Riding two-abreast and on the right side of the road. Is it required?
In Georgia, a bicycle is legally a "vehicle". A vehicle is defined by the code as a device "in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks." Therefore, vehicular traffic laws apply to the operation of a bicycle. As with any law, there are exceptions. Wherever the code uses the phrase "motor vehicle," that part of the law does not apply to bicycles. Over the next few articles, I will explore different sections of the code as it relates to bicycles and their use on public highways.
Where and how on a highway can a bicyclist ride? Is a bicycle rider restricted to the side walk or the extreme right side of the road? Must bicyclist maintain a single file when they are riding in a group? The answer to both questions is "NO."
If you are riding a bicycle on the road, you "shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, except when turning left or avoiding hazards to safe cycling, when the lane is too narrow to share safely with a motor vehicle, when traveling at the same speed as traffic, or while exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction; provided, however, that every person operating a bicycle away from the right side of the roadway shall exercise reasonable care and shall give due consideration to the other applicable rules of the road."
Riding on the ride side of the road is not required if it is not practicable. That is, when it cannot be performed. You cannot ride on the right side of the road if there are unsafe conditions (potholes, drains, surface debris, rough pavement, dogs, parked or stopped vehicles that may open their doors, or other hazards to your safety). It is a subjective matter and the bicyclist makes the determination while riding as to what is practicable. Another exception is if you are traveling at the same speed as the traffic. If you are doing 25 mph in a 25 mph speed zone, you have the right to occupy any part of the road as long as you are traveling in the same direction as the other traffic.
However, if a path that meets minimum guidelines as set forth by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials is provided adjacent to the road on which you are riding and is designated for the exclusive use of bicycle riders, then the local governing authority may require that you use the path. The path must provide for adequate capacity and maintenance for your use.
As to the question of riding single file, the Code of Georgia specifically states that "persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles." Therefore, you do not have to ride single file on any roadway that is not a bicycle designated path and can ride two abreast. But more than two abreast is not allowed.
Where and how on a highway can a bicyclist ride? Is a bicycle rider restricted to the side walk or the extreme right side of the road? Must bicyclist maintain a single file when they are riding in a group? The answer to both questions is "NO."
If you are riding a bicycle on the road, you "shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, except when turning left or avoiding hazards to safe cycling, when the lane is too narrow to share safely with a motor vehicle, when traveling at the same speed as traffic, or while exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction; provided, however, that every person operating a bicycle away from the right side of the roadway shall exercise reasonable care and shall give due consideration to the other applicable rules of the road."
Riding on the ride side of the road is not required if it is not practicable. That is, when it cannot be performed. You cannot ride on the right side of the road if there are unsafe conditions (potholes, drains, surface debris, rough pavement, dogs, parked or stopped vehicles that may open their doors, or other hazards to your safety). It is a subjective matter and the bicyclist makes the determination while riding as to what is practicable. Another exception is if you are traveling at the same speed as the traffic. If you are doing 25 mph in a 25 mph speed zone, you have the right to occupy any part of the road as long as you are traveling in the same direction as the other traffic.
However, if a path that meets minimum guidelines as set forth by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials is provided adjacent to the road on which you are riding and is designated for the exclusive use of bicycle riders, then the local governing authority may require that you use the path. The path must provide for adequate capacity and maintenance for your use.
As to the question of riding single file, the Code of Georgia specifically states that "persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles." Therefore, you do not have to ride single file on any roadway that is not a bicycle designated path and can ride two abreast. But more than two abreast is not allowed.
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