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In DC, knowing the traffic laws that protect cyclists is the key to safe and confident riding. Regan Zambri Long’s Washington, DC bicycle accident lawyers have spent nearly three decades helping cyclists protect their rights under these laws and recover when drivers fail to uphold them. Our award-winning firm has achieved results including settlements of $6.9 million and $3 million for injured cyclists, reflecting our commitment to accountability and road safety.
Our board-certified attorneys bring almost 200 years of combined experience to every case, along with a deep understanding of the traffic laws that govern cycling in the District. Knowing these laws is essential for preventing crashes and ensuring your rights are protected if one occurs. We help clients navigate the legal details that can determine an outcome.
Have you been injured in a bicycle accident in Washington, DC? Contact Regan Zambri Long for a free consultation today. Our legal team has more than 100 5 star Google reviews, and one of our attorneys will call you back to review your case. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and there’s no fee unless we win.
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In the District of Columbia, bicycles are considered vehicles, which means cyclists must follow the same traffic laws as cars, trucks, and motorcycles. One of the most important rules is that cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic. Riding against traffic is both illegal and seriously dangerous. Drivers don’t expect vehicles to come at them from the wrong direction, which increases the risk of a bike crash. Nationwide, 1,166 cyclists were killed in 2023, including three in the District of Columbia, showing how critical it is for riders to stay visible, predictable, and in compliance with local traffic laws.
Just like motorists, bike riders must obey traffic signals, signs, and lane markings. That means stopping at red lights and stop signs, yielding to pedestrians, and signaling turns. Using hand signals is the key way to let drivers and other cyclists know where you’re headed. When turning, be sure to look both ways, signal, and move only when it’s safe to do so.
Drinking and biking might seem harmless to some, but in Washington, DC, just like any other vehicle, it’s illegal to ride a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This is because impaired cyclists can be just as dangerous as impaired motor vehicle drivers. When you’re under the influence, your reaction times are slower, your balance is off, and your judgment is impaired, all of which can lead to serious accidents.
If you’re caught riding a bike while intoxicated, you could face legal consequences similar to those for driving under the influence (DUI) and you’ll likely need a lawyer to help you fight your case. It should go without saying that it’s always a better idea to take public transportation or use a rideshare service if you’ve had too much to drink.
In DC, it’s legal for cyclists to “split lanes,” which means they can ride between lanes of traffic or between stopped cars. This rule helps cyclists travel through congested traffic, especially at intersections or during rush hour. However, while lane splitting is legal, it’s important to do it carefully. Cyclists should always be aware of their surroundings and watch for opening car doors, sudden lane changes, or pedestrians crossing the street.
It’s also important to note that lane splitting is only allowed when overtaking vehicles, not just for cruising alongside traffic. If you’re not passing cars, it’s best to stay in your lane or in designated bicycle lanes for safety.
Many people have questions about what’s legal and what’s not when riding a bike in DC. Let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
Washington, DC bike laws require cyclists under the age of 16 to wear a helmet, but protective bicycle helmets are not mandatory for adults. However, wearing a protective helmet is always a good idea for safety, as helmets significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in accidents. Even if the law doesn’t require it, wearing one could protect you in case of a bicycle crash.
Cyclists are required to stop at stop signs, just like drivers. While it might be tempting to roll through when there’s no traffic in sight, it’s important to remember that stop signs are there for a reason—keeping everyone on the road safe. Not only can running a stop sign result in a fine, but it also increases the risk of a collision. Taking those extra few seconds to come to a complete stop gives you a chance to make sure it’s safe to proceed. It might seem like an inconvenience, but following the rules can go a long way in preventing accidents.
In DC, pedestrians have the right-of-way in crosswalks. If you’re cycling and see someone walking at a crossing, it’s your duty to stop and allow them to cross. It’s not just about stopping but also about giving them enough space and time to cross safely. Remember, even if you’re on a bike, you can’t just go through the crossing without stopping. Failing to yield can result in fines or a collision.
