Traffic Laws for Bicyclists in New York City
Greenstein & Pittari, LLP – NYC Bicycle Accident Lawyers Standing Up for Injured Cyclists
Riding a bicycle in New York City should be a smart, healthy way to get around – not a shortcut to the emergency room. Yet every day, cyclists in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island are forced to share crowded NYC streets with taxis, Ubers, trucks, buses, double-parked vehicles, and passengers who swing doors open without looking.
When a driver breaks New York traffic laws, it’s almost always the person on the bike who pays the price.
You are not “just a cyclist.” Under New York and NYC bicycle laws, you are a vulnerable road user with fundamental legal rights. Those rights – and New York City’s traffic laws for bicyclists – can play a critical role in proving fault and recovering compensation after a crash.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our New York City bicycle accident lawyers help injured cyclists and their families understand the law, build strong cases, and fight for full and fair compensation after a bike crash.
If you were hurt while riding anywhere in NYC, you do not have to figure this out alone.
Free Consultation • No Fee Unless We Win
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) or contact us online. We represent bicycle accident victims across all five New York City boroughs.
How New York City Law Treats Bicycles and Cyclists
New York and NYC traffic laws do not treat bicycles as toys or second-class road users.
- Bicycles (including many pedal-assist e-bikes) are treated as vehicles for most traffic law purposes.
- Cyclists must obey many of the same NYC traffic rules as drivers of cars and trucks.
- At the same time, cyclists have the right to use most New York City streets and to be treated with due care by motorists.
Are Bicycles Considered “Vehicles” Under New York Law?
In most important ways, yes. When you’re riding in the roadway in New York City:
- You must obey traffic lights, stop signs, yield signs, and lane markings.
- You must ride with traffic, not against it.
- You may ride on most NYC streets, even without a bike lane, except where bicycles are specifically prohibited (such as most expressways).
- Drivers must treat you as they would any other vehicle – yielding when required, checking mirrors and blind spots before turning or opening doors, and giving you space when passing.
This equal treatment can feel harsh when you’re the one on the unprotected bike. But legally, it often helps you after a New York City bike accident, because it makes it easier to prove that a driver violated a clear rule and should be held responsible.
Core Traffic Laws for Bicyclists in New York City
These are some of the key NYC bicycle traffic laws that govern how you ride in the city.
Ride With Traffic – Not Against It
Under New York and NYC law, cyclists must:
- Ride in the same direction as traffic, never facing oncoming cars.
- Ride as close to the right-hand side as is safe, except when:
- Making a left turn
- Passing another vehicle or cyclist
- Avoiding hazards such as debris, potholes, parked cars, or opening doors
Riding against traffic is illegal and extremely dangerous. Drivers do not expect a bicycle coming the wrong way, especially at NYC intersections and driveways, which makes surprise head-on collisions far more likely and more severe, and it can hurt your bike accident claim.
Obey NYC Traffic Lights, Signs, and Right-of-Way Rules
On a bike in New York City, you must:
- Come to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs.
- Obey yield signs and lane markings.
- Use proper turn lanes (e.g., a left-turn lane for a left turn).
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
New York has not adopted “Idaho Stop” rules. Treating stop signs as yields or rolling through red lights is illegal and can hurt both your safety and your NYC bicycle accident case.
When a driver runs a red light, blows a stop sign, or fails to yield across a bike lane and hits you, those violations are robust evidence of negligence for your New York City bike injury attorney to use.
Hand Signals and Communication
New York law requires cyclists to signal so drivers and pedestrians can anticipate their movements:
- Left turn: left arm extended horizontally
- Right turn: right arm extended horizontally (or left arm bent up at the elbow)
- Slowing or stopping: left arm extended downward
Clear, early hand signals:
- Reduce the risk of a collision, and
- Help counter a driver’s claim in an NYC bike accident that you were “unpredictable” or “came out of nowhere.”
Riding Single File vs. Two Abreast
Generally, cyclists in New York may:
- Ride two abreast (side-by-side) in a lane, but
- Must ride single file when:
- Being passed or passing
- Lane width or traffic conditions make side-by-side riding unsafe
These rules help balance cyclist safety with keeping New York City traffic flowing – and they may factor into arguments about whether you were riding reasonably before your accident.
