BICYCLING SAFETY TIPS

Check out this quick video for City Cycling Guide's top 5 bicycle safety tips for bicycling around town! From riding right to riding bright, these easy tips will help you ride safe and have fun!

A FEW KEY BIKE LAWS

E-Bike Laws

In Boise, Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes—those with speeds not exceeding 20 mph—are permitted on streets, sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, and paved trails (e.g., Greenbelt). Class 3 e-bikes, which can reach speeds over 28 mph, are restricted from these areas. E-bikes are prohibited on Ridge to Rivers trails except for certain city-owned trails where individuals with mobility disabilities may use them with proper accommodation.

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Sidewalk Riding

In Boise, riding your bike, e-bike (Class 1 or 2) or e-scooter on sidewalks is legal unless there are signs indicating otherwise or the number of pedestrians on the sidewalk makes it unsafe, in which case riders should dismount. Yield to pedestrians and slow your roll at driveways and intersections where drivers might not see you coming.

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Idaho Stop Law

The Idaho Stop Law allows people on bikes to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs, provided they slow down, yield to traffic and pedestrians, and proceed when it's safe. This approach, adopted in Idaho in 1982, aims to enhance safety for people on bikes by reducing time spent in intersections and minimizing conflicts with motor vehicles.

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Helmet Laws

In Boise, there is no local ordinance mandating that cyclists wear helmets. However, we strongly encourage both adults and children to wear a properly fitted helmet each time they ride a bicycle to reduce the potential for head injury!

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BIKE SAFETY TIPS

Ride with the Flow

Ride with the flow of traffic, which is typically on the right-hand side of the roadway. Bicycling the wrong way down the street or the wrong way in a bike lane is unsafe and against the law (unless it's permitted by official signs or pavement markings).

Driveways & Intersections

Most bicycle crashes occur at intersections and driveways. Slow down and make eye contact with drivers when possible to make sure they see you approaching. If you're approaching an intersection on the right side of cars (e.g., in the bike lane), check for turn signals and slow down in case drivers turning right don't see you.

Ride Bright

At night or during low visibility, bicyclists are required to have a front white light that's visible from at least 500' and a rear red reflector (at a minimum). We recommend you use a red tail light to make sure you're visible to other roadway user Bright clothing with reflective elements is also recommended to make sure you're riding bright.

Drive your Bike

Your bike is defined as a vehicle, and generally, people on bikes have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles. Follow the laws and ride predictably to help other road users know what to expect.

Signaling

Using hand or an audible signal to indicate your bicycle movements is typically required by law and helps let other road users know what to expect. Extend your left arm horizontally for a left turn, upward (or to the right) for a right turn, or downward to signal a stop. Signal at least 100 feet before your turn.

ABC Quick Check

Before you roll out, do the ABC Quick Check on your bike to make sure it's safe to ride: A is for Air – tires pumped and ready to ride. B is for Brakes – give a squeeze to make sure they stop you. C is for Chain – clean, lubed, and spinning smooth. Then do a quick spin to check for anything funky. Now you’re good to roll!

BICYCLING CLASSES

Interested in learning more about bicycle safety, laws and how to experience cities by bike? Check out our classes!

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