A guide for bicyclists and motorists · 2018-10-10 · Be aware of bikes Cyclists have the same legal right to use the road as motorists. Same roads, same rules, same rights and responsibilities

A guide for bicyclists and motorists

This pocket guide has been prepared to illustrate how bicyclists and motorists can “Share the Road” legally and safely within Pima County.

Please take a moment to read through these safety tips to better understand the other person’s view of the road and to learn more about cycling and driving safely in our great region.

The more we understand each other’s needs, the better we can respect and cooperate with each other on the streets.

This sixth edition of the bicyclist and motorist pocket guide has been brought to you by the Pima County Department of Transportation Bicycle and Pedestrian Program.

Sharing the Road Legally and Safely

Pima County and the the U.S. Department of Transportation provided the funding for this guide.

A special thanks is due to the Pima Association of Governments Regional Transportation Authority and the U.S. Department of Transportation for funding that has been instrumental in the development of bicycle facilities throughout Pima County.

The Pima County Communications Office provided the design, i l lustration and photography for this guide.

Please refer to pages 42 through 51 for a listing of relevant Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) and local laws pertaining to the operation of bicycles and motor vehicles.

Sh

ow

res

pec

t to

oth

ers

Be p

olite

and

be

smar

t. Sh

ow re

spec

t fo

r all

user

s of

th

e ro

ad a

nd y

ou’ll

get

resp

ect b

ack

as a

resu

lt.Cy

clis

ts a

nd D

rive

rs: S

ame

road

s, s

ame

rule

s, s

ame

righ

ts a

nd re

spon

sibi

litie

s.

2 B I C Y C L I S T S

Wea

r w

hite

or

brig

htly

col

ored

shi

rts

and

cons

ider

ref

lect

ive

clot

hing

for

nigh

ttim

e us

e. A

whi

te fr

ont

head

light

and

red

rea

r re

flect

or a

re re

quire

d on

you

r bik

e if

you

ride

at n

ight

. (A

.R.S

. 28-

817)

. You

sho

uld

also

use

a re

d re

ar ta

illig

ht.

B I C Y C L I S T S 3

Ridi

ng w

ithou

t a

head

light

at n

ight

co

uld

get y

ou a

fine

of

up

to $

197!

Acc

ordi

ng t

o na

tion

al s

tudi

es,

85 p

erce

nt

of

bra

in i

nju

ries

ca

n be

pre

vent

ed b

y w

eari

ng a

he

lmet

.

Pim

a Co

unty

and

Cit

y of

Tuc

son

law

s re

quire

all

bicy

clis

ts u

nder

th

e ag

e of

18

to w

ear a

hel

met

.

Pro

tect

yo

urs

elf


Hel

met

and

bic

ycle

mir

rors

can

impr

ove

your

ove

rall

awar

enes

s an

d al

low

you

to

see

vehi

cles

beh

ind

you.

How

ever

, all

mir

rors

ha

ve b

lind

spot

s, s

o al

way

s sc

an o

ver

your

sho

ulde

r be

fore

ch

angi

ng y

our l

ine

of tr

avel

or b

efor

e m

akin

g a

left

turn

.

A W

ord

Ab

ou

t S

top

Sig

ns

Ari

zona

traffi

c la

w d

efine

s a

stop

as,

“com

plet

e ce

ssat

ion

from

m

ovem

ent.”

Whi

le b

icyc

lists

are

requ

ired

to s

top

at s

top

sign

s,

it is

not

nec

essa

ry to

put

you

r foo

t on

the

grou

nd to

com

ply

w

ith

the

law

.

Runn

ing

stop

sig

ns o

n m

ajor

str

eets

is

dang

erou

s an

d ca

n re

sult

in

a fin

e of

up

to $

244

with

poi

nts

adde

d to

yo

ur d

rive

r’s li

cens

e. (A

.R.S

. 28-

855B

)

Blow

ing

thro

ugh

stop

sig

ns s

ets

a ba

d ex

ampl

e fo

r you

nger

ride

rs

and

hurt

s th

e im

age

of

all b

icyc

lists

.


Wat

ch f

or

cars

tu

rnin

g t

hro

ug

h g

aps

Ridi

ng t

oo fa

st p

ast

a lin

e of

sto

pped

or

mov

ing

vehi

cles

can

get

yo

u cl

obbe

red.

Whe

n pa

ssin

g a

line

of v

ehic

les

SLO

W D

OW

N A

ND

BE

ALE

RT, e

spec

ially

nea

r dri

vew

ay e

ntra

nces

. Mot

oris

ts o

ften

can

’t se

e pa

st th

e lin

e of

veh

icle

s an

d w

on’t

know

you

’re th

ere.


Be

po

lite

an

d

be

smar

t

Use

hand

sign

als t

o sh

ow

your

inte

ntio

ns a

nd ri

de

in a

pre

dict

able

fash

ion

(A.R

.S. 2

8-75

6).

OR

Turn

ing

left

Rem

embe

r, th

e la

ws a

re

ther

e to

mak

e it

safe

r for

ev

eryo

ne.