Where You Can (and Cannot) Ride a Bicycle in New York City
NYC Streets and Highways
Cyclists may ride on:
- Most public streets and highways in New York City are even without a marked bike lane.
Cyclists may not ride on:
- Expressways
- Interstate highways
- Certain bridges and limited-access roads where signs specifically prohibit bicycles
Riding in prohibited areas can lead to tickets and may complicate an NYC bicycle injury claim if a crash occurs there.
Sidewalk Bicycle Laws in NYC
Sidewalk rules are strict in New York City:
- Adults generally may not ride bicycles on sidewalks unless signs specifically allow it.
- Children 12 and under may ride on sidewalks only if their bike wheels are less than 26 inches in diameter.
Violations can lead to:
- Fines and possible confiscation of the bike
- Complications in a New York City bike accident case, especially if a pedestrian is injured
If you need to reach a building or bike rack, the safest and most lawful choice is often to dismount and walk your bike.
Bike Lanes, Bike Paths, and Sharrows in NYC
New York City has an extensive and growing bike lane network, including:
- Protected bike lanes – physically separated from motor traffic
- Conventional bike lanes – painted lanes on the roadway
- Shared lanes (“sharrows”) – where bikes and cars share the lane
Under NYC bike laws, when a usable bike lane is available, cyclists are generally expected to use it. You may leave the lane when:
- It is blocked (double-parked vehicles, delivery trucks, debris, construction)
- It is clearly unsafe (broken pavement, standing water, doors swinging open)
- You need to make a turn or avoid a hazard
If you were forced out of a bike lane by an illegally parked or dangerously driven vehicle and then struck by another car, that fact can be significant in proving fault in your NYC bicycle accident claim.
Parks, Bridges, and Boardwalks in NYC
- Many NYC parks allow cycling only on specific bike paths or loops; elsewhere, you may need to walk your bike.
- Most New York City bridges have dedicated cycling paths that must be used when provided.
- Riding on certain boardwalks and beaches is often restricted or prohibited.
In park and bridge cases, local rules, signage, and design can make or break your case. Our NYC bike accident lawyers regularly investigate these details when representing injured cyclists.
Required Equipment for New York City Cyclists
Proper equipment is about more than avoiding a ticket – it’s about visibility, control, and your legal position after an NYC bicycle crash.
Lights and Reflectors (NYC Night Riding Requirements)
From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, New York law requires your bike to have:
- A white front light visible from at least 500 feet
- A red or amber rear light visible from at least 300 feet
- At least one of those lights is visible from 200 feet to each side
- Reflective equipment such as:
- A red rear reflector, and
- Reflective tires or spoke-mounted reflectors
- Front wheel: amber or colorless
- Rear wheel: red or colorless
In many NYC bike accident cases that occur at night or in low light, a lack of lights is one of the first things insurance companies point to when blaming the cyclist. Proper lighting helps keep you safe – and strengthens your bicycle injury claim.
Bell or Audible Device
Every bicycle in New York City must have:
- A bell or audible device that can be heard from at least 100 feet away
- No sirens or whistles allowed
This simple device is a crucial safety tool in crowded NYC streets for warning:
- Pedestrians stepping into bike lanes or off curbs
- Other cyclists in close quarters
- Drivers backing out or turning without checking mirrors
Brakes, Seat, and Rider Control
Your bike must:
- Have at least one working brake capable of making the tires skid on dry, level pavement
- Have a permanent seat if you are riding seated
You must:
- Keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times
- Avoid carrying anything that prevents you from doing so or blocks your view
- Never carry more passengers than the bicycle is designed and equipped to transport
In many NYC bicycle accident claims, insurers argue that the cyclist “lost control” or was “riding improperly.” A properly equipped and properly operated bike undercuts those arguments.
NYC Helmet Laws and Children on Bikes
Under New York law:
- All cyclists under 14 must wear an approved helmet.
- Children under 1 year old may not ride on a bicycle at all.
- Children ages 1–4 must wear an approved helmet and ride in a properly affixed child seat or carrier.
For riders 14 and older on traditional bicycles, helmets are not universally required in New York City, but they are strongly recommended.
Even if you were not wearing a helmet, you may still have a strong NYC bike injury case. Please don’t assume you are at fault until you speak with an attorney.
Earphones and Audio Devices for NYC Cyclists
New York law:
- Prohibits riding with both ears covered by earphones or audio devices.
