Washington's Laws regarding Bicycles

From: bill@cygnus.wa.com (Bill Swan)
Date: Sat, 24 Dec 1994 08:59:25 PST
Organization: Mucky Skies Software, Seattle WA
Newsgroups: seattle.general, pnw.general, rec.bicycles.soc, rec.bicycles.misc
I entered every item regarding bicycles _except_ those referring to various bicycle safety and education programs. The sections herein are "the rules of the road" chapters, outlining the cyclist's rights and responsibilities.

LAWS REGARDING CYCLISTS

from the Revised Code of Washington, 1994

46.04.071 Bicycle.
"Bicycle" means every device propelled solely by human power upon which a person or persons may ride, having two tandem wheels either of which is sixteen or more inches in diameter, or three wheels, any one of which is more than twenty inches in diameter.
[1982 c 55 ss 4; 1965 ex.s. c 155 ss 86.]

46.61.160 Restrictions on use of limited-access highway--Use by bicyclists.
The department of transportation may by order, and local authorities may by ordinance or resolution, with respect to any limited access highway under their respective jurisdictions prohibit the use of any such highway by funeral processions, or by parades, pedestrians, bicycles or other nonmotorized traffic, or by any person operating a motor-driven cycle. Bicyclists may use the right should of limited access highways except where prohibited. The department of transportation may by order, and local authorities may by ordinance or resolution, with respect to any limited-access highway under their respective jurisdictions prohibit the use of the shoulders of any such highway by bicycles within urban areas or upon other sections of the highway where such use is deemed to be unsafe.

The department of transportation or the local authority adopting any such prohibitory regulation shall erect and maintain official traffic control devices on the limited access roadway on which such regulations are applicable, and when so erected no person may disobey the restrictions stated on such devices.
[1982 c 55 ss 5; 1975 c 62 ss 25; 1965 ex.s. c 155 ss 27.]

46.61.750 Effect of regulations--Penalty.
(1) It is a traffic infraction for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required in RCW 46.61.750 through 46.61.780.
(2) These regulations applicable to bicycles apply whenever a bicycle is operated upon any highway or upon any bicycle path, subject to those exceptions stated herein.
[1982 c 55 ss 6; 1979 ex.s. c 136 ss 92; 1965 ex.s. c 155 ss 79.]

46.61.755 Traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles.
Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter, except as to special regulations in RCW 46.61.750 through 46.61.780 and except as to those provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application.
[1965 ex.s. c 155 ss 80.]

46.61.758 Hand signals.
All hand signals required of persons operating bicycles shall be given in the following manner:
(1) Left turn. Left hand and arm extended horizontally beyond the side of the bicycle;
(2) Right turn. Left hand and arm extended upward beyond the side of the bicycle, or right hand and arm extended horizontally to the right side of the bicycle;
(3) Stop or decrease speed. Left hand and arm extended downward beyond the side of the bicycle.
The hand signals required by this section shall be given before initiation of a turn.
[1982 c 55 ss 8.]

46.61.760 Riding on bicycles.
(1) A person propelling a bicycle shall not ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto.
(2) No bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.
[1965 ex.s. c 155 ss 81.]

46.61.765 Clinging to vehicles.
No person riding upon any bicycle, coaster, roller skates, sled or toy vehicle shall attach the same or himself to any vehicle upon a roadway.
[1965 ex.s. c 155 ss 82.]

46.61.770 Riding upon roadways and bicycle paths.
(1) Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a rate of speed less than the normal flow of traffic at the particular time and place shall ride as near to the right side of the right through lane as is safe except as may be appropriate while preparing to make or while making turning movements, or while overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction. A person operating a bicycle upon a roadway or highway other than a limited-access highway, which roadway or highway carries traffic in one direction only and has two or more marked traffic lanes, may ride as near to the left side of the left through lane as is safe. A person operating a bicycle upon a roadway may use the shoulder of the roadway or any specially designated bicycle lane if such exists.
(2) 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.
[1982 c 55 ss 7; 1974 ex.s. c 141 14; 1965 ex.s. c 155 ss 83.]

46.61.775 Carrying articles.
No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle or article which prevents the driver from keeping at least one hand upon the handle bars.
[1965 ex.s. c 155 ss 84.]

46.61.780 Lamps and other equipment on bicycles.
(1) every bicycle when in use during the hours of darkness as defined in RCW 46.37.020 shall be equipped with a lamp on the front which shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the front and with a red reflector on the rear of a type approved by the state patrol which shall be visible from all distances from one hundred feet to six hundred feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle. A lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of five hundred feet to the rear may be used in addition to the red reflector.
(2) Every bicycle shall be equipped with a brake which will enable the operator to make the braked wheels skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
[1978 c 330 ss 746; 1975 c 62 ss 39; 1965 ex.s. c 155 ss 85.]
Disclaimer: Although it is my belief that this list is complete and accurate, I do *not* warrant or guarantee that it is -- for the obvious reasons. Check your local public library for a copy of the RCWs; the index will give you a reference to the relevant chapters.

Bill Swan                   o   o o !!  o   o   o   o   o   o   o   o   o
bill@cygnus.wa.com       _ /-_ /-_-\ _ /-_ /-_ /-_ /-_ /-_ /-_ /-_ /-_ /-_
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