Do Bikes Have A Speed Limit?
Is there a speed limit for bikes? Racing downhill on a bike can be quite a thrill. However, going that fast might make you wonder if there are any legal ramifications of driving so fast. For example, do the speed limits apply to bikes, or are they only applicable to cars?
It is unclear whether bicycles are subject to speed limits according to the law, as most rules are written for motorized vehicles. Therefore, the rules are implemented according to each state or country’s guidelines. However, there have been cases of bikers being fined for speeding.
In addition to wondering about bikes and the speed limit, you might also wonder if cyclists must comply with the same traffic rules as motorists. Furthermore, are there any consequences for disobeying these road rules? To help clear things up, we will discuss the rules for cyclists and consider the legal repercussions of cycling faster than the speed limit.
Should Cyclists Obey The Speed Limit?
While it’s unlikely that a cyclist will ride faster than the speed limit, it is possible and happens from time to time, especially when racing downhill. However, if you enjoy cycling full speed downhill, you might start to wonder if the speed limit applies to you and what could happen if you drive faster than the speed limit.
Well, this is a grey area for many, as the laws on speed limits are written for those driving motorized vehicles, such as cars and motorcycles. Therefore, it isn’t entirely clear if cyclists are legally bound to adhere to the speed limit, but it is recommended. However, because speed limits are set to protect drivers and pedestrians, you may get into trouble when cycling faster than the speed limit.
This is especially true in higher-risk areas near schools, parks, or hospitals. So we recommend playing it safe by sticking to the speed limit. But how do you know the speed limit if you don’t have a speedometer?
You can buy a speedometer for a bicycle, especially if you like to race in your spare time. In addition, if you see yourself flying by rows of cars, you’re likely going faster than the speed limit. In either case, ignorance is not a valid excuse if you are caught going over the limit.
This means that if a traffic cop fines you for cycling faster than the speed limit, you cannot use the excuse that you don’t know what speed you were going to get yourself out of paying the ticket. Because it isn’t crystal clear if bikers should adhere to the speed limit, traffic cops may enforce the rule as they see fit.
In most cases, you won’t have any problems cycling over the speed limit. However, suppose an officer feels you are biking recklessly or endangering others by cycling too fast. In that case, they may pull you over and give you a fine.
Do Road Rules Apply To Cyclists?
Of course, when discussing if speed limits apply to cyclists, we must also consider whether other road rules apply. In this case, there is a more definitive answer. Yes, most road rules apply to cyclists as they do to motorists and bikers.
Therefore, if you arrive at a stop street or intersection, you must adhere to the same driving order and rules as the other people on the road. Ignoring these rules can confuse and may cause accidents. Thus, you are expected to follow the road rules when cycling.
One exception cyclists have, is that they are allowed to cycle on the sidewalk and the road, giving them the freedom to choose the fastest route. Apart from this exception, however, cyclists must follow the rules of the road, especially where it is dangerous not to.
A cyclist can be charged with reckless driving or endangerment if a traffic officer deems the situation to be so. Therefore, we recommend following all the road rules as far as possible when cycling.
Can You Get A Ticket For Speeding On A Bike?
Now, you might wonder if there are actual repercussions for speeding on a bicycle. For example, can you get a ticket for speeding on a bicycle? While it hasn’t happened a lot, there are cases of cyclists getting tickets for biking faster than the speed limit.
We’ve mentioned that this is more likely to happen if you speed in dangerous areas, such as near schools or parks. However, a traffic officer may decide to give you a speeding ticket if they feel that your speeding was unsafe and may have caused an accident.
In addition to getting a ticket for speeding, cyclists can also get tickets for not adhering to the other road rules. This includes not stopping at a stop sign or red light, not using proper turn signals, or swerving in front of other vehicles. In addition, any cycling that can be deemed unsafe may result in you getting a ticket.
Should you get a ticket for speeding or cycling in an unsafe way, you will have to pay for it. While you can argue that the laws don’t apply to bicycles, a judge will usually side with the traffic officer if you receive a ticket for unsafe cycling. This is because you can cause severe accidents if you don’t watch what you’re doing when cycling. You must therefore behave responsibly while biking.
How To Avoid Getting A Ticket?
To avoid getting a ticket for unsafe cycling, we recommend being responsible when biking and following the road rules. For example, you should know the proper turn signals to use when cycling to inform others of your plan. Furthermore, you should follow all the rules you usually would when driving a car.
This includes stopping at the stop signs and red lights and adhering to the speed limits. Doing so will ensure you never get a ticket while cycling and help keep you and others safe. If you’ve been cut off by a cyclist or had to swerve out of the way because a cyclist was being reckless, you know how frustrating that situation can be.
Therefore, we recommend considering other motorists and pedestrians when cycling and being responsible road users at all times.
Conclusion
Bikes must adhere to the same speed limits as cars and motorcycles, although the chances of you being fined for speeding on a bicycle are much less. It can and has happened, but only in scenarios where traffic officers felt that the cyclist was being reckless. In addition to adhering to the speed limits, cyclists must follow the other traffic and road rules to ensure everyone’s safety.
