Expert: Jerry Goodwin - 10/6/2011

Question
I was hoping you could answer this question for me since I've been looking on the Internet for a while and have not found the answer.

Where can you ride a bicycle? Can you ride it on a regular road with other cars up to a certain speed limit?

Thanks, Daniel

P.S., I'm in South Carolina if that makes a difference.

Answer
Hi Daniel,

Here is a website that deals specifically with South Carolina, my son lives there in Sumter. i have ridden there during the Myrtle Beach Marathon. http://www.pccsc.net/bikelaws.php

For the most part you can find this information for any state by simply going to any major search engine and search for "bicycle laws in (whatever state you need)"

In virtually all states the bicycle is considered a vehicle and the laws follow the same as for an auto. There are of course some differences, bicycles cannot be ridden on such highways as Interstates or most "limited Access" highways. Other than that bicycles can be ridden on pretty much any highway, road or street. The bicycle must be ridden as far to the right as is safe and most states require riders to be no more than 2 abreast. Virtually all states require that the bike ride on the right side of the road with the traffic and follow all the laws that pertain to cars and trucks.

Hope this helps

Have a great day

Jerry