- Allows riding with one earbud, but from a safety standpoint, it’s better to keep both ears open in heavy NYC traffic.
Being able to hear horns, sirens, bike bells, and shouted warnings can mean the difference between a close call and a crash.
E-Bikes, E-Scooters, Mopeds, and Commercial Cyclists in NYC
E-Bikes and E-Scooters in New York City
New York recognizes three main classes of e-bikes:
- Class 1 – Pedal-assist only, up to about 20 mph
- Class 2 – Throttle-assist (can move without pedaling), up to 20 mph
- Class 3 – Higher-speed pedal-assist, up to 25 mph (authorized in NYC)
Key points for NYC riders:
- Minimum age 16 for Class 1–3 e-bikes and e-scooters
- No driver’s license required for most e-bikes
- E-bikes and e-scooters must follow most of the same traffic rules as conventional bicycles
- Local NYC rules may restrict where they can be used (certain bridges, parks, and shared paths)
Suppose an e-bike has been modified to exceed the speed limit. In that case, it may lose its “bicycle” classification and be treated as a moped or motorcycle, triggering very different legal and insurance rules.
Mopeds and Limited-Use Motorcycles
Mopeds are not treated like bicycles under New York law. They are usually classified as limited-use motorcycles and:
- Must be registered with the DMV
- Require an appropriate driver’s license
- Are subject to helmet and equipment rules for motor vehicles
- May be prohibited from NYC bike lanes and certain roads
In accidents involving a moped – whether you’re riding it or hit by one – classification can significantly affect your rights. Our NYC accident attorneys analyze these issues in detail.
Commercial and App-Based Delivery Cyclists in NYC
New York City has specific rules for delivery cyclists, including app-based riders (for example, food delivery and courier services). Employers generally must:
- Provide ANSI or Snell-approved helmets and require their use
- Equip bikes with lights, an audible device, and effective brakes
- Label each bicycle with the business name and an ID number
- Ensure riders wear apparel with the business name and rider ID number
- Maintain a roster with rider names, addresses, dates of employment, ID numbers, and safety training records
Riders must:
- Carry a photo ID card with their name and the business’s contact info
- Follow all traffic and equipment rules, just like any other NYC cyclist
If you are a delivery rider injured in a New York City bike accident, you may have:
- A workers’ compensation claim, and
- A personal injury claim against the driver, property owner, or other parties who caused the crash
Our NYC bike accident lawyers regularly help delivery and app-based cyclists navigate these overlapping legal issues.
How NYC Traffic Laws Protect Cyclists – and Shape Your Case
Preventing Bicycle Injuries in New York City
NYC traffic laws for bicyclists:
- Make your position in the road more predictable to drivers
- Help ensure drivers look for you where they’re supposed to (bike lanes, right-hand side of the road)
- Clarify how you must signal turns, stops, and lane changes
When everyone follows the rules, drivers are less likely to be “surprised” by a cyclist – and many New York City bike accidents can be prevented.
Establishing Liability After an NYC Bicycle Accident
Because cyclists must follow many of the same rules as drivers, it’s easier to analyze:
- Who had the right-of-way
- Who violated a statute or regulation
- Who failed to use due care
Examples:
- A driver who runs a red light in Manhattan and hits a cyclist in a crosswalk is clearly at fault.
- A driver who turns right across a bike lane in Brooklyn without yielding to a cyclist going straight may be liable for failing to yield.
- A cyclist who runs a stop sign in Queens may share responsibility if a crash occurs.
New York uses pure comparative negligence, which means:
- You can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault.
- Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of blame – but not eliminated.
If an insurer tries to pin everything on you because you’re “just a biker,” our job as New York City bicycle accident attorneys is to push back with the law and the facts.
Insurance and Compensation for Injured Cyclists in New York City
No-Fault Insurance and Bicycle Crashes in NYC
New York is a no-fault state for motor vehicle accidents. If a car hits you while you’re riding a bicycle in New York City:
- The driver’s no-fault (PIP) coverage may help pay for:
- Medical expenses
- A portion of lost wages
- Certain out-of-pocket costs
If your injuries meet New York’s definition of “serious injury,” you may also bring a lawsuit for:
- Pain and suffering
- Full lost income
- Future medical needs
- Other damages beyond no-fault limits
If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may have options through:
- Your own UM/UIM coverage (uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage), if you have an auto policy
- The Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC), if you meet specific requirements and no household auto policy applies
These insurance layers can be complicated. Our NYC bike accident lawyers deal with them every day, so you don’t have to.
