When many think of a speeding ticket, they picture cars zooming down the highway or motorcycles dodging traffic. But what about bicycles? Can you get a ticket for speeding on a bicycle? Many people who don’t usually think of bicycles as speed enforcers are surprised by this question. But the fact is that, in some situations, cyclists can get tickets for speeding-related offences. There is more to this interesting topic, let us explore.
The Legal Status of Bicycles
To find out why you could be issued a speeding ticket while on a bicycle, you need to first know how bicycles are legally classified. In a lot of jurisdictions, bicycles are vehicles. That means cyclists are subject to the same traffic laws as motor vehicle drivers — stop at red lights, yield to pedestrians, and obey speed limits, yes.
Unless otherwise exempt, the speeding laws apply to all users of the road. When a speed limit is posted for a given road, cyclists are usually required by law to follow it. There are general laws against traveling at unsafe speeds that may apply to bicycles in areas without posted speed limits.
Speed Limits and Bicycles
Speed limits are designed with the safety of all road users in mind. Bicycles are not exempt, even though cars and motorcycles are paramount. Cyclists can also get ticketed for speeding, especially in places where the top allowed speed of the bicycle may harm other road users, such as pedestrians. Let’s unpack this some more:
Urban Areas
Speed limits in cities are often lower because of the density of traffic and pedestrian traffic. The same limits apply to cyclists navigating city streets. “Like, let’s say you’re driving 25 mph and a police officer calculates 30 mph to your speed, you could be stopped and given a ticket.”
Parks and Shared Paths
Parks and shared bicycle paths and other recreational zones often have speed limits in place, to ensure the safety of joggers, pedestrians and other cyclists. Their limits can be highly reduced — as low as 10 to 15 mph. Cyclists who violate these restrictions may also be subject to penalties, particularly when their speed poses a danger to others.
Downhill Riding
However, the most common case when cyclists could exceed the limit is going downhill. On steep descents, gravity can send a bicycle well beyond the posted limit. While this is exhilarating, it can be dangerous if the cyclist is unable to stop in time to avoid an obstacle.
Examples of Situations When Cyclists May Be Cited
Here are some common scenarios in which a cyclist could get a speeding ticket — or something like it.
Exceeding Posted Speed Limits
- Bicycles are also subject to posted speed limits, just as motor vehicles are. Failure to heed these signs could land them a ticket.
Unsafe Riding Speeds
- Even where a specific speed limit is not posted, cyclists can be cited for riding at speeds that would be considered unsafe for the conditions. For instance, flashing and passing through a crowded pedestrian area may incur a fine.
Violation of Local Ordinances
- There may be other rules that vary between cities and towns about bicycles, such as speed limits in particular sections. Cyclists must get acquainted with local laws to avoid infractions.
Tentative entrants in nonpermitted races
- Competitive racing cyclists on public roads may exceed speed limits. Although not intentional, this still violates traffic laws.
School Zones
Just like drivers, cyclists must comply with reduced speed limits in school zones. Ignoring these limits can result in citations.
Fines for Cycling Over the Speed Limit
Now, in some jurisdictions penalties for speeding on a bicycle are less severe than motor vehicles. Here’s what you might expect:
- Fines: Cyclists can be ticketed for going too fast, but the fine is usually less than that for motor vehicle drivers.
- Warnings: Officers may issue a warning instead of a ticket, particularly for a minor offense.
- Points on Your License: Given that in rare circumstances, bicycles qualify as vehicles under the law, speeding violations could add points to your driving record.
- Confiscation of the Bike: While rare, repeat offenders or those involved in serious incidents may see their bike temporarily confiscated.
How Not to Get a Speeding Ticket on a Bicycle
There are some steps cyclists can take to avoid speeding tickets:
- Follow the rules of the road: When riding a bike, it’s important to know the local traffic laws regarding bicycle riding and the respective speed limits.
- Use a Speedometer: Most bikes come with a built-in speedometer or GPS. These tools help you track your speed.
- Stay Aware of Your Environment: Control the speeding to match the road surface, weather, and proximity to other road users.
- One — Defensive Riding: Always practice safety over speed in busy/high-risk regions.
- Route It: If possible, plan your route, selecting outgoing streets with minimum speed limits or a descending slope to minimize the chance of hitting limits without realising it.
Real-Life Cases
So to give you some context, here are some of the more notable examples of cyclists being pulled over for speeding tickets:
- San Francisco, USA: Cyclists were ticketed in Golden Gate Park for exceeding the park’s speed limit of 15 mph.
- Sydney, Australia: A cyclist was booked for 38 mph in a 25 mph zone, showing speed laws do apply all over.
- London, UK: Other areas have seen cyclists ticketed for excess speed in shared pedestrian/cyclist zones.
The big takeaway: Can you get a ticket for speed on a bicycle?
In order to respond to the query, Can you get a ticket for speeding on a bicycle? is yes. Even though bicycles are not motor vehicles, they’re subject to more traffic laws than you might think. The speed limits are there to protect not just others on the road, but also cyclists themselves. Ride within the speed limit and respect local laws — you can enjoy cycling without the worry of a speeding ticket. But calm down, boy, stay safe and you shall NEVER exceed a speed limit in a straight road, they have lanes with borders, right?