Turn

ing

righ

tSl

owin

gdo

wn


Wat

ch ah

ead

for r

ailro

ad an

d st

reet

car t

rack

s. Lo

ok b

ehin

d yo

u to

mak

e sur

e it’

s saf

e, si

gnal

, the

n cr

oss t

rack

s as c

lose

to a

right

angl

e as

pos

sible

(A.R

.S.

28-8

15).

Also

, larg

e cr

acks

or g

aps i

n th

e ro

adw

ay ca

n tr

ap yo

ur w

heel

s, so

cr

oss t

hem

at a

safe

ang

le a

s wel

l.

Cro

ss t

rack

s ca

refu

lly


Ride

with

the

flow

of t

raffi

c—N

EVER

ride

aga

inst

traffi

c on

the

roa

d, in

a

bike

lane

, or o

n a

side

wal

k. D

rive

rs tu

rnin

g fr

om th

e si

de c

anno

t se

e yo

u, a

nd a

ppro

achi

ng d

rive

rs w

ill n

ot e

xpec

t you

to b

e ri

ding

th

e w

rong

way

(A.R

.S. 2

8-72

1).

Nev

er r

ide

agai

nst

tra

ffic

NEV

ER!

NEV

ER!


ALW

AYS!

Tak

e th

e la

ne

wh

en a

pp

rop

riat

e

Rem

embe

r tha

t you

may

“tak

e th

e la

ne” i

f the

lane

is n

ot w

ide

enou

gh fo

r bo

th a

car

and

bik

e to

safe

ly sh

are

(A.R

.S. 2

8-81

5). C

heck

beh

ind

to m

ake

sure

it’s

safe

, sig

nal y

our i

nten

tions

, and

take

the l

ane b

y rid

ing

1/3

to 1

/2 o

f th

e w

ay in

to th

e la

ne. If

you

are

unab

le to

mov

e le

ftw

ard

due

to o

vert

akin

g ve

hicl

es, y

ou m

ay w

ish to

sto

p in

the

bike

lane

or o

ther

saf

e pl

ace

out o

f tr

affic

and

then

ass

ess w

hen

it m

ay b

e sa

fe to

ent

er th

e tr

avel

lane

to g

et

past

the

prob

lem

are

a.

Wat

ch o

ut fo

r gla

ss, g

rate

s, lo

ose

grav

el,

catt

le g

uard

s, a

nd o

ily p

avem

ent.


Rid

ing

in

bu

s/b

ike

lan

es

Whe

n us

ing

the

bus/

bike

lane

s, rid

e ne

ar th

e ce

nter

of t

he la

ne to

mak

e yo

urse

lf as

visi

ble

as p

ossib

le. W

hen

appr

oach

ing

an in

ters

ectio

n, m

ove

to th

e le

ft b

efor

e pr

ocee

ding

thro

ugh.

Bus

driv

ers

are

requ

ired

to p

ass

cycl

ists o

utsid

e of

the

bus/

bike

lane

.


Cro

ssca

ttle

gu

ard

s ca

refu

lly

Be s

ure

to w

atch

for g

aps

betw

een

the

grat

es p

aral

lel t

o yo

ur d

irect

ion

of tr

avel

. The

se c

an c

ause

a s

erio

us

cras

h. T

he e

dge

of th

e ca

ttle

guar

d m

ay al

so b

e hig

her o

r low

er th

an th

e ro

ad su

rfac

e.

Be e

spec

ially

car

eful

if th

e ca

ttle

guar

d is

wet

and

is in

a c

orne

r or n

ear a

st

op si

gn.

Wat

ch o

utfo

r gap

s!


Be

cau

tio

us

wh

en r

idin

g t

wo

ab

reas

t

Ridi

ng tw

o ab

reas

t is p

erm

itted

by l

aw (A

.R.S

. 28-

815)

. You

can

help

driv

ers

pass

on

two-

lane

road

way

s w

ithou

t bik

e la

nes

by ri

ding

sin

gle-

file

whe

n sa

fe to

do

so (s

tay

at le

ast t

wo

to th

ree

feet

from

the

edge

of t

he ro

ad).

It’s

alw

ays n

ice

to g

ive

a fri

endl

y w

ave

whe

n dr

iver

s pas

s saf

ely.


5 ft

.

14 B I C Y C L I S T SW

atch

fo

r ca

r d

oo

rs i

n t

he

bik

e la

ne

Mot

orist

s in

par

ked

vehi

cles

may

be

unaw

are

that

you

’re c

omin

g up

on

them

from

beh

ind.

If th

ey o

pen

thei

r doo

r sud

denl

y yo

u co

uld

be in

jure

d.

You

coul

d be

forc

ed in

to th

e st

reet

car t

rack

s w

here

you

cou

ld c

atch

you

r w

heel

s. Al

way

s slo

w d

own

in co

nges

ted

area

s and

wat

ch fo

r peo

ple

sittin

g in

cars

who

mig

ht su

dden

ly e

xit t

he ca

r.

WATC

H FO

R TH

EDO

OR Z

ONE

WATC

H FO

R TH

EDO

OR Z

ONE

Whe

re p

ossi

ble,

st

ay a

t lea

st 5

feet

fr

om th

e si

de o

f pa

rked

cars

.


