montana bicycle laws

Search for: All Rights Reserved. 61-8-320. The purpose of the Montana State University bicycle program is to promote an environment in which bicycles, pedestrians, and motor vehicles can safely co-exist. Montana State Law MCA – Bicycle Traffic. Weather conditions in Montana can change dramatically without notice. If the right-hand lane is hazardous in some way, such as parked vehicles, pedestrians, animals, narrow lanes, safety hazards, etc. MOTOR VEHICLES CHAPTER 8. No state law requires bicycle riders of any age to wear a … A bicycle is a legal vehicle with the same rights and responsibilities as a motor vehicle. Montana law does not prohibit riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Help keep us advocating for biking and walking by donating today through PayPal here. Montana law requires that bikes are equipped with functional brakes, a white headlight visible from five hundred feet away when it’s dark, reflective gear that is visible for at least three hundred feet and a red rear reflector or rear tail light. Rather, Signal Turns and Be Predictable. Montana has a Share the Road license plate program with the proceeds going to Bike Walk Montana that helps to advocate for cyclists and pedestrians. In Montana, Bicycle Laws Could Limit Cyclists to Roads With Wide Shoulders Only. Traffic laws applicable to persons operating bicycles or mopeds. 61-8-609. Obeying the laws will not only keep you safe but also prevent you from being ticketed by law enforcement. Whether you are a casual or advanced rider, a bike commuter, a bicycle tourist, or a bicycle transportation professional, we have valuable information on bicycling in Montana. With so many open highways and such beautiful scenery, Montana can be paradise for bicycle enthusiasts. Current Montana Bicycle Law For any accident, it is important to identify who is at fault. 61-8-601 Effect of regulations; 61-8-602 Traffic laws applicable to persons operating bicycles or mopeds; 61-8-603 Riding on bicycles or mopeds; 61-8-604 Clinging to vehicles; 61-8-605 Riding on roadways; 61-8-606 Carrying articles; 61-8-607 Lamps and other equipment on bicycles and mopeds; 61-8-608 Bicycles or mopeds on sidewalks and bike lanes; 61-8-609 Bicycle or moped racing -- when lawful There is a social push to wear a helmet, but nothing on the books about it. If the right-hand land is a right turn lane and the cyclist isn’t turning right. Bicycles are an efficient, enjoyable, and environmentally sound way to go around campus, and we encourage the safe and courteous use of bicycles. The power source may not propel device, unassisted, at a speed exceeding 20 mph on a level surface. However, cyclists in Montana are not required to wear a helmet while riding, regardless of age. We still wouldn’t recommend it though, for the same reason we would say you should wear a helmet: it’s much safer to ride sober and with a helmet than it is to go without or ride under the influence! Bicyclists should also call out to any pedestrian they intend to overtake or pass. She said bicyclists riding two-abreast are … And this means that you have plenty of support to keep you safe on the roads and often a very friendly community to bike with. Where permitted, Montana law allows bicycles to be operated on sidewalks, but they must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrians they encounter. Montana law requires that bikes are equipped with functional brakes, a white headlight visible from five hundred feet away when it’s dark, reflective gear that is visible for at least three hundred feet and a red rear reflector or rear tail light. Montana also specifies that pedal reflectors which are either colorless or amber must be installed. Montana’s bicycle-specific laws are outlined in Title 61 of the Montana Code Annotated. That means bicyclists must obey the rules of the road like drivers of any other vehicle and must be treated as equal users by all other vehicles. Bicyclists are to ride upon a street single file except on paths or parts of streets set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. For more information on Montana’s electric bike laws, click here: Mont. Much of the safety in passing or where to ride is currently left up to the cyclist to decide, which means that both the driver and the cyclist must be sure they are watching for each other in order to prevent accidents. Again, it’s worth pointing out that much of the burden of riding safely falls on the cyclist, so keep your wits about you! By knowing and following the laws explained above, you should be ready to safely start your own great Montana bike adventure. THIS SITE IS OWNED AND OPERATED BY BICYCLE UNIVERSE LLC. Montana does not require that cyclists