Biking Rules

Rules of the Road for Bikers

A bicycle is not a toy, it's a vehicle. For your own safety and others, ride your bike as you were driving a car.

Recognize and obey Traffic signs.

NH Biking Click

Bike Safety RSA 265:143

Application of Motor Vehicle Laws to Bicycles. Every person propelling a vehicle by human power or riding a bicycle shall have all of the rights and be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under the rules of the road, except as provided in paragraph II and as to special regulations in this subdivision and except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application.
Application of Motor Vehicle Laws to Bicycles. that anyone under the age of sixteen riding a bicycle on a public way must wear a helmet. Helmets are necessary to avoid head injuries. Must be worn every time you ride.

A helmet should fit snugly & be comfortable. It should fit squarely on top of head, covering top of forehead. A helmet should not slide

round. You should purchase an approved helmet - one that has a sticker inside certifying it meets the safety standards.

Ride with Traffic

When riding on a public way, you must ride with traffic and obey all traffic laws. Two riders are safest when riding single file on the right side of the road.

Obeying traffic lights while riding by bicycle
Am I required to obey Traffic lights while riding my bike? Yes, you should ride your bicycle as though you were driving a car.

Long bike rides, what should I bring with me?

Tube or patch.
Mini Screwdriver.
Identification.
Water.
Small bike pump.

Keep your Bicycle Safe

Check brakes, tires and other mechanical parts are in working order.

Clothing - Wear bright or visible clothing. Avoid loose clothing that could get caught up in the chain or wheels.

Ride on the right side of the road in the same direction traffic is flowing. Ride single file -- not side by side.

Reflectors - Should have both front and rear reflectors. (Light must be visible from a distance of 300 feet)

Chain - Never ride with a loose fitting chain and should be well oiled.

Wheels - Never ride with loose or broken spokes, this causes wobbling.

Repair Kit - It's best to carry one especially for the long rides. (tube patch kit, tire irons, mini, screwdriver)

Choosing a Bike

Ride a bike that fits you. Make sure you can touch the pedals and can easily reach the ground. If your arms are extended fully to reach the handlebars, then the frame is probably too long. Likewise, if your arms are bent more than 90 degrees, the frame is too short.

Purchasing a Helmet

BHSI - Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute

A hard shelled helmet -- to distribute the force of a blow over a large area and to shield against sharp objects.

A crushable liner, such as styrofoam -- this absorbs the shock of a collision.

A layer of padding -- for a proper fit and comfort.

A strong strap and buckle -- these two components keep the helmet securely on the rider’s head.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or Snell Memorial Foundation certification (look on label or tag of helmet for ANSI or Snell).

Night Time Riding

Bicycle riding after dark raises different safety concerns and can be dangerous. Riding at night should be avoided if possible, especially by or with children. If there is a reason you must ride at night, there are certain safety precautions that will help keep you safe and seen:

Use bright lights. Use reflectors. Wear light-colored clothing with reflector tape.

A white light must be visible on the front of either the bicycle or the rider from at least 300 feet. A red reflector, at least two inches in diameter, must also be affixed on the rear of the bike and should be visible from a 50 to 300 foot distance. Additional reflectors should be red since motorists are accustomed to seeing red rear lights.

Our Resources page may have the answer for you!