycle-only lane. Riding a bicycle on a sidewalk in a business district is also prohibited.

Right of way

Pedestrians have the right of way both on sidewalks and bicycle paths. In addition, you must give an audible signal as you approach and pass a pedestrian.

Motor vehicles are not required to yield to cyclists riding across a crosswalk.

Parking Bicycles

You can park your bicycle at the curb or edge of the roadway where parking is allowed if your bike doesn’t obstruct the movement of pedestrians or motor vehicles.

Equipment

The state of Pennsylvania imposes several requirements when it comes to bicycle equipment. 

Under Pennsylvania law, your bike must have:

• A white front-facing headlight and a red rear reflector or light that is visible from at least 500 feet when riding at night. This is essential both in order to light your path so you can see where you are going and to make you visible to other drivers.
• A brake that will stop your bike 15 feet from an initial speed of 15 mph on dry, level pavement.
• A bell, horn, or another type of signaling device. This is only required by some municipalities.

Seats

In Pennsylvania, cyclists can only ride on regular and permanent seats. 

Helmets

Everyone under the age of 12 must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle in Pennsylvania. This applies no matter whether the person is operating the bicycle, riding as a passenger, or riding in an attached restraining seat or trailer.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation advises that adult bicyclists also wear helmets at all times for increased safety. Wearing a helmet reduces your chances of being seriously injured in a biking accident by up to 85 percent. 

Headphones and earbuds

Pennsylvania is one of seven states that regulate riding bikes with headphones. Wearing headphones and earbuds when riding a bicycle is prohibited throughout the state.

Hand and Arm Signal

Another requirement of the Pennsylvania bike law is communicating your intentions through hand signals. For example: 

• To signal a left turn, you must extend your left hand and arm horizontally. 
• To signal a right turn, you must extend your right hand and arm horizontally or extend your left hand and arm upward. 
• To signal a stop or decrease in speed, you must extend your left hand and arm downward.

Bicycling Safety Recommendations

• Always wear a helmet.
• Make sure that your helmet is properly fitted. 
• Obey traffic laws. Be sure to know the difference between the Pennsylvania state laws and municipal laws. 
• Obey stop signs and red lights.
• Don’t ride against the flow of traffic.
• Ride in a straight line.
• Make sure that your path is clear and change directions without swerving.
• Use hand signals to indicate when you are turning. Following the rules of the road and signaling help vehicles, other cyclists, and pedestrians know what to expect and which way you’re going.
• Dismount and walk your bike across crosswalks as vehicles are not required to yield to cyclists.
• Make yourself visible by wearing bright cycling clothes.
• Place reflectors on your wheels and the front and rear of your bike.
• Carry plenty of drinking water and snacks for energy.
• Bring your cellphone in case of an emergency.
• Always carry a pump, a patch kit, and a spare tube for maintenance.
• Don’t ride while intoxicated. DUI laws in Pennsylvania also apply to cyclists.
• Remember that trucks, buses, and oversized vehicles have large blind spots, especially on the right side. 
• A significant percentage of cyclist fatalities involve large vehicles so avoid overtaking them.
• Stay visible to other drivers. Keep in mind that if you can’t see the driver of the vehicle in the mirror, they can’t see you either. 
• You are allowed to carry the number of persons for which your bike is designed. The only exception is an adult carrying a child in a sling or a carrying pack.
• You are required to have at least one hand on your handlebars when riding.
• It is forbidden to have passengers on the handlebars. 

For more information, tips, laws, videos, and other bike safety resources, consult the Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual and Just Drive PA website.