Types of Damages in a New York City Bicycle Accident Case
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic damages (financial losses):
- Emergency room treatment, hospitalization, and surgeries
- Medications, injections, follow-up visits
- Physical, occupational, psychological, and cognitive therapy
- Medical equipment and home modifications (wheelchairs, ramps, stair lifts)
- Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
- Damage to your bike, helmet, clothing, phone, and other personal property
- Funeral and burial expenses in fatal NYC bike accident cases
Non-economic damages (human losses):
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of mobility or loss of use of a body part or function
- Loss of companionship and consortium in severe injury or wrongful death cases
Every New York City bicycle accident case is unique. We work closely with your doctors and, when appropriate, independent experts to document the full impact of your injuries now and in the future.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in New York City
If you’re involved in a bike crash in NYC:
- Check for injuries and call 911.
Request both police and medical response. - Move to safety if you can do so without further injury.
- Exchange information with drivers and witnesses.
Names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plates, and insurance information. - Document the scene.
Take photos of:- Your bike and gear
- All vehicles involved
- Your visible injuries
- Traffic lights, signs, and crosswalks
- Road conditions, debris, potholes, skid marks, and weather
- Seek medical care promptly, even if you think you’re “fine.”
Many head, neck, and internal injuries show up hours or days later. Tell providers you were in a bicycle accident in New York City, so it’s documented correctly. - Report the crash as required by law.
This may include police reports and DMV forms. Our firm can help ensure the correct reports are filed. - Do NOT sign insurance forms or give detailed recorded statements before speaking with a lawyer.
- Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP as soon as you’re able.
Early legal help can preserve evidence, protect your rights, and strengthen your NYC bicycle accident claim.
How Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Helps Injured Cyclists in NYC
When you’re recovering from a bike crash in New York City, you shouldn’t have to battle an insurance company on your own.
When you hire Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we:
- Investigate your NYC bicycle accident
We review police reports, traffic and surveillance cameras, eyewitness statements, vehicle and bike damage, street design, and bike-lane obstructions. - Identify all responsible parties
Drivers, employers, rideshare or delivery companies, property owners, public agencies, and others. - Handle all communications with insurers
So you’re not pressured into a lowball settlement. - Work with your doctors and experts
Please make sure to document your injuries, limitations, and future needs fully. - Pursue maximum compensation
Through negotiation, and take your case to trial when insurers refuse to be fair.
We represent injured cyclists and their families throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, and we work on a contingency fee basis:
You pay no attorney’s fee unless we recover money for you.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari for Your NYC Bicycle Accident Case?
- Local Harlem office for convenience and trust
- Seven convenient locations: Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
- No Fee Unless We Win – Our Fee Guarantee
- Bilingual services available
- Top-rated, award-winning lawyers (including recognition in Best Lawyers & Super Lawyers)
- Hundreds of positive client reviews and testimonials
- We deal with the insurance companies so you can focus on healing
Our firm’s motto is simple and powerful:
“Don’t Be a Victim Twice.”
FAQ – NYC Bicycle Traffic Laws & Bike Accident Claims
1. What are the bicycle laws in New York City?
In New York City, cyclists generally must follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicles: ride with traffic, obey traffic lights and stop signs, use hand signals, yield when required, and follow right-of-way rules. NYC also has specific rules about bike lanes, sidewalk riding, equipment, and commercial cycling.
2. Can I ride my bike on the sidewalk in NYC?
For most adults, no. In NYC:
- Adults cannot ride on sidewalks unless a sign specifically allows it.
- Children 12 and under may ride on sidewalks only if their bike wheels are smaller than 26 inches.
Illegal sidewalk riding can result in tickets, possible bike confiscation, and complications in any NYC bicycle accident claim.
3. Do I have to use a bike lane in New York City if there is one?
Generally, yes. If there is a usable bike lane or path, NYC bike laws require cyclists to use it, unless:
- The lane is blocked or unsafe, or
- You are preparing to make a turn.
You may briefly leave the lane for safety reasons, but you cannot ignore it simply because you prefer the main travel lane. If a blocked bike lane forced you into traffic and you were hit, that circumstance matters in your case.
