Walk It Through: The Ride
A car passing a bicycle, 3 feet at least, a stop sign on a quiet road, a helmet for a child, and a crash.
A driver comes up behind a cyclist on a narrow 2 lane road near Lewes.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
A cyclist and a passing driver on an ordinary road. Electric bikes, sidewalks in town and a civil claim for the injury are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Physical injuryThe harm that makes assault in the third degree, a class A misdemeanor, and with a deadly weapon or a victim 62 or older, the second degree.
- Unclassified misdemeanorAn offense not designated a felony, a class A or B misdemeanor, or a violation. Unless its own law says otherwise, it carries up to 30 days and $575.
- Vehicular homicideCausing a death by criminally negligent driving, or by negligent driving while impaired. The second degree is a class D felony and the first a class C.
- ViolationThe lowest level of offense, carrying a fine of up to $345 for a first, and Level I probation.
- Vulnerable userA pedestrian, road worker, cyclist, or person on a scooter, skateboard, motorcycle or wheelchair. Seriously injuring one in a traffic violation brings a fine of $550 and a suspension.
- Bicycle stop as yieldA cyclist at a stop sign on a road of 2 or fewer lanes slows, stops if safety requires, and yields before going through.