On

a sh

ared

pat

hway

, red

uce

spee

ds w

hen

appr

oach

ing

pede

stria

ns, g

ive

a ve

rbal

war

ning

suc

h as

“Pas

sing

!” or

ring

a b

ell w

hen

you’

re a

bout

to

pass

, and

pro

vide

at l

east

five

feet

of p

assin

g cl

eara

nce.

Rem

embe

r: Th

e pe

dest

rian

you

trea

t wel

l on

the

path

way

may

be

the

driv

er w

ho tr

eats

you

wel

l whe

n yo

u’re

ridi

ng o

n th

e ro

adw

ay.

Res

pec

t p

edes

tria

ns

Bicy

cle

bells

are

a p

olite

way

to a

lert

pe

ople

to y

our p

rese

nce!

5 ft

. min

.


You

may

mak

e a

left

turn

like

a d

river

by

look

ing

over

you

r sh

ould

er, s

igna

ling

and

mov

ing

into

the

left

turn

lane

whe

n it’

s sa

fe (A

.R.S

. 28-

815)

.

You

may

wish

to sl

ow a

nd w

ait i

n ad

vanc

e of

the

inte

rsec

tion

in o

rder

to g

et a

suffi

cien

t gap

in tr

affic t

o m

ake

a sa

fe le

ft tu

rn.

You

may

mak

e a

left

tur

n by

goi

ng t

o th

e fa

r si

de o

f th

e in

ters

ectio

n, tu

rnin

g yo

ur b

ike a

nd u

sing

the c

ross

wal

k. B

e ver

y aw

are

of ri

ght-t

urni

ng ca

rs co

min

g fro

m th

e cr

oss s

tree

t.

Tw

o le

gal

way

s to

tu

rn le

ft

1 2


Way

s to

rid

e a

rou

nd

abo

ut

Stay

righ

t to

mak

eth

e fir

st ri

ght t

urn.

Mer

ge to

the

left

ifyo

u ar

e go

ing

stra

ight

thro

ugh.

Mer

ge to

the

insid

e la

ne

if yo

u ar

e m

akin

g a

left

tu

rn o

r U-tu

rn.

You

can

exit

the

road

way

on

the

bike

ram

p an

d cr

oss a

t the

cros

swal

k.

Yiel

d to

traffi

c alre

ady

in th

e ro

unda

bout

!


All o

f the

law

s tha

t app

ly to

bic

ycle

s also

app

ly to

mot

oriz

ed b

ikes

, whi

ch

can

be e

ither

gas

pow

ered

or e

lect

ric. M

otor

ized

bik

es m

ay h

ave

a m

otor

th

at h

as a

max

imum

size

of 4

8cc.

You

mus

t be

at le

ast 1

6 ye

ars o

ld to

driv

e a m

otor

ized

bic

ycle

. Rid

ers a

nd p

asse

nger

s und

er th

e age

of 1

8 ar

e req

uire

d to

wea

r a ce

rtifi

ed h

elm

et.

Mot

oriz

ed b

icyc

les m

ay b

e rid

den

in

bike

lane

s as l

ong

as th

em

otor

ized

bic

ycle

ope

rate

s at a

max

imum

allo

wab

le sp

eed

of 1

9 m

iles p

er h

our.

Gas p

ower

ed b

ikes

are

not

allo

wed

on

pav

ed sh

ared

use

pat

hway

s suc

h as

The

Loo

p in

Pim

a Co

unty

.

Mo

tori

zed

bik

es a

nd

th

e la

wB I C Y C L I S T S 19

Be

a d

efen

siv

e b

ike

‘dri

ver

’ Be a

war

e of

you

r su

rrou

ndin

gs a

nd

espe

cial

ly o

ftu

rnin

g an

d sid

e tr

affic.

Mak

e ey

e co

ntac

t with

driv

ers

and

be su

re to

get

th

eir a

tten

tion.

Even

with

eye c

onta

ct th

e per

son

may

not

real

ly se

e you

or r

ealiz

e the

spee

d yo

u ar

e go

ing,

so b

e pr

epar

ed!


Wh

en a

bik

e la

ne

mer

ges

Use

extr

eme

caut

ion

whe

n m

ergi

ng a

cros

s rig

ht tu

rn o

nly/

drop

lane

s. Th

ese l

anes

can

be ch

alle

ngin

g fo

r bic

yclis

ts. W

ell b

efor

e the

inte

rsec

tion,

sc

an o

ver y

our l

eft s

houl

der a

nd si

gnal

your

inte

ntio

ns to

mer

ge le

ft ac

ross

th

e la

ne.

Alw

ays w

atch

for f

ast-m

ovin

g dr

iver

s who

may

not

see

you.

Scan

ove

r lef

tsh

ould

er a

nd si

gnal


Head

phon

es a

nd ce

ll ph

ones

ca

use

dist

ract

ion

and

redu

ce

your

abi

lity

to h

ear t

raffi

c, w

hich

co

uld

cost

you

you

r life

.

Don

’t us

e an

y ki

nd o

f he

adph

ones

or a

cell

phon

e w

hen

ridin

g yo

ur b

ike.

