Delaware Bicycle Laws | Biking Laws In The State Of Delaware In 2021

People often do not consider a bicycle being a vehicle but they are wrong to do so because it is indeed a vehicle and thus must obey all traffic rules. Delaware is also the only state in the country that does not always put a bicycle under vehicles but is sometimes put in a separate chapter under the law “Rules of the Road”. But the DMV in Delaware thinks them to be in the same obligation of laws as cars, which can cause lots of confusion and havoc.

Therefore it is best to keep both rules and regulations in mind to not run into trouble when cycling. Delaware is much stricter than other states when it comes to the topic of sharing the roads with other vehicles and cars. The laws make the bicyclist’s life easier because, unlike in the other states in Delaware, when a car is crossing a bike, the driver of the car needs to reduce the speed of the car and have a minimum of three feet of clearance from the bicyclist when crossing him or her.

In this article, we will talk about the Delaware bicycle laws and how to live as a cyclist here.

General Delaware Safety Rules

• Delaware helmet law is not well defined – all riders below the age of 16 must have a helmet on, though the state’s code mentions under the age of 18.
• The cyclist must use a red rear-reflector that gives visibility to up to 600 feet and make use of a headlight that is white that provides visibility to up to 500 feet, and one of the two reflective materials that give visibility on both sides to 600 feet or a lamp that is lit that gives visibility from both the sides for 500 feet.
• The cyclist must not attach the bicycle to another vehicle, cannot take passengers unless equipped for it, and must keep one hand on the handlebars.
• Cyclists are not allowed to put headsets or earplugs on both their ears.
• The cyclist must be as far to the right of the roadway when traveling on the road.
• The cyclist cannot ride on a highway in Delaware while using narcotics or drinking. If this rule is broken, it will not go on the individual’s driver’s record. You will be fined somewhere between $150 and $1150. If you repeat your offenses, you could be sent to prison for between 10 and 30 days or get a fine that could be $400 or as high as $1500.

Adult cyclists must at all times follow all these rules mentioned above.

Here is a brochure from DelDOT with more information.

Parent of a Young Bicyclist

Under this law, the parent or guardian of the cyclist can be held responsible if the person does not adhere to the code and regulations. As a person and guardian to the youth, it lies with them to teach the safety of riding a bicycle and ensure that they follow the rules.

Conclusion

With increasing traffic and accidents all over the country, there was no greater need to learn the rules and regulations of riding a bicycle. Delaware is considered to have the best bicycle laws in the country. Bicycle riders should always be mindful of these laws, but in case of any problems, we suggest contacting the best Delaware bike accident lawyer.

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