Rules of the Road

In July 2012, Lois Levin, Newton’s then-Bicycle Coordinator, teamed up with Newton’s then-Chief of Police Howard Mintz, 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, and motor vehicles are becoming larger and heavier, motorists need to recognize the right of all road users to be on our streets and to adapt so all will be safe. 

The CITY OF NEWTON’S “DRIVING” Web Page

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

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS LAW

The Vulnerable Road Users Law went into effect April 1, 2023. Click HERE to learn more about the MA. State Vulnerable Road Users Law. 

CURRENT LAWS CONCERNING e-BIKES

The definition of an e-Bike was signed into Massachusetts Law as an amendment to the Transportation Bond Bill (H.1515) on August 10, 2022. It established definitions for Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes. Click HERE to read that law. Click HERE to learn about the definition of Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes. Click HERE to learn about the proposal to create a Class 3 e-bike in the State of Massachusetts that will conform with Federal guidelines for e-bikes.

PLEASE NOTE that e-Bike are NOT allowed to be ridden on sidewalks.

SAFE DRIVING AND CYCLING TIPS

DRIVERS

  • 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. Look for sharrows (shared lane markings), or yellow “Share the Road” signs. 

  • Motor vehicle drivers: 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: 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. 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.

  • DRIVERS: 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 but it is recommended.

  • Honking is seldom necessary. Most cyclists use side-view 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

For a Summary of Massachusetts Laws Regarding Bicycling from MassBike, including a bicyclist’s rights and responsibilities and a motorist’s responsibilities, click HERE.

  • ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET. Make sure your helmet fits correctly and is fastened securely.
      
  • 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. DO not 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. 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. One of Newton’s cyclist tragedies happened when a cyclist sped through a red light.

  • BE SEEN.  Light up. If you are riding at night, state law requires you to use a white front light and a red taillight from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise; it also requires you to use arear reflector at all times.  These 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.