Pay

att

enti

on


Wat

ch f

or

on

com

ing

car

sPr

epar

e fo

r an

emer

genc

y ex

it off

the

road

way

!


Whe

n ri

ding

on

narr

ow, t

wo-

lane

road

s,

alw

ays b

e on

the

look

out f

or o

ncom

ing

cars

at

tem

ptin

g to

pas

s.

Ride

in a

hig

hly

visib

le p

ositi

on in

the

road

way

, not

too

clos

e to

the

edge

, an

d al

ert t

he m

otor

ists t

o yo

ur p

rese

nce

by w

avin

g yo

ur le

ft a

rm. B

e re

ady

to e

xit t

he ro

adw

ay if

nec

essa

ry.

Su

nri

se a

nd

su

nse

t ca

n b

e d

ang

ero

us

tim

es t

o r

ide

B I C Y C L I S T S

Whe

n th

e su

n is

low

in th

e sk

y at

sunr

ise a

nd

suns

et, m

otor

ists m

ay b

e bl

inde

d an

d no

t abl

e to

see

you

as y

ou ri

de.

Wat

ch fo

r car

s ahe

ad o

f you

and

com

ing

up

from

beh

ind.

Con

sider

diff

eren

t ro

utes

if y

ou ca

n du

ring

this

time.

Pr

epar

e yo

urse

lf fo

r car

s pu

lling

out

une

xpec

tedl

y in

to y

our p

ath.


Bic

ycl

ists

mu

st f

oll

ow

tra

ffic

law

s in

sch

oo

l zo

nes


Bicy

clist

s, ju

st li

ke d

river

s, m

ust n

ot g

o fa

ster

th

an 1

5 m

iles p

er h

our i

n a

scho

ol zo

ne w

hen

tem

pora

ry si

gns a

re in

pla

ce.

In a

dditi

on, a

cycl

ist ca

nnot

pas

s a m

otor

veh

icle

go

ing

in th

e sa

me

dire

ctio

n w

hen

in a

scho

ol

zone

. Thi

s app

lies e

ven

whe

n th

e cy

clist

is in

a

bike

lane

.

Follo

win

g sc

hool

zone

law

s can

kee

p yo

u fro

m

gett

ing

a tic

ket o

f up

to $

657.

Be

awar

e o

f b

ikes

Cycl

ists h

ave t

he sa

me l

egal

righ

t to

use t

he ro

ad as

mot

orist

s. S

ame r

oads

, sa

me

rule

s, sa

me

right

s an

d re

spon

sibili

ties.

Cycl

ists

can

lega

lly ri

de tw

o ab

reas

t on

the

road

way

and

in m

any

circ

umst

ance

s cy

clist

s ca

n us

e th

e en

tire

trav

el la

ne (A

.R.S

. 28-

815)

.

M O T O R I S T S26 M O T O R I S T S

5 ft

.

Yie

ld t

o b

ikes

wh

en t

urn

ing

th

rou

gh

gap

s

A sit

uatio

n w

hen

a mot

orist

allo

ws a

noth

er ca

r to

mak

e a le

ft tu

rn th

roug

h a

line

of c

ars c

an b

e ha

zard

ous t

o cy

clist

s. M

ake

your

turn

with

ext

rem

e ca

utio

n an

d yi

eld

to b

icyc

lists

.

27M O T O R I S T S

Be

wat

chfu

l at

inte

rsec

tio

ns

Whe

n ch

angi

ng la

nes,

turn

ing

left

or r

ight

, or p

ullin

g ou

t fro

m a

driv

eway

, be

aw

are

of c

yclis

ts a

nd y

ield

to th

em ju

st a

s yo

u w

ould

with

mot

orist

s. Cy

clist

s may

be

trav

ellin

g fa

ster

than

you

exp

ect,

so e

xerc

ise d

ue ca

utio

n.

YIEL

D

YIEL

D

28 M O T O R I S T S

Bik

e la

nes

are

fo

r b

ikes

Do

not d

rive

or p

ark

in b

ike

lane

s or o

n pa

ved

shou

lder

s. W

hen

turn

ing

right

, wai

t and

allo

w th

e cy

clis

t to

go th

roug

h th

e in

ters

ectio

n fir

st.

Be p

redi

ctab

le a

nd a

lway

s sig

nal y

our i

nten

tions

. Be

care

ful n

ot to

turn

in

fron

t of c

yclis

ts (A

.R.S

. 28-

815)

.

29M O T O R I S T S

Do

not u

se y

our h

orn

whe

n fo

llow

ing

a cy

clist

. A

sudd

en lo

ud b

last

from

a

horn

may

star

tle th

e cy

clist

and

cau

se h

im o

r her

to sw

erve

into

traffi

c. Th

e dr

iver

can

be ci

ted

for c

ausin

g a

cras

h.

Ho

rns

do

n’t

hel

p30 M O T O R I S T S

Saf

e p

assi

ng

is

the

law

The

law

requ

ires t

hat y

ou g

ive

at le

ast t

hree

feet

of c

lear

ance

whe

n yo

u pa

ss a

cyc

list (

A.R

.S. 2

8-73

5). S

low

dow

n an

d do

n’t p

ass a

cyc

list u

ntil

safe

to d

o so

. Whe

n po

ssib

le, p

leas

e gi

ve a

t lea

st fi

ve fe

et o

f cle

aran

ce.