use the bike lane or bike path where they are provided, but it is required that cyclists ride in single file when riding on the road and only ride two or more abreast where permitted on designated bike paths. These changes have made Montana roads safer for both motorists and bicyclists. Montana also specifies that pedal reflectors which are either colorless or amber must be installed. As cyclists, we crave that wide shoulder of a road. Where permitted, Montana law allows bicycles to be operated on sidewalks, but they must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrians they encounter. The state of Montana (MT) defines electric bicycles as a bicycle with two operational pedals with a motor attached. America's Premier Personal Injury & Accident Law Firm, Common Airbag Safety Issues You Should Know, Filing COVID-19 Injury Claims: A How-To Guide, The Top 7 Most Dangerous Animals in Montana, Top 5 Worst Dog Attacks in Montana History, Bicyclists should ride with both hands on the handlebars and should not. The state legislature also amended the law to allow motorists to pass such bicyclists by crossing the double yellow lane, but only if the bicyclist was traveling at less than half of the speed limit. Montana State Law MCA – Right-of-way for bicycles. A moped is any vehicle with two or three wheels that cannot excede 30 mph, has an engine capacity of less than 50cc, and has a maximum of 2 brake horsepower. This sampling of traffic- and safety-related laws is provided for your convenience but it isn't complete. Electric bicycles are now legal on federal lands in Montana, including on bike trails in Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. Just make sure you keep up to date on your city’s bylaws and keep your eyes on the road. Billings, Montana for example, passed an ordinance stating that riders age sixteen and under must wear a helmet while cycling. Bicycle Universe also participates in other affiliate programs and advertising platforms. Copyright The Advocates 2020. In addition, the law requires the parent or legal guardian to allow their child to ride a bicycle without a helmet. Montana also does not have vulnerable road user laws. (1) It is a misdemeanor for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required in this part. don’t weave in and out of traffic. Montana allows for a bit faster speed than other states: the motor can propel the bike (unassisted by pedaling) to up to 30mp/h. A person propelling a bicycle or moped may ride only on or astride a permanent and regular seat attached to the bicycle or moped. Section 24-605 of Billings’ city code mandates that anyone under the age of 16 who rides a bicycle must wear a helmet. No single entity has responsibility for ensuring bicycle safety in Montana. Bicycle Universe is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. When visibility, due to foul weather, is reduced to 500 ft or less. It’s considered to be the safest state to commute in and gives a lot of freedom to cities and cyclists to stay safe and enjoy riding. While the state of Montana doesn’t have mandatory laws requiring bicyclists to wear helmets, its largest city does. Bicycling plays a big role in Montana's transportation system. Get back to Bike/Ped pages.. Contact Ben Dodge to see if the bicycle crash lawyers at Bike Accident Attorneys (BAA) can help. Montana’s roads and city streets are the territory of bicyclists as much as motor vehicle operators. Bikes are considered to be vehicles, in that cyclists enjoy all the rights and duties that the driver of a vehicle do (except certain circumstances that wouldn’t apply to bikes and cars anyway). These lanes are reserved solely for bicyclists and should not be used by automobiles or pedestrians. When riding on the same road as cars, it is required that bikes are ridden on the right-hand lane of the road, except under the following circumstances: You will notice that there is one thing missing here that shows up in other states: safe passing. Montana law (61 -8 -102, MCA) defines e -bikes, or “electrically assisted bicycles” as a bicycle with two operational peda ls with a motor attached propels the bicycle and a rider who weighs 170 pounds no faster than 20 miles an hour. But it’s just a bike. Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) - Bicycles in Montana. MONTANA’S E-BIKE LAW MONTANA’S E-BIKE LAW FOR THE ROAD In Montana, an e-bike is defined as an “electrically assisted bicycle,” so long as the e-bike has a maximum speed of 20mph. Unlike other lawyers who attempt to represent cyclists, our BAA lawyers actually ride and race their bicycles as well as appear … In the United States, Class 1 e-bikes can reach speeds of up to 20 mph (32 km/h), but require the rider to pedal to engage the motor. Montana has some great history with cyclists. In Montana, a motorized bicycle or moped is any vehicle that meets the following requirements: Has 2 or 3 wheels. You must have a motorcycle endorsement (and complete all the training and exams that go along with it) and register your motor-driven cycle then same way … Montana Bicycle Safety Tips Bicycles are Vehicles. Effect of regulations. Important Things to Keep In Mind Weather. Keep in mind though, that municipalities can enact their own laws around helmets. Clinging to vehicles. Any two or three wheeled vehicle not meeting these standards must be classified as a motorcyle. It’s true! The state defines an electric bike as a bike with two operational pedals and a motor that does not exceed 500W. Cyclists are also allowed to ride on the sidewalk, as long as the cyclist yields the right of way to pedestrians, give a signal when overtaking and passing a pedestrian, and accepts the same rights and duties that pedestrians have when using sidewalks and crosswalks. Identifying the effects of Montana’s bicycle laws, road design standards and education system on bicycle safety required a basic understanding of the responsibilities of various state and local agencies and educational institutions. Riding on bicycles or mopeds. However, it’s also very important to understand the bike laws in Montana so that the state can keep its distinction of being the safest state for cyclists. In Montana, bicyclists are required to follow the same rules of the road as motorists. It’s illegal to ride while hitched to a moving vehicle and a bike cannot carry more people than there are properly fitted seats for (usually one). There is no requirement for licensing or registration; however, riders under the age of eighteen must wear a helmet. State of Montana Bicycle Laws Link to the laws on the state website. Bicycles are legally considered “vehicles” on Montana’s roadways. Electric bikes can be ridden on roads, bike paths, and even state park paths. What should you know about the bike laws in Montana? Bicycle & Pedestrian Traffic Laws 61.8.5. Headlights must be used: 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. There are plenty of trails, paths, and wide roads to ride and of course, some amazing vistas to enjoy. Carrying articles. 61-8-603. Riding on roadways. legislation was put forward to define a safe distance for drivers overtaking bikes, same rights and duties that pedestrians have, pedal reflectors which are either colorless, does have clear definitions of electric bikes. Montana bicycle laws. Montana does have clear definitions of electric bikes and a few regulations on the book. Anyone caught violating these regulations could be charged with a misdemeanor or have their bicycle impounded. (1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (3) (b), a person operating a bicycle or moped on and along a sidewalk or across a roadway on and along a crosswalk shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing any pedestrian. I promise not to send you spam. Headlights Vehicles. Bicyclists are allowed on any road or sidewalk unless local laws otherwise restrict use. The rule provides that authorized officers may authorize, through subsequent land-use planning or implementation-level decisions, the use of Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes on non-motorized roads and trails. If you ride a bicycle in Montana, it is essential that you understand the laws regarding the use of bicycles on public roadways. The Department of Transportation encourages travel by bicycle. Bicyclists must use proper hand signals when turning left or right or changing lanes. How an Electric Bike Is Defined. Bike lanes, too, are another way the Montana Department of Transportation works to protect bicyclists. Barnes said Bike Walk Montana would like to see a change in a state law that requires bicyclists to ride single-file. This means, for example, that bicyclists are required to stop for traffic lights and stop signs. Essentially, for the purposes of regulation and enforcement, an e- bike is treated as a bicycle. Get a bike, lose the car, help the environment. Bike Walk Montana notes that all motor vehicle road laws all apply to bicyclists. Enjoy! 61-8-606. Riding on bicycles or mopeds. There are several other notable bicycle laws Montanans should, at the very least, be aware of. Not too long ago, in 2015, Montana traffic laws were changed so that bicyclists could legally ride in the driving lane. It’s important to know the local laws as well as the state laws when riding in Montana to make sure you are good on both sides because all municipalities are allowed to have their own bylaws and ordinances to control cycling and keep people safe. In fact, Montana was named the safest state to commute by bicycle in the United States. Has a motor that is no bigger than 50 CC, and produces no more than 2 brake horsepower. 