Can You Get A Speeding Ticket On A Bicycle?

When we hear the word ‘speeding ticket’, we instantly think of cars, buses, or any other motor vehicle. Many people fail to align the word bicycle with the word speeding ticket as many of us are unaware that even bicycles get a speeding ticket.

In this guide, we will talk about bicycle speeding tickets.

Can A Cyclist Get A Speeding Ticket?

The short answer is, yes, it can. But, it largely depends on the state’s law.

Traffic rules vary slightly from state to state in the United States. In some states, bicycles only have to follow a few traffic rules. But in a few states, bicycles have to follow the same traffic rules as other motor vehicles. This law of traffic also includes speed limits for bicycles.

Although most cyclists do not exceed the speed limits, you must keep the speed limit in mind while cycling in construction, hilly areas, and school zones. Crossing the speeding limit will result in you getting ticketed.

Related reading: Illinois Bicycle Laws

The first case we know of is a bicycle speeding ticket that came out to light in 2013 in the state of Seattle. In school zones, the speed limit is usually 20 miles per hour. Even though it is quite hard for a bicycle to reach this speed as cyclists are usually used to a much higher speed. But rules are rules, and not following these rules will end up with you receiving a speeding ticket or a warning.

There are many places that are located either on the top or the bottom of a hill. And many people prefer to ride bikes in these areas to save gas and time. Cyclists, along with other vehicle riders, often exceed the speed limit while coming down the steep hills, and this gets recorded at the speed trap, which is often situated at the bottom of the hill.

Many vehicles, including cyclists, often end up with a speeding ticket as they go down the hill at a very fast speed.

However, in many states, you can reduce the amount of fine you pay for a speeding ticket by completing a bicycle safety course online. And if you pay the reduced fee within the time, then the speeding ticket will be dismissed even before it goes on the record.

Is There A Specific Speed Limit For Bicycles?

A common question we get is whether there is a speed limit for bicycles or not. The answer is no, and there is no specific speed limit for a bicycle. A bicycle must follow the traffic rules that each and every vehicle on the road follows. These traffic rules also include the speed limit.

Suppose the speed limit on a road is 30 miles per hour. Every vehicle running on that road will have to follow this limit. Failure to follow this limit will make you end up with a speeding ticket.

However, as we mentioned earlier, traffic rules are not the same in each and every state of the United States. While bicycle speeding ticket is considered serious in a few states, other states do not pay much attention to it.

Related reading: Where To Buy Cycle Parts In California – Burbank And Los Angeles Area

Bottom Line

Each and every vehicle on the road must abide by traffic rules and state law. In many states, the law regarding speeding tickets applies to bicycles and other vehicles. Knowing the traffic rules is essential before getting your vehicle out on the road is essential.

We know that bicycles do not come with a speedometer, and it is hard to keep track of the speed we are traveling in. But this excuse cannot get you out of a speeding ticket in front of a traffic sergeant or court. Thus, it is always better to know the speed limit to avoid a speeding ticket.