No, cyclists in DC are not required to ride in a bike lane. While bike lanes are designed to give cyclists a safer space on the road, sometimes they’re not available, or a cyclist may need to use the main road to avoid obstacles. People on bikes are allowed to ride in regular traffic lanes, but they should stay as far to the right as is safe unless they’re making a left turn or avoiding hazards.
In some parts of DC, the use of bicycles on the sidewalk is legal, but there are restrictions. According to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), cyclists can ride on all streets and sidewalks outside the DC Central Business District, which is roughly the area between the National Mall and Massachusetts Avenue. Outside of that area, sidewalk riding is permitted, but cyclists must yield to pedestrians and ride slowly.
Yes, DC law requires that bicycles have front and rear lights when riding at night or during low-visibility conditions, like fog or rain. On a bike at night, the front light should be a white light, and the rear light should be red. These reflector lights make cyclists more visible to drivers and other road users, helping prevent accidents.
Using lights significantly reduces the risk of accidents, as it increases your visibility to everyone on the road. Even if you’re riding in a well-lit city environment, streetlights alone aren’t enough to make you stand out. Proper lighting on your bike ensures that other road users are aware of you, giving everyone more time to react and keeping the streets safer.
In Washington, DC, no more than two cyclists can ride side by side in a traffic lane. Riding more than two abreast can make it harder for drivers of motor vehicles to pass safely. When cycling in groups, it’s best to stick to two bicycle riders side by side, and if traffic is heavy or space is tight, it’s a good idea to ride single file.
Understanding and following traffic laws isn’t just about staying safe—it can also impact what happens after an accident. In Washington, DC, if you’re involved in a bike accident and you weren’t following traffic laws or observing traffic lights, it could affect your ability to recover damages. DC follows a strict contributory negligence rule, which means that if you’re found even partially at fault for an accident, you may not be able to recover compensation. However, under DC Code § 50-2204.52, cyclists and pedestrians are given additional protection, allowing them to recover damages as long as their share of fault is not greater than the driver’s.
For example, if you were riding against traffic or didn’t stop at a stop sign and got hit by a car, the driver’s insurance company might argue that your infraction contributed to the accident. This can make it much harder to get financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or bike repairs. That’s why it’s important to follow all traffic laws when biking.
If you’re in an accident, a skilled bike accident lawyer can help you understand the legal system and determine whether you’re entitled to compensation. Even if you think you may be partially at fault, an experienced attorney can still provide valuable guidance.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Washington, DC, it’s essential to have an experienced legal team on your side.
At Regan Zambri Long, our bicycle accident lawyers combine proven results with a genuine commitment to improving road safety across the District. We have secured multimillion-dollar settlements for injured cyclists, including:
Our firm also represented the family of Sarah Debbink Langenkamp, a U.S. diplomat who tragically lost her life while cycling in Bethesda. We achieved a confidential settlement on behalf of her family, and the incident later inspired the Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Memorial Act, a bipartisan federal law designed to strengthen cyclist protections nationwide.
Our dedication to justice extends beyond individual cases. Our three senior partners are board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and are AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell. All six of our partners have recently been named to the 2025 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers, underscoring our national reputation for excellence and ethics in personal injury law.
Patrick Regan serves on the Board of Governors of the American Association of Justice, while Salvatore Zambri and Christopher Regan are active members. The organization is a national nonprofit that works to strengthen the civil justice system and provide education and resources for attorneys who represent injured plaintiffs. Victor Long also serves as Chair of the fund of the DC Court of Appeals Client Security Trust Fund, reflecting our firm’s continued leadership and accountability within the legal community.
Understanding traffic laws is part of staying safe while biking in DC. But accidents happen, and when they do, having a knowledgeable lawyer on your side can make all the difference. Reach out to Regan Zambri Long for a free consultation to get the help you need and the justice you deserve.
Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.