Washington state law states that persons riding bicycles are still subject to the duties and obligations of motor vehicle drivers. The law, RCW 46.61.755, also states that bicycle riders are granted all of the rights applicable to persons who are driving a car.
Washington law also requires bicycle riders to use appropriate hand signals when turning left or right, or when stopping. See RCW 46.61.758.
A frequent question I hear is where is the bicycle rider legally permitted to ride? On the street? On the sidewalk? Well, Washington law states that every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a rate of speed less than the normal flow of traffic shall ride as near to the right side of the right through lane as is safe except as may be appropriate while preparing to make or while making turning movements, or while overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction. See RCW 46.61.770.
The law also states that a person operating a bicycle on a one-way street that has two or more marked traffic lanes, may ride as near to the left side of the left through lane as is safe. A person operating a bicycle upon a roadway may use the shoulder of the roadway or any specially designated bicycle lane if such exists.
Washington law is clear that bicycle riders must exercise appropriate due care and caution just like motor vehicle operators. This means bicycle riders have a duty to avoid causing a collision, and not to engage in conduct that is considered careless or negligent.
The right-of-way between a bicycle and motor vehicle is often highly dependent on the facts of the situation. Therefore, a serious accident involving a bicyclist and a car must be investigated thoroughly. Witness statements should be obtained. Sometimes an accident reconstruction expert should be involved immediately to inspect the scene, record skid marks and take other measurements, so enough evidence is collected to prove liability.
This information is a service of the Seattle personal injury firm Davis Law Group. The attorneys at Davis Law Group specialize in representing injured bicyclists who have been victims of motor vehicle crashes.
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