61-8-601. Code § 61-8-102(2)(g) Nebraska. When a driver is attempting to pass a cyclist in the state of Montana, they must follow the Montana State Bicycle Law. Today, more than 60,000 miles of trails and roads on national forests and grasslands are currently open to e-bike use. 61-8-607. Below is a list of the most important Montana bike laws every commuter should know. Please read our Privacy Policy. The same rules of the road apply to both e-bikes and human-powered bicycles. The motor itself cannot require the use of clutching or shifting. There is no statewide bicycle helmet law, but the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) strongly recommends you wear one. Do you need a license, insurance or registration in Montana? Bikes are encouraged to stay on the right, but there’s nothing in the books forcing them to. Lamps and other equipment on bicycles and mopeds. Montana Moped Laws Moped Defintion. There is not speed limit when pedaling. 61-8-608. Unsubscribe at any time. The motor must not require clutching or shifting. This will help prevent any unecessary collisions. All in all, Montana is amazing place for cyclists and has some good clean laws to match. In Montana, a motor-driven cycle is a motorcycle or motor scooter with a motor that produces 5 brake HP or fewer. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection, private road, or driveway. COPYRIGHT © 2020 BICYCLE UNIVERSE LLC. For a complete list, please consult the Montana Code Annotated. (2) These regulations applicable to bicycles shall apply whenever a bicycle is … This will help prevent any unecessary collisions. Smooth asphalt makes our tires sing as we share space with our fellow drivers. Montana does not recognize the Idaho stop law, so cyclists still must come to a complete stop when they get to a red light and if the red light doesn’t change, the cyclist has to wait until it does, regardless of whether the sensor detected the bike or not. Bicycle Universe is compensated for referring traffic and business to these sources. When passing another vehicle going the same way. Please ride safely, be courteous to other roadway users, and abide by all Montana traffic laws. 61-8-604. Bicyclists are expected to follow the very same traffic laws as motorists, such as honoring stop signs and traffic lights, using hand turn signals, and obeying the speed limit. Montana Code Annotated 2019. TRAFFIC REGULATION Part 6. HAD A BICYCLE CRASH IN MONTANA? Like all states in the country, Montana requires road cyclists to follow the same rules and regulations as motor vehicles. TITLE 61. BWAM is a volunteer-led organization, run by community and board members. In 2017, legislation was put forward to define a safe distance for drivers overtaking bikes, but this hasn’t been put into the law yet. Has a maximum speed of 30 MPH on level ground. Effect of Regulations (61-8-601) In fat, cyclists can travel in the driving lane and drivers can cross the double yellow lane when passing cyclists as long as the bike is traveling at less than half the speed limit. Bicyclists should also call out to any pedestrian they intend to overtake or pass. Before hitting the road, bicycles should also be properly equipped with brakes that are in working order, reflectors, a headlight, and a red tail light or reflector. Montana Bicycle Laws Pocket Reference; Montana Office of Tourism’s Guidebook; For general Montana tourism information, including recreational trails, please visit Montana Office of Tourism's website. Bicycles or mopeds on sidewalks and bike lanes. Bicycles or mopeds on sidewalks and bike lanes. 61-8-605. Yea, it’s electric. Did you know that Montana is the safest state to commute by bike in the United States? The rule amends 43 CFR 8340.0-5 to define e-bikes, which are limited to Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes. There are a few things which the bike must be equipped with for the cyclist to ride safely. With more bikes on the road, however, motorists and bicyclists both should brush up on the bike laws Montana has on the books. Forest Service Statement on Electronic Bicycle Use: Emerging technologies such as e-bikes are changing the way people enjoy their visits to national forests and grasslands. Bicycle Traffic Riding On Bicycles Or Mopeds 61-8-603. Riding at Night It is common to see packs of bicyclists lining the roads during the warmer months of the year. If the road is a one-way road with two or more marked traffic lanes.

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