While riding a bicycle, you have to share the road with traffic. However, a cyclist doesn’t have the protection of a car in the event of a collision, which is why states have laws to minimize the risk of bicycle accidents. If you live in Massachusetts or have scheduled a cycling tour through the state, below are a few points to know about bicycle laws.

Important Bicycle Laws in Massachusetts

1. Everyone Younger Than 16 Must Wear Helmets

To protect the skull and neck in the event of a bicycle accident, every cyclist should wear a helmet. Additionally, the Commonwealth makes wearing a helmet a requirement for children ages 16 and younger. To ensure a snug fit, check that the helmet doesn’t move from side to side or back and forth when the child moves their head.

2. Young Children Must Ride in Specialized Seats

Young children aren't permitted to ride on bicycle handlebars or inside attached baskets. Before taking your family for a bike ride in Massachusetts, make sure to invest in baby seats for the youngest members. Children between the ages of one and four and those who weigh less than 40 pounds must travel in secured seats. There must be a harness, such as a seat belt, to secure the child in place, and the seat must be raised to prevent the child from injuring their hands or feet in the bicycle spokes. It's also against the law to transport children under the age of one on bicycles.

3. Cyclists Must Provide Information During Traffic Stops

Cyclists must abide by traffic laws, just like motorists. This includes giving pedestrians the right of way, having one hand on the handlebars at all times, only riding on roads that permit bicycle traffic, and using hand and audible signals before changing lanes and stopping. If you're pulled over by a police officer for violating the law, you must give your correct name and address when asked. Failure to do so could automatically result in a fine ranging from $20 to $50 and arrest.

If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Massachusetts, contact the attorneys at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. Serving clients in the Boston Metro Area since 1989, these personal injury lawyers are committed to getting clients compensation after pedestrian, motorcycle, car, and bicycle accidents. Meet their legal team online, and call (617) 778-1000 for a consultation.