Georgia Bicycle Laws – Use Of The Roadway

Our Atlanta bicycle accident attorneys review many bike injury cases in which it is alleged by the at fault motorist that the bike rider was riding in an unlawful manner. Continuing with our explanation of Georgia bicycle laws, Section 40-6-294 of the Official Code of Georgia controls the use of roadways and bike paths by bicyclists. It provides that every person operating a bike shall ride as close to right side road as practicable with the following exceptions:
1. except turning left or avoiding hazards to safe cycling;
2. When traveling the same speed as motor vehicles;
3. when the road is too narrow to share safely with motor vehicles; and,
4. while exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one traveling in the same direction
The statute gives examples of “hazards to safe cycling:” They include, but ar not limited to the following:
1. debris in the roadway;
2. rough pavement;
3. drain grates parallel to the side of the roadway;
4. parked or stopped vehicles;
5. potentially opening car doors; and,
6. other objects that threaten the safety of the bike rider.
The law requires that persons riding a bike upon a roadway may not ride more than 2 abreast except on designated bike paths. Additionally, whenever a bike path is adjacent to a roadway, and designated for exclusive bike use, the governmental authority controlling the roadway may require riders to use only the path and not the roadway.