On A Bicycle
RCW 46.61.755 — a driver's rights, the right side of the lane, and three feet where practicable
In Washington, every person riding a bicycle on a roadway has all the rights and duties of the driver of a vehicle, except the special bicycle regulations and provisions that by their nature can have no application. On a sidewalk or crosswalk, a rider has a pedestrian's rights and duties.
Where on the road. Below the normal flow of traffic, a rider stays as near the right side of the right through lane as is safe, except when turning, using a dedicated right turn lane to go straight, passing, or avoiding unsafe conditions. A rider may use the shoulder or a bicycle lane, and riders may not go more than two abreast except on paths set aside for bicycles.
Slow down, and three feet where practicable. A driver approaching a person on a bicycle in the right lane, on the right shoulder or in a bicycle lane reduces to a safe speed for passing and passes at a safe distance, where practicable of at least three feet.
- During the hours of darkness, a white front lamp visible from at least five hundred feet and an approved red rear reflector visible up to six hundred feet.
- A brake that can make the braked wheels skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionA cyclist must keep to the edge of the road | What the law actually doesAs near the right side of the right through lane as is safe |
| The assumptionA right turn lane is only for turning | What the law actually doesA rider may use a dedicated right turn lane to go straight |
Local ordinances on sidewalks, paths and bicycle registration are not all on this page. How these rules apply to a particular crash or ticket is a question for a licensed Washington attorney.
Sources for this section (4)
- RCW 46.61.755 — Traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles
- RCW 46.61.770 — Riding on roadways and bicycle paths
- RCW 46.61.780 — Lamps and other equipment on bicycles
- RCW 46.61.110 — Overtaking on the left
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Washington attorney.