Uns

afe

pass

ing

can

resu

lt in

a fi

ne o

fup

to $

1,92

0!

31M O T O R I S T S

5 ft

.re

com

men

ded

3 ft

.m

inim

um

Bu

ses

nee

d t

o a

llo

wfi

ve

feet

wh

enp

assi

ng

Whe

n on

road

way

s with

bus

/bik

e la

nes,

bus d

river

s nee

d to

pas

s cyc

lists

co

mpl

etel

y ou

t of t

he la

ne. T

he w

ind

draf

t cau

sed

by th

e bu

s ca

n st

artle

cy

clist

s or

eve

n kn

ock

them

sid

eway

s. Be

caus

e th

e en

gine

is in

the

rear

, cy

clist

s may

not

hea

r the

bus

app

roac

hing

from

beh

ind.

5 ft.

min

.


Giv

e ex

tra

roo

m n

ear

haz

ard

s

Slow

dow

n an

d pa

ss cy

clist

s car

eful

ly at

railr

oad

cros

sings

and

catt

legu

ards

, in

cons

truc

tion

zone

s, an

d in

poo

r wea

ther

cond

ition

s (A.

R.S.

28-7

35). W

atch

fo

r cyc

lists

sign

alin

g an

d m

ovin

g to

the

left

brie

fly in

ord

er to

safe

ly cr

oss

railr

oad

trac

ks (A

.R.S

. 28-

815)

.

33M O T O R I S T S

Lo

ok

bef

ore

op

enin

g y

ou

r d

oo

r

Ope

ning

your

car d

oor i

n a c

row

ded

area

can

be d

isast

rous

to a

cycl

ist ri

ding

al

ongs

ide

park

ed c

ars.

Driv

ers

are

lega

lly re

quire

d to

mak

e su

re it

’s sa

fe

befo

re o

peni

ng a

car d

oor i

nto

the

road

way

.St

reet

car d

river

s are

not

lega

lly ab

le to

pas

s cyc

lists

unl

ess t

here

is su

ffici

ent

safe

are

a to

pas

s with

a m

inim

um o

f thr

ee fe

et o

f cle

aran

ce.


stre

etca

r tra

cks

Pay

att

enti

on

to

th

e ro

ad, n

ot

to

yo

ur

ph

on

e

Acco

rdin

g to

nat

iona

l res

earc

h, yo

u ar

e fo

ur ti

mes

mor

e lik

ely

to h

ave

an au

tom

obile

cras

h if

you

use a

cell

phon

e w

hile

driv

ing.

For e

very

one’s

safe

ty, p

ull o

ver t

o a

safe

loca

tion

off th

e roa

d to

use

your

ce

ll ph

one.

35M O T O R I S T S

Giv

e a

cycl

ist

roo

m t

o m

aneu

ver

Assu

me

ther

e is

a go

od re

ason

for a

cycl

ist’s

posit

ion

in th

e ro

ad a

nd g

ive

them

ade

quat

e ro

om to

man

euve

r. Cy

clis

ts c

an m

ove

furt

her i

nto

the

trav

el la

ne d

ue to

haz

ards

, to

be m

ore

visi

ble

to d

rive

rs, o

r if t

he

lane

is to

o na

rrow

to s

afel

y sh

are

with

a v

ehic

le. (

A.R

.S. 2

8-81

5).


Giv

e ex

tra

roo

m w

hen

pas

sin

g

If yo

u ar

e dr

ivin

g a

larg

e ve

hicl

e su

ch a

s a

truc

k, R

V or

bus

, the

w

ind

push

ed o

ut fr

om th

e si

de c

an c

ause

a c

yclis

t to

cras

h. S

low

do

wn

and

whe

neve

r pos

sibl

e gi

ve a

full

lane

wid

th o

f cle

aran

ce.

(A.R

.S. 2

8-72

3, A

.R.S

. 28-

735)

.

Uns

afe

pass

ing

can

resu

lt in

a fi

ne o

f up

to $

1,92

0!

5 ft

. min

.12

ft. r

ecom

men

ded

pass

ing

dist

ance

37M O T O R I S T S

Bik

e la

ne

mer

gin

g a

cro

ss r

igh

t tu

rn o

nly

lan

eAs

a m

otor

ist, y

ou sh

ould

slow

and

use

care

as y

ou co

me

up b

ehin

d cy

clist

s who

are

app

roac

hing

righ

t tur

n on

ly/d

rop

lane

s. W

atch

for

cycl

ists a

s the

y m

erge

left

war

d in

adv

ance

of t

he ri

ght t

urn

only

lane

.


Deb

ris cr

eate

s haz

ardo

us

cond

ition

s and

forc

es cy

clist

s in

to th

e tr

avel

lane

.W

hen

haul

ing

tras

h or

oth

er

obje

cts,

prop

erly

secu

reyo

ur lo

ads.

Don

’t lit

ter!

