Rules of the Road

In July 2012, Lois Levin, Newton’s then-Bicycle Coordinator, teamed up with Howard Mintz, Newton’s then-Chief of Police, to clarify state and local laws regarding bicycles and motorists. The relationship between concerned residents and the Newton PD has continued to address the need for motor vehicle drivers and bicyclists to safely share the roads 

Every day, every week, more and more cyclists are using Newton streets for transportation – to work, to do local errands, to get to important destinations. Cycling is environmentally friendly and a user-friendly way to be healthy.
As the number of  cyclists on our roads grows, motorists need to recognize the right of all road users to be on our streets and to adapt so all will be safe. 

Since 2012, new legislation has passed intended to keep bicyclists safe.  Roads display new signage and painting to reflect the new legislation. Newton has been directing resources to this matter as well. 

The City of Newton “Driving” web page

Click HERE to visit the City of Newton’s “Driving” webpage.  

  • Get tips on safe driving.

  • Learn in about bike lanes, Combined Bike Lane / Turn Lane, Sharrows, The Box: Crosshatching, and  Bike Boxes.

    The following information about Massachusetts laws around bicycling and driving with cyclists in the road is from MassDOT (the Massachusetts Department of Transportation) and MassBike (the state bicycle coalition)

Vulnerable Road Users Law

The Vulnerable Road Users Law went into effect in Massachusetts on April 1, 2023. Learn more about this law HERE. 

Drivers and bicyclists now see this sign by roadways in Newton, and all Massachusetts cities and towns. 

 

 

Motorists:

  • Bicyclists are vehicles. The law states that bikes can drive in the middle of the lane, especially when the cyclist feels it is safer to do so. There are times when this may slow motor vehicles, but cycling actually reduces traffic congestion: every cyclist on the road means one less car on the road.

  • Motor vehicle operators need to allow safe distances when passing cyclists. Squeezing too closely is dangerous if a cyclist loses balance. Motor vehicles’ side mirrors can be dangerous if they extend too close to cyclists.  See Vulnerable Road Users Law, above. 

  • Motor vehicle drivers should be predictable: abrupt turns can cause crashes. A number of recent crashes in Newton have happened because drivers turned suddenly and cyclists couldn’t stop in time. Fortunately, the injuries were not fatal. Motorists need to watch for cyclists, make eye contact whenever possible and always signal before turning. They should not try to hurry through their turn before the cyclist. A person on a 25+ pound bike has the right of way over a person behind the wheel of a 3000+ pound vehicle.

  • Before opening a door on either side of a motor vehicle, check for approaching bicycles. State law allows for a $100 fine if you “door” a cyclist; more importantly, cyclists can be seriously injured, or killed, by a door opening abruptly in their path.

  • Bike lanes are for bikes. Motor vehicles must stay out of them (although they can cross over a dashed line when making turns). Cyclists are not required to ride in bike lanes.

  • Honking is seldom necessary. Most cyclists use sideview mirrors and/or turn their heads frequently, so they are aware of oncoming traffic. Honking is much louder outside of a car than what the driver is aware of inside his/her car. An unexpected, and often unnecessary, loud noise can startle a bicyclist and cause a crash.

 

Cyclists: Ride Smarter

  • Take some space. You have a legal right to the road, so use it when you need to: stay a safe distance from car doors and don’t squeeze between lanes.

  • Be courteous. Two cyclists can ride side-by-side, but get into single file if cars can’t pass safely.

  • Ride in the same direction as vehicular traffic, and ride as straight as you can—don’t weave between parked cars or into crosswalks.

  • Stop on red. Take a minute to relax at red lights and stop signs; set a good example for everyone else on the road. Newton’s (at that time this was written) most recent cyclist tragedy happened when a cyclist sped through a red light.

  • Light up. If you are riding at night, state law requires you to have a headlight and a taillight. They are smart accessories—they help you see the road, but more importantly, they let everyone else see you. In fact, blinking lights on helmets, clothing and bicycles during the day make you more visible, whether in sunshine, clouds or rain. Wear light-colored – preferably high visibility clothing in the day and at night. Talk to somebody at Bike Newton if you need a recommendation for a brand of bike lights. 

  • Be courteous to pedestrians. Just as bicycles have the right of way over motor vehicles; pedestrians have the right of way over bicycles and motor vehicles. Pedestrians are vulnerable road users, too. 

  • There is no law in Massachusetts that requires adults to wear a helmet, but to protect your brain, wear one when you cycle. The Newton Police have free helmets for children whose parents can’t afford them (state law requires every cyclist under 17 to wear one). New Balance has discounted ones at their outlet store in Allston. Don’t take a chance. Set a good example for your children and their friends. This is particularly urgent in areas where the MBTA tracks run.


    We have listed some of the basics here. For more information, visit: MassBike.org.

    Enjoy the freedom of the summer road, and bike safely!

    Capt. Howard Mintz is a member of the Newton Police Department. Lois Levin is the Bicycle Coordinator for the City of Newton