Explaining Louisiana’s Bike Laws
Riding a bike is not only healthy but fun. Staying safe, though, is essential because if a bicycle accident happens on the roadway, bicyclists are at high risk of severe injuries and death. Knowing the bicycle safety laws where you are riding is just an extra step towards keeping yourself safe while on your bike.
If you have an accident, though, you may want to contact an attorney for advice and guidance on what to do next. You may be able to secure compensation for your losses.
As an avid cyclist, Attorney Philip Adams is a Louisiana bicycle accident attorney with in-depth experience and knowledge of how to thoroughly investigate bicycle accidents. It is imperative that all liable parties are held accountable and pay victims their damages after a bicycle accident. Attorney Adams will fight on your behalf so that you are treated fairly and obtain the highest compensation possible from your claim.
Overview of Louisiana Bicycle Laws
If you are planning on riding a bike in Louisiana, then you should be aware of the following:
Any cyclist older than 12 may not ride their bike on the sidewalk.
Motorists are not allowed to ride in designated bike lanes, only bicyclists are. Bicycles must stay close to and ride within bike lanes located on the right side of the road.
All vehicles and bicycles must share the road. Under Louisiana bicycle laws, bicycles are considered vehicles and, as a result, have all of the rights and responsibilities of vehicles. While riding on the road, a bicyclist must stay close to the right of the road regardless of the existence of a bike lane.
A bicyclist may ride outside of the bike lane when they are overtaking and passing another cyclist or vehicle while traveling in the same direction.
Bicyclists may ride outside the bike lane when they turn left.
Bicyclists may ride outside of the bike lane when they are avoiding a hazard or object that may make traveling in the bike lane unsafe.
Bicyclists may ride outside the bike lane when approaching a location where they will make a right turn.
A bicyclist who is younger than 12 years of age must wear a bike helmet in Louisiana.
Bicycle passengers under 40 pounds or under 40 inches tall must be secured in an appropriate safety seat.
Cyclists are expected to use hand signals to tell others their intentions in most situations. They may only refrain from using hand signals when their safety is jeopardized. Signals would be necessary when turning left, turning right, or indicating reduced speed.
Contact A Louisiana Personal Injury Attorney Today
For more information, contact the Law Offices of Philip B. Adams. If you have been injured in a Louisiana accident, our Louisiana personal injury lawyers can help you recover the full compensation you are entitled to according to Louisiana law. To contact us, complete our “Contact Us” page here.
You may benefit significantly from having an attorney with legal competence and experience assisting you with your Louisiana personal injury case. We have offices in Shreveport and handle personal injury cases throughout all of Louisiana. Thank you for reading and visiting our website.