Deb

ris i

n th

e bi

ke la

nes i

s dan

gero

us.

Hel

p k

eep

tra

sho

ut

of

the

bik

e la

nes

39M O T O R I S T S

Whe

n at

tem

ptin

g to

pas

s ve

hicl

es o

n a

narr

ow

two-

lane

road

, wat

ch o

ut fo

r bik

es co

min

g in

the

oppo

site

dire

ctio

n!

Wat

ch f

or

bik

es w

hen

try

ing

to

pas

s o

n t

wo

-lan

e ro

ads

Yiel

d to

cyc

lists

as

you

wou

ld to

onc

omin

g ve

hicl

es a

nd d

o no

t pa

ss if

it’

s un

safe

. Alw

ays

expe

ct th

at b

icyc

lists

may

be

on th

e ro

adw

ay, e

ven

in

rura

l are

as.

DO N

OT

PASS

!


Su

nri

se a

nd

su

nse

t m

ake

it

diffi

cult

to

see

bic

ycl

ists

an

d p

edes

tria

ns

Whe

n th

e su

n is

low

in th

e sk

y at

sunr

ise a

nd

suns

et, y

ou m

ay b

e bl

inde

d an

d no

t abl

e to

see

bicy

clist

s, pe

dest

rians

and

dog

w

alke

rs in

the

road

way

. Co

ntro

l you

r spe

ed a

nd b

e ca

utio

us

until

cond

ition

s im

prov

e.Be

esp

ecia

lly ca

refu

l ar

ound

cros

swal

ks.

41M O T O R I S T S

42 ARIZONA BICYCLE LAWS

28-723. Overtaking a vehicle on the leftThe driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left of the vehicle at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.28-735. Overtaking bicycles; civil penaltiesA. When overtaking and passing a bicycle proceeding

in the same direction, a person driving a motor vehicle shall exercise due care by leaving a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three feet until the motor vehicle is safely past the overtaken bicycle.

B. If a person violates this section and the violation results in a collision causing:

1. Serious physical injury as defined in section13-105 to another person, the violator is subject to a civil penalty of up to $500. Fine has increased to $1,005

2. Death to another person, the violator is subject to a civil penalty of up to $1,000. Fine has increased to $1,920

C. Subsection B of this section does not apply to a bicyclist who is injured in a vehicular traffic lane when a designated bicycle lane or path is present and passable.

28-756. Method of giving hand and arm signalsA. Except as provided by subsection B, a person shall

give all hand and arm signals required by this article from the left side of the vehicle in the following manner, and the signals shall indicate as follows:

1. Left turn. Hand and arm extended horizontally. 2. Right turn. Hand and arm extended upward. 3. Stop or decrease speed. Hand and arm

extended downward.B. A person operating a bicycle may give a right

turn signal by extending the right hand and arm horizontally to the right side of the bicycle.

28-811. Parent and guardian responsibility; applicability of articleA. The parent of a child and the guardian of a ward

shall not authorize or knowingly permit the child or ward to violate this chapter.

B. Except as otherwise provided in this article, this chapter applies to a bicycle when it is operated on a highway or on a path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.

43ARIZONA BICYCLE LAWS

28-812. Applicability of traffic laws to bicycle ridersA person riding a bicycle on a roadway or on a shoulder adjoining a roadway is granted all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter and chapters 4 and 5 of this title, except special rules in this article and except provisions of this chapter and chapters 4 and 5 of this title that by their nature can have no application.

28-813. Riding on bicyclesA. A person propelling a bicycle shall not ride other

than on or astride a permanent and regular seat attached to the bicycle.

B. A person shall not use a bicycle to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.

28-814. Clinging to vehicleA person riding on a bicycle, coaster, sled or toy vehicle or on roller skates shall not attach the bicycle, coaster, sled, toy vehicle or roller skates or that person to a vehicle on a roadway.


28-815. Riding on roadway and bicycle path; bicycle path usageA. A person riding a bicycle on a roadway at less

than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except under any of the following situations:

1. If overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction. 2. If preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. 3. If reasonably necessary to avoid conditions, including fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals or surface hazards. 4. If the lane in which the person is operating the bicycle is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.B. Persons riding bicycles on a roadway shall not

ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.


C. A path or lane that is designated as a bicycle path or lane by state or local authorities is for the exclusive use of bicycles even though other uses are permitted pursuant to subsection D or are otherwise permitted by state or local authorities.

D. A person shall not operate, stop, park or leave standing a vehicle in a path or lane designated as a bicycle path or lane by a state or local authority except in the case of emergency or for crossing the path or lane to gain access to a public or private road or driveway.

E. Subsection D does not prohibit the use of the path or lane by the appropriate local authority.

28-816. Carrying article on bicycleA person shall not carry a package, bundle or article while operating a bicycle if the package, bundle or article prevents the driver from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars.

28-817. Bicycle equipmentA. A bicycle that is used at nighttime shall have a

lamp on the front that emits a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and a red reflector on the rear of a type that is approved by the department and that is visible


from all distances from 50 to 300 feet to the rear when the reflector is directly in front of lawful upper beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle. A bicycle may have a lamp that emits a red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear in addition to the red reflector.

