SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/bike-rights-and-duties
In most states, what does the law give a person riding a bike on the road?
The same rights and the same duties as a driver.
- Only the rights of a pedestrian
- Rights but no traffic duties
- The same rights and duties as a driver ✔
Why: In most states a bike on the road is treated like a vehicle. You get the right to use the road, and you must obey the same signs, signals and rules as drivers.
Huh, didn't know that: Washington's law adds a twist: on a sidewalk or crosswalk, a rider has a pedestrian's rights and duties instead.
My bike follows every traffic law. It's a real law-a-bike-ing citizen.
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References
Answer: The same rights and duties as a driver. In most states a bike on the road is treated like a vehicle. You get the right to use the road, and you must obey the same signs, signals and rules as drivers.
- RCW 46.61.755 Traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.755
shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle
Checked 2026-10-12.
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