4. Do cyclists have the right of way in NYC bike lanes?
Often, yes. When you’re traveling straight in a marked bike lane, and a vehicle wants to turn across your path, the driver usually must yield to you. You must still obey traffic lights and stop signs and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, but a driver who cuts across a bike lane without yielding can be held liable for an NYC bike accident.
5. Is it illegal to ride my bike against traffic in NYC?
Yes. Riding against traffic is illegal in New York City. Cyclists must ride with the flow of traffic. Wrong-way riding significantly increases your risk of a serious crash and can affect how fault is evaluated in a New York City bicycle accident case.
6. Are helmets required for adult cyclists in New York City?
Helmets are required for:
- Riders and passengers under age 14, and
- Certain e-bike, moped, or commercial cyclists under specific rules.
Most adult cyclists on standard bicycles are not legally required to wear helmets in NYC, but helmets are strongly recommended. Even if you weren’t wearing a helmet, you may still have a strong case. Do not assume you are to blame without speaking to a New York City bike accident lawyer.
7. Can I wear two earbuds while riding a bicycle in NYC?
No. New York law prohibits cyclists from wearing more than one earphone or audio device at a time. You may legally use one earbud, but in busy NYC traffic, it is safer to keep both ears open.
8. Can I get a traffic ticket for something I did on my bike in New York City?
Yes. Cyclists can be ticketed for many of the same violations as drivers, including:
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failing to yield
- Riding on prohibited sidewalks
- Riding the wrong way
- Riding at night without required lights
These tickets carry fines and may become evidence in a later NYC personal injury case.
9. Can I still bring a claim if I broke a traffic rule?
Often, yes. Under New York’s pure comparative negligence system, you may still recover compensation even if you share some fault. Your percentage of blame may reduce your damages, but your claim is not automatically barred. A New York City bicycle accident attorney can help minimize any alleged fault on your part.
10. Does auto insurance cover me if I’m hit by a car while on a bike in NYC?
Often, yes. If you’re hit by a car:
- The driver’s no-fault (PIP) coverage may pay some of your medical bills and lost wages.
- You may also have claims against the driver’s liability coverage, and possibly UM/UIM benefits if the driver is uninsured or underinsured.
If you don’t have your own auto policy, you may still have options through the driver’s insurance or MVAIC. Our NYC bike accident lawyers can help identify all available coverage.
11. What if the driver who hit me is uninsured or leaves the scene in NYC?
You may still have options through:
- Your own UM/UIM coverage (if you have an auto policy), or
- MVAIC, if you have no applicable auto insurance and meet specific requirements.
Hit-and-run and uninsured driver cases in New York City are complex and time-sensitive. Prompt reporting and early legal help are critical.
12. I was injured while delivering food on a bike in NYC. Do different rules apply?
Yes. NYC has specific rules for commercial and delivery cyclists, and employers have obligations to provide helmets, identification, and adequately equipped bikes. You may have:
- A possible workers’ compensation claim, and
- A personal injury claim against the driver or others who caused the crash.
We can help you pursue all available avenues for compensation.
13. Do I need a lawyer if my bicycle accident injuries seem “minor”?
It’s wise to at least talk to a New York City bike accident attorney. Injuries that seem minor at first can worsen or reveal complications later. Insurance companies know this and may rush to offer a small settlement. Consulting a lawyer before signing anything helps protect your rights.
14. How much does it cost to talk to Greenstein & Pittari, LLP about my NYC bike accident?
Your initial consultation is free, and we work on a contingency fee basis:
- No upfront fees
- No hourly bills
- No attorney’s fee unless we recover money for you
Injured in a Bicycle Accident in New York City?
Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP – NYC Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Suppose a negligent driver, a dangerous door opening, a blocked bike lane, or another unsafe condition turned your ride into a serious injury. In that case, you do not have to face the New York City legal and insurance system alone.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we will:
- Explain how New York and NYC bicycle traffic laws apply to your case
- Investigate your crash and identify every responsible party
- Deal with the insurance companies and their lawyers on your behalf
- Fight for the maximum compensation the law allows
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) today to schedule your free, confidential consultation with a New York City bicycle accident lawyer.
We proudly represent injured cyclists in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island – and you don’t pay us unless we win money for you.
Greenstein & Pittari, LLP – Don’t Be a Victim Twice.