B. A person shall not operate a bicycle that is equipped with a siren or whistle.

C. A bicycle shall be equipped with a brake that enables the operator to make the braked wheels skid on dry, level, clean pavement.

10.43.010 Requirement for helmet use.No person under eighteen (18) years of age shall ride a bicycle or be a passenger on a bicycle, ride in a restraining seat attached to a bicycle, or ride in a trailer towed by a bicycle unless that person is wear-ing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet which meets the current standards of the American National Standards Institute for protective headgear. (Ord. 1995-12 § 1 (part), 1995)


PIMA COUNTY BICYCLE LAWS

10.43.030 Civil penalties.Any person in violation of this chapter shall be found guilty of a civil infraction and be required to pay a minimum fine of $50 that cannot be suspended except pursuant to Section 10.43.040. (Ord. 1995-12 § 1 (part), 1995)

10.43.040 Waiver of fine.The penalty provided in this section for a violation of Section10.43.010 may be waived if an offender pres-ents purchased or otherwise obtained since the time of the violation and that the minor uses or intends to use said helmet whenever required to do so by this chapter. (Ord. 1995-12 § 1 (part),1995)

48 PIMA COUNTY BICYCLE LAWS

SEC. 5-1. Parking of bicycles. It shall be unlawful to park a bicycle upon any public sidewalk or street in a manner that substantially impedes pedestrian or vehicular traffic or obstructs access to public or private facilities.

SEC. 5-2. Riding on sidewalks and pedestrian paths, and through underpasses. A. It shall be unlawful to ride a bicycle on any public

sidewalks, or upon a designated pedestrian path in any public park, unless signs are posted specifically permitting bicycling.

B. It shall be unlawful to ride a bicycle through any underpass when signs are posted prohibiting bicycling.

SEC. 20-29. (1). Bicycle helmets. No person under eighteen (18) years of age shall ride a bicycle or be a passenger on a bicycle, ride in a restraining seat attached to a bicycle, or ride in a trailer towed by a bicycle unless that person is wear-ing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet which meets the current standards of the American National Standards.

49TUCSON BICYCLE LAWS

Running stop signs First offense, potential points against license or revoking of license (driver or cyclist). .....................from $187 to $244

Running stop lights First offense, potential points against license or revoking of license (driver or cyclist). .....................from $283 to $335

Riding at night without a headlight and rear red reflector ..............................................from $175 to $197 A rear, red taillight in addition to the rear reflector is permitted by law and is recommended.

Riding on a sidewalk City of Tucson only ...................................................................$91

The following is a listing of selected laws and associated fines that apply to motorists and bicyclists. Fine amounts vary by jurisdiction.

50 LOCAL TRAFFIC FINES

Riding on the wrong side of the roadway Against the flow of traffic .........................from $118 to $197

Failure to yield By driver to a cyclist or pedestrian ........from $187 to $244

Failure to wear bicycle helmet By a child under age of 18 ........................from $116 to $127

Unsafe passing of a bicyclist By a driver................................................... from $202 to $1,920

Bicycling more than two abreast .... from $118 to $197

Speeding in a school zone By a driver or a cyclist ................................from $293 to $657

Failure by driver or cyclist to yield to pedestrian in school crossing .................................from $293 to $657

Driver stopping, standing or parking in bike lane or paved shoulder .....................from $118 to $225

Bicyclist operating a motorized bicycle at 20 mph or higher .............................. from $175 to $1,263

51LOCAL TRAFFIC FINES

Local governments and programs for cyclists: Marana Bicycle Coordinator ..................................... 382-2612

Oro Valley Bicycle Coordinator ................................ 229-5057

Pima Assoc. of Gov’ts Bicycle Coordinator .......... 792-1093

Pima County Bicycle & Pedestrian Program .........724-BIKE

Sahuarita Bicycle Coordinator ................................. 822-8824

South Tucson Bicycle Coordinator ......................... 792-2424

Tucson Bicycle and Pedestrian Program .............. 791-4371

Tucson-Pima County Bicycle Advisory Committee ......................................724-BIKE

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS

52 LOCAL TRAFFIC FINESThe preceding section is a listing of relevant Arizona, Pima County and City of Tucson laws as of January 2016. Additional civil and criminal traffic laws may apply to bicyclists, motorists and pedestrians throughout Arizona.

This booklet does not constitute a legal standard. Refer to Arizona Revised Statutes and to local traffic ordinances.

Report road maintenance needs to:Arizona DOT Street Maintenance ........................... 388-4200

Marana Streets Department ..................................... 382-2500

Oro Valley Street Maintenance ................................ 229-5070

Pima County Street Maintenance ........................... 724-2639

Sahuarita Public Works ............................................... 344-7100

South Tucson Public Works ....................................... 792-2424

Tucson Street Maintenance ...................................... 791-3154

Tucson Police Road Rage Hotline .............235-RAGE (7243) To report aggressive drivers.

53USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS

Six ways to make bike commuting easier!1. Pick the bike that’s right for your ride. Mountain

bikes were designed for the dirt and are much slower than road bikes or hybrids.

