Utah Bicycle Accident Attorney

1. Utah law defines a bicycle as a wheeled vehicle propelled by human power, by feet or hands acting upon pedals or cranks. It also contains a seat or saddle designed for the operator to be used on the ground. Wheels must be greater than 14 inches in diameter to be considered a bicycle. A “Bicycle” also includes an electric-assisted bicycle, but not scooters and similar devices.
2. “Electric-assisted bicycle” means a moped powered solely by the electric motor, has fully operable pedals on permanently affixed cranks, and weighs less than 75 pounds (Utah law 41-6a-102⁷).

A bicycle must ride with the flow or direction of traffic in the same manner as other automobiles (§1105).

If the bicycle is traveling slower than the flow of traffic, a cyclist must ride as close to the shoulder or right-hand edge of the roadway as is practical, except in cases of:

1. Passing another bicycle or vehicle
2. Preparing to make a left turn
3. Riding straight through an intersection just to the left of vehicles turning right
4. Necessarily avoiding unsafe conditions along the right-hand edge of the road, such as fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, other bicycles or pedestrians
5. If a useable pathway alongside the road is available, a traffic-control device may direct bicyclers to use it and not the road (§1105).

In Utah, no more than two cyclists may ride side by side at any time. While riding side-by-side, they may not impede the normal flow of traffic. If traffic is restricted, single file rules must be followed (§1105.3).

The 3-foot rule says that motorists may not be within 3 feet of a moving bicycle even when passing (Sec. 706.5). When passing a cyclist, a driver may cross the center line, if necessary, to provide adequate space and distance to the cyclist, provided the pass can be made safely. A pass may not be made within 100 feet of an intersection or when approaching a curve in the road that obstructs the motorist’s view (Sec. 701).

Many cities along the Wasatch Front have ordinances in place which prohibit bicycle riding on sidewalks. A cyclist may not ride on a sidewalk, path, trail or across a crosswalk when prohibited by city or county ordinances. In some cities, only certain streets/areas are not permitted. If riding on the sidewalk is allowed, the cyclist must yield to pedestrians. No cyclist can overtake or pass a pedestrian without first giving an audible signal. They cannot ride in a careless manner that may cause them to collide with a pedestrian, another bicycle or a vehicle (§1106).

A bicycle has the same rights and obligations as any vehicle at an intersection in Utah. The following rules apply to motorists and cyclists alike:

1. If there is no traffic light (or the traffic light is not working), any driver/cyclist approaching the intersection white line must yield the right-of-way to other drivers/cyclists already at the intersection, no matter the direction from which they are coming.
2. If two vehicles arrive simultaneously at an intersection, and there is no traffic light signal, the vehicle on the left must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.
3. If the roadway does not continue through the intersection, the vehicle must yield the right-of-way to the intersecting highway.
4. A vehicle on an unpaved road yields the right-of-way to the vehicle on a paved road.
5. When directed by a traffic light or stop sign, a vehicle must stop before the designated white stop line (unless otherwise directed by a police officer).
6. When approaching a stop sign, a vehicle must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at an adjacent crosswalk.
7. A bicycle may ride straight through an intersection on the left side of a right-hand turning lane.
8. A left-turning vehicle at an intersection yields the right-of-way to oncoming traffic (§901/902/1105).

Yes, cyclists must obey all traffic lights, stop and yield signs, and must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at an adjacent crosswalk (Sec. 305/902).

If a cyclist age 16 or older comes to a complete stop at a red light and the traffic signal does not detect their presence after waiting for 90 seconds or more, the cyclist may cautiously proceed through the intersection, as long as no other vehicles or pedestrians with the right-of-way are in or near the intersection (Sec. 305). 

Cyclists must give proper hand signals to turn right, turn left, change lanes, or stop. The hand signal must be executed at least two seconds before the maneuver. Still, the cyclist does not need to maintain a continuous signal if their hand is required for safety purposes.

1. The proper hand signals are: 
   1. Left turn—left hand and arm extended horizontally;
   2. Right turn—left hand and arm extended upward or right hand and arm extended horizontally;
   3. Stop or decrease speed—left hand and arm extended downward (§804)
2. Once stopped in a designated turn lane, cyclists are not required to signal again before turning (§1109).

Yes. Cyclists are allowed to utilize the roadway’s shoulder to pass a vehicle on the right. They may only do so if the move can be made with safety.

Walking your bicycle through a crosswalk is not required by law. However, walking a bike through a crosswalk may be a safe way to cross the street. The law states that a cyclist may not ride at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the existing conditions while paying attention to any potential hazards (§1106.4).

Never race bicycles on roads unless authorized by state or county officials (§1111).

All cyclists must have at least one hand on the handlebars at all times. In addition, a cyclist is not permitted to carry packages, packs, bundles, or any other article that prevents them from keeping both hands on the handlebars when necessary (§1112).

A bicycle may only carry the number of persons for which it is designed. Single-rider bicycles are not permitted to carry more than one person (§1103).

A cyclist may never be attached to a moving motorized vehicle (§1104).

A person may park their bicycle on a sidewalk as long as it is not prohibited by a traffic-control device and does not impede the normal flow of pedestrian traffic.

A person may park their bicycle in the roadway anywhere parking is allowed as long as it is parked within 12 inches of the curb and does not block any other legally parked vehicles (§1107/1402).

Bicycles must be equipped with a white headlight, a red taillight or reflector, and side reflectors, all visible from 500 feet. Lights must be turned on a half-hour after sunset and kept on until a half-hour before sunrise (§1114/1603).

Bicycles may not be equipped with a whistle or a siren (§1113).

Bicycles must have proper, functioning brakes. The brakes must have the capacity to stop the bike within 25 feet traveling at a speed of 10 miles per hour (§1113).

If you ride bicycles in Utah, your car insurance covers bicycle accident costs, including damages, lost wages, and medical bills. Of course, you must have car insurance and purchase the amount and types of coverage to meet your needs.

If you have incurred significant medical costs (more than $3,000) and the insurance company isn’t willing to fully reimburse you, you should definitely consult with a bicycle accident attorney. Insurance companies will often try to pressure accident victims into making an official statement and settle for less money than the sum of injury costs. An attorney can help establish a much fairer settlement.

If a left turn is necessary, a cyclist has two options:

1. Use the left-hand turn lane designated for vehicles
2. Stay on the right-hand side of the roadway, ride through the intersection to the opposite side, stop, and wait for the light to change. Then, going in a new direction, cross the street with the flow of traffic (§801/1108).