Bicycle laws in North Carolina require cyclists to follow many of the same rules as drivers, including riding with traffic and obeying all traffic signs and signals.
Cyclists must also use hand signals for turns or stops, give an audible warning to pedestrians when necessary, and ensure their bicycles meet safety requirements for nighttime riding, such as having a front light and either a rear red light or reflective clothing visible from 300 feet.
Even when cyclists follow the rules, insurance companies may still try to argue that the cyclist was partially at fault. Under North Carolina’s contributory negligence law, even 1% of fault can prevent you from recovering compensation. A bicycle accident lawyer in Charlotte can file your claim and push back when insurers try to shift blame.
North Carolina’s Updated Bicycle Laws
North Carolina bicyclists must follow specific laws intended to promote road safety, govern interactions with vehicles and pedestrians, and ensure bicycles are properly equipped.
Even when bicyclists follow North Carolina’s laws, insurers may still look for ways to argue they were partially at fault so they can deny the claim under the state’s contributory negligence rule.
A Charlotte personal injury lawyer gets ahead of the insurer’s attempts to shift fault onto you and deny your claim outright under the state’s contributory negligence law. When an insurer argues that you contributed to the collision by failing to follow North Carolina bicycle laws, an attorney gathers evidence of your compliance and the negligent behavior of the at-fault driver.
Traffic Laws For Cyclists
Bicyclists must follow the flow of traffic, riding in the right-hand lane or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb when traveling slower than the posted speed limit, per G.S. § 20‑146.
They have to abide by the same traffic signs and signals as motor vehicle drivers do, stopping at red lights and stop signs.
G.S. § 20‑154 requires cyclists to signal their intentions before turning or stopping. Hand signals are necessary to communicate clearly with nearby drivers, pedestrians, and other cyclists. Additionally, local municipal ordinances often require cyclists to give pedestrians an audible warning, such as ringing a bell, when passing them on sidewalks or mixed-use paths.
While bicycles are allowed on most North Carolina roads, they are prohibited on interstates and controlled-access highways unless authorized by the Board of Transportation.
Safety Equipment Requirements
G.S. § 20‑171.9 requires bicyclists under the age of 16 to wear a helmet whenever riding. Passengers who weigh less than 40 pounds or are shorter than 40 inches must also be secured in an approved restraining seat or similar safety device attached to the bicycle.
Nighttime Cycling Requirements
North Carolina law places clear requirements on bicycle equipment for riding after dark to reduce the risk of accidents. When riding at night, cyclists have to have a working front white light that is visible from at least 300 feet, per G.S. § 20‑129(e).
They also have to either install a red rear light visible from 300 feet or wear bright, reflective clothing that can be seen from the same distance. A rear red reflex reflector is also required to help keep the bicycle visible to motorists approaching from behind.
Road Restrictions And Local Ordinances For Bicyclists In North Carolina
Local governments may enforce additional regulations, such as those prohibiting sidewalk riding in certain areas or managing the use of roads for group rides.
For example, in Charlotte, biking on sidewalks is legal except in Uptown within the area bounded by Church St., Brooklyn Village Ave., College St., and 7th St., where it’s prohibited.
Elsewhere, when riding a bike on a sidewalk, bicyclists must yield to pedestrians to avoid collisions. These local ordinances are part of the city’s Shared Mobility Program.
How A Bicycle Accident Attorney Shields You From Insurer Tactics
Insurers use bicycle laws in North Carolina to shift blame onto the injured cyclist. For example, an insurance adjuster may argue that you failed to signal or had insufficient safety equipment.
A bicycle accident attorney counters these tactics by:
- Documenting your compliance with bicycle laws: Your lawyer will gather evidence, such as police reports and photos, to show that you followed traffic laws, used proper safety equipment, and acted responsibly.
- Working with specialists: Accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals help prove how the crash happened and demonstrate the severity of your injuries.
- Handling direct communication with insurers: Your attorney acts as a shield, managing all conversations with the insurer so you don’t inadvertently say something that could be used to reduce or deny your claim.
At Auger & Auger, we understand how insurers avoid payouts and develop strategies to counter these efforts.
Let Us Handle Your Bicycle Accident Claim
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you shouldn’t have to handle the legal process alone or deal with the aggressive tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying claims. At Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers, we take care of every aspect of your case, from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurers.
With our A&A Zero Fee Guarantee™, you’ll never have to worry about upfront costs or legal fees unless we win your case. From start to finish, our attorneys are here to protect your right to recover compensation.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation, and let us take the burden off your shoulders.
