One of the best ways to learn how to be safe and confident
while cycling in traffic is to take a Bicyclist Education Course, administered by the League of
American Bicyclists. They offer a three-hour class designed specifically for bicycle commuting.
Call WABA, (202) 518-0524, or the League of American Bicyclists, (202) 822-1333, for more
information on bicyclist education courses in the Washington area.
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District Of Columbia |
Maryland |
Virginia |
| Bicycle Position |
Bicycle in the right most lane available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway of the roadway except when turning left or passing, avoiding pedestrians or road hazards, or on a one -way street. Does not apply in lanes 11 feet wide or less, or when necessary to comply with lane use restrictions. |
When slower than other traffic, bicycle as close to the right as safely practicable, except when turning left, passing , avoiding pedestrians or road hazards, when the right turn lane is right turn only, or on a one way street. Does not apply in lanes too narrow to share with a motor vehicle. |
When slower than other traffic , bike as close to the right as safely practicable, except when turning left, passing avoiding hazards or traffic in mandatory turn lane, or traveling on a one-way street. Does not apply in lanes too narrow to share with motor vehicle. |
| Passing Cars |
Pass on the left; may pass on right when auotmoblie is turning left or when street is of sufficient widht for two lines of moving vehicles. |
Pass on left; not required to pass on left on one -way street or when passing vehicle turning left. |
Pass on left; allow at least two feet of clearance. |
Bicycling Two Abreast
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Permitted when it does not endanger bicyclists or impede traffic. |
Permitted when it does not endanger bicyclist or impede traffic. |
Permitted when it does not impede traffic.
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Turning Left |
From two-way to two-way streets; enter and leave intersection near center line of road-way. One-way to one -way; keep as close aas practicable to left curb. |
From two-way to two-way streets; enter and leave intersection near center line of roadway.One-way to one-way; keep as close as practicable to left curb. |
A cyclist may turn like a motorist, or use the crosswalk like a pedestrain. |
Turning Right |
Stay as close as practicable to right-hand curb. |
Stay as close as practicable to right-hand curb. |
Stay as close as practicable to right-hand curb. |
| Restircted Roads |
No restricted roads. Bicyclists allowed in bus lanes. |
Prohibited from expressways, toll bridges, toll tunnels, and other marked roads. |
Prohibited from interstate and controlled access highways, as marked. |
Cycling on Sidewalks |
Allowed except in the central business district, which is bounded by 23rd St. NW, Massachusetts Ave, 2nd St. NE-SE, D Street SE to 14th Ave NW, and Constitution Ave NW to 23rd St. |
Banned except where allowed by local ordinance (allowed in Montgomery County). |
Allowed except where prohibited by local jurisdictions, such as Alexandria, Prince William County, and the City of Frederick's Historic District.. |
Mandatory Use of Bike Paths and lanes |
Not required |
Use of bike lanes required when available. No required use of separated paths. Must use paved shoulder when speed limit is over 50 mph. |
None. Localities can no longer require use of bike paths adjacent to a road as of 7/1/04. |
| Helmets |
Required for cyclists aged 16 and under. |
Required for cyclists aged 15 and under. |
Required for cyclists age 14 and under in Arlington County, Fairfax County and City of Alexandria. |
| Lights |
Front light required when dark. |
Front light required when dark. |
White front light required when dark. Red rear light & reflector required when dark on roads posted for 35 MPH or higher. |
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