13.2 Rules for Pedestrians & Massachusetts Bicycle Laws for Riders and Motorists
Key Takeaways
Massachusetts pedestrians must use a crosswalk when one is available, use the sidewalk where there is one, and otherwise walk on the shoulder facing traffic.
Massachusetts bicyclists may use the full lane on any street except posted limited-access highways, even where there is a bike lane, and may ride no more than two abreast.
Massachusetts requires bicycle operators and passengers under 16 to wear a helmet approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
At night a Massachusetts bicycle needs a white front lamp visible for 500 feet and a red rear light or reflector visible for 600 feet.
Massachusetts drivers and passengers can be fined up to $100 for opening a vehicle door into an oncoming bicycle.
Pedestrians and bicyclists are the road users most likely to be killed in a collision. The Manual spells out their duties as well as drivers' duties toward them. Instructors must know both sides, because students are often pedestrians and cyclists themselves.
Rules for Pedestrians
- Use a crosswalk when one is available; state law requires it. At signals, press the button and wait for WALK. Intersections without buttons give WALK automatically.
- Don't cross on DON'T WALK.
- Before crossing, stop at the curb and look left, right and left again, even on a one-way street. Be especially alert where cars may turn right on red.
- If you must step out between parked cars, stop and look first.
- Use the sidewalk where there is one. Where there isn't, walk on the shoulder facing traffic.
- Never walk along or across expressways, interstates or turnpikes.
- Wear bright colors or reflective strips, especially at night.
Bicycle Laws: Riders' Rights and Duties
Bicyclists may use all public ways except limited-access or express state highways posted against bicycles, and must obey the same basic traffic laws as motorists. The Manual lists the rules from M.G.L. c. 85, s. 11B as amended by Chapter 525 of the Acts of 2008.
Rights
- Use the full lane anywhere, anytime, on any street (except posted limited-access highways), even if there is a bike lane.
- Keep to the right when passing a motor vehicle moving in the travel lane.
- Ride on sidewalks outside business districts, unless banned locally.
- Park on a way or sidewalk if it doesn't block vehicles or pedestrians.
Duties
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Direction | Ride with traffic unless signs or markings say otherwise |
| Signals and stops | Stop at red lights and stop signs. Signal with either hand to stop or turn, but the signal need not be continuous, or made at all, if both hands are needed to control the bicycle |
| Sidewalks and paths | Yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing (no sirens or whistles) |
| Side by side | No more than two abreast. On a road with more than one lane in your direction, stay in one lane and don't unnecessarily block passing traffic |
| Spacing | Keep a safe distance from other cyclists, especially near intersections; slow down near crosswalks |
| Seat | Ride on or astride a permanent seat; passengers too, or in a trailer |
| Child passengers | No passenger aged 1 to 4, or weighing 40 lb or less, except in a "baby seat" with a harness, upright, with hands and feet protected from the spokes. No child under 1 may be carried. A tandem rider must reach the pedals and handlebars |
| Helmets | Operators and passengers under 16 must wear a helmet approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, secured on the head on any public way or bike path, unless the passenger rides in an enclosed trailer that protects the head |
| Warnings | Give an audible warning (not a siren or whistle) when needed |
| Towing | Don't let another vehicle pull the bicycle; tow only a bicycle trailer |
| Carrying | Don't carry anything that interferes with control; keep one hand on the handlebars |
| Brakes | Must be able to stop from 15 mph within 30 feet |
| Night lights | From ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise: a white front lamp visible for 500 feet and a red rear light or reflector visible for 600 feet |
| Night reflectors | Also pedal or ankle reflectors, or reflective material, visible for 600 feet from all sides |
| Handlebars and fork | Handlebars no higher than the shoulders while gripped; no extending the fork beyond its original design |
| Crash reports | Report any crash with personal injury, or with property damage over $100, to the police where it happened |
The Manual's safe-cycling advice
Ride in a straight line; ride at appropriate speeds and at walking speed on legal sidewalks; don't text and bike; yield to pedestrians; ride outside the "door zone," at least three feet from parked cars; pass other cyclists on the left; at intersections assume drivers can't see you; avoid riding beside or passing large vehicles, and never pass a moving tractor-trailer on the right; don't pass buses on the right; and don't wear headphones or earbuds in both ears. A proper helmet greatly reduces the risk of death and disabling injury.
Motorists' Duties Around Bicycles
| Duty | Rule and source |
|---|---|
| Don't cut off after passing | When passing a cyclist on your right, don't move back right until you have safely passed (c. 89, s. 2) |
| No abrupt turn after passing | Don't turn right across a cyclist you just passed unless you are a safe distance ahead and can turn at a reasonable speed (c. 90, s. 14) |
| Don't squeeze in a narrow lane | If the lane is too narrow, be patient until you can use an adjacent lane or it is safe to pass. Stay at least four feet away (c. 89, s. 2) |
| Yield when turning left | Yield to oncoming traffic, including bicycles, in the intersection or close enough to be a hazard (c. 90, s. 14) |
| Watch to your right | Cyclists may legally ride to the right of traffic. It is no defense in a crash that the cyclist was on your right (c. 85, s. 11B) |
| Look before opening a door | Drivers and passengers can be fined up to $100 for opening a door into an oncoming bicycle (c. 90, s. 14) |
| Expect pairs | Cyclists may ride two abreast, but in one lane on multilane roads (c. 85, s. 11B) |
| Don't expect signals | Cyclists don't always have to signal if both hands are needed (c. 85, s. 11B) |
Bicyclists can be cited for traffic violations, though the citation doesn't affect their driving record, and motorists can be cited for these behaviors (section 6.2).
Bicycle Safety Habits to Build
- Right hooks. Teach students to check the right mirror and blind spot for cyclists before every right turn, especially after passing one.
- Left crosses. Before a left turn, look for oncoming cyclists, who are easy to miss beside cars.
- Dooring. Make the Dutch Reach part of every parking stop (section 13.3).
Under Massachusetts bicycle law, which riders must wear a helmet approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission?
Only riders under 12, and only on roads posted above 30 mph
Operators and passengers under 16
Every bicycle operator, whatever their age, on any public way
Riders under 18 at night
A passenger in a parked car opens the door into an oncoming bicyclist without looking. What does the Manual say about the penalty?
Only the driver can be fined, and only if the car was running
Drivers and passengers can be fined up to $100 for opening a door into an oncoming bicycle
No fine applies, because the cyclist should ride in the door zone at their own risk
The passenger loses their license for 60 days
What lighting must a bicycle have from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise?
White lamp to 500 feet; red rear light or reflector to 600 feet
A white front lamp visible for 100 feet and a white rear reflector
No lights, if the rider wears reflective clothing
Flashing red lights front and rear visible for 300 feet
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