The weather has cooled off in Georgia, so more folks are going outdoors to ride their bike. There are plenty of trails to choose from in and around Cobb County, but it’s not uncommon for recreational cyclists or commuters to share the road with cars. If you plan on going out on two wheels this season, the team at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter wants to make sure you know your rights as a bicyclist.
Where You Can Ride
In Georgia, bicycles are considered a vehicle like a car or a truck, so bicycles are allowed in the same areas as they are with just a few exceptions. If there’s a bike lane, you should ride in it. You can ride on various trails in the area, such as Noonday Creek trail, or you can join a cycling club to find out about other areas.
How You Can Ride
Georgia has a 3-foot passing law, which means drivers are required to give cyclists three feet of space when passing them.
Stay as close to the right side of the road or bike path as you can. Move from the right side only to avoid hazards or to turn left. Use hand signals to alert other drivers that you’re about to make a turn.
When riding during evening hours, make sure you have a white light attached to the front of your bike and a red light attached to the back of the bicycle that can be seen up to 300 feet away. No red light is needed if you have a Department of Public Safety-approved reflector.
You can carry packages and bags as long as you keep at least one hand on your handlebars at all times. Two hands are safer, so we recommend investing in a basket or a backpack to store your goods in while you commute.
Riding with friends is fun but don’t allow your friend to ride on your handlebars. That will get you into trouble.
Only two riders can ride side by side on roads and bike paths unless you’re riding in a special event that has a permit indicating otherwise.
You don’t have to leave your children out of the fun if they’re at least a year old. Kids can ride in a bicycle trailer or in a sling on your body. Cyclists under 16 years of age must wear a helmet while riding their bike.
What to Do If You’re Injured in an Accident
- Call the police and make sure that an accident report is filled out
- Exchange insurance and contact information with the driver
- Watch what you say and how you say it
- Take pictures of the scene, your injuries, the driver’s car, and your bike
- Keep a detailed journal of your physical injuries beginning on the day of the accident
If you or a loved one was involved in a bicycling accident, call attorney Joel Williams at 833-LEGALGA or contact us online for a free consultation.