2. Drive to work on Monday with a week’s worth of clothing. You can fight wrinkles and lighten your load.

3. Use the bike racks on city buses to shorten your ride and give you a bailout on rainy days.

4. Got light? You need a bright headlight and at least one red flasher on the back. You may get stuck at work or school later than you planned. It’s a $197 ticket if you’re caught riding at night without a light.

5. Pick a good route. Major streets can be intimidat-ing for newer riders. Try different routes through neighborhoods and on paths.

6. Ride flat free. There are many products to help you fight flats, including tire sealant, tire liners and puncture resistant tires.

We have classes for all types of riders, from beginners to racers.

You’ll get Biker Bucks good for a free helmet, free front and rear bike lights and a free high-quality bike lock. Call for details.

Call 243-BIKE to learn more or to sign-up.Visit www.BikePed.pima.gov

1. Pick the bike that’s right for your ride. Mountain bikes were designed for the dirt and are much slower than road bikes or hybrids.

2. Drive to work on Monday with a week’s worth of clothing. You can fight wrinkles and lighten your load.

3. Use the bike racks on city buses to shorten your ride and give you a bailout on rainy days.

4. Got light? You need a bright headlight and at least one red flasher on the back. You may get stuck at work or school later than you planned. It’s a $184 ticket if you’re caught riding at night without a light.

5. Pick a good route. Major streets can be intimidating for newer riders. Try different routes through neighborhoods and on paths.

6. Ride flat free. There are many products to help you fight flats, including tire sealant, tire liners and puncture resistant tires.

Available FREE at your local bike shopor online at www.bikeped.pima.gov

FIND YOUR WAY!

Includes Tucson, South Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Sahuarita and Eastern Pima County

with the new

Tucson MetroBike Map

Tenemos clases para todo tipo de ciclistas, desde principiantes a corredores.

Usted recibirá Biker Bucks canjeable por un casco, luces de bicicleta, y candado de alta calidad gratis.

Para más detalles o para inscribirse llame al 243-BIKE o visite www.BikePed.pima.gov

Disponible GRATIS en tiendas de bicicletaso en línea: www.bikeped.pima.gov

¡ENCUENTRE SU RUTA!

Incluye Tucson, South Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Sahuarita y el Este del Condado de Pima

Con el nuevo

Mapa Ciclista de Tucson

¡Clases de Bicicleta para Todos!

Patrocinado por el Programa de Ciclistas y Peatones del Condado Pima.

SEIS MANERAS para facilitar su viajeal trabajo en bicicleta

1. Obtenga la bicicleta adecuada. Las bicicletas de montaña fueron diseñadas para los caminos de tierra y son mucho más lentas que una bicicleta de ruta o híbrida.

2. Utilice su carro para ir al trabajo el lunes y llévese la ropa necesaria para el resto de la semana. Puede evitar ropa arrugada y de aligerar su carga.

3. Utilice los porta-bicicletas en los autobuses públicos para acortar la distancia y tener otra opción en caso de lluvia.

4. ¿Tiene luces? Todos deben tener una luz blanca frontal y una luz roja trasera. Quizá salga más tarde de lo planeado del trabajo o la escuela. Una multa por circular de noche sin luces le podría costar $184 dólares.

5. Escoja una buena ruta. Las calles principales pueden intimidar a los ciclistas novatos. Intente diferentes rutas en calles residenciales o en senderos.

6. Evite llantas ponchadas. Existen varios productos para proteger sus llantas, incluyendo, selladores de llantas, revestimientos de neumáticos y llantas resistentes a las pinchaduras.

Bike Classes for Everyone!

Sponsored by the Pima County Bicycle and Pedestrian Program

We have classes for all types of riders, from beginners to racers.

You’ll get Biker Bucks good for a free helmet, free front and rear bike lights, a free multi-tool and a free bicycle U- lock.

Call 724-BIKE to learn more or to sign-up.

Visit www.BikePed.pima.gov

Find your way!with the new

Pima County Regional Bike MapIncludes Eastern Pima County, Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita, South Tucson and Tucson.

Available FREE at local bike shops or online at www.bikeped.pima.gov

To get involved, call 724-BIKE or visit us at:

www.BikeTucson.Pima.gov

Our VisionOur vision is to have safe and viable bicycling across

our diverse community.

Our MissionThe Tucson-Pima County Bicycle Advisory Committee serves in

an advisory capacity to local governments on issues relating to bicycle recreation, transportation and safety.

© 2016, 6th Edition Created by the Pima County Bicycle & Pedestrian

Program, Matthew Zoll, Program Manager

www.BikePed.Pima.gov

Design & illustration by David Burnham, Pima County Communications Office

Pima County Board of Supervisors

Sharon Bronson, Chair, District 3 Ally Miller, District 1

Ramón Valadez, District 2Raymond J. Carroll, District 4

Richard Elías, District 5

County Administrator, Chuck Huckelberry

This booklet has been funded by

2881 160422 DB

Documents

A guide for bicyclists and motorists · 2018-10-10 · Be aware of bikes Cyclists have the same legal right to use the road as motorists. Same roads, same rules, same rights and responsibilities