Do Bikes Have to Stop at Stop Signs and Red Lights?

It’s no secret that bikes often have to share the road with cars due to a lack of protected bike lanes. Some places in Europe tend to be better than other with such infrastructure. However, what we want to focus on is if can cyclists go through red lights and do bikes have to stop at stop signs?

Do Bicycles Have to Follow Traffic Laws?

Do bicycles have to follow traffic laws? In the UK, the Highway Code states in section 69 that “Traffic signs and traffic light signals apply to all road users. Cyclists must obey them”. Which is pretty to the point and easy to understand.

Over in the USA, in all states bike riders are expected to follow the same traffic laws. Therefore it’s best to check the traffic laws depending on the state as they may vary, but overall cyclists have to obey the same laws.

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With regards to laws in Australia, the same is true: bicycles have to follow the same traffic laws as vehicles.

However in mainland Europe, some countries such as the Netherlands, things are different. Instead there are often special bicycle traffic signs which must be followed. Therefore when riding in Europe, it’s best to check the rules specific to the country.

Cycling Traffic Laws UK

• You MUST obey all traffic signs and traffic light signals.
• Ride on the left side of the road.
• Traffic signs and traffic light signals apply to all road users: cyclists must obey them.
• At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit.
• You should not pass a horse on their left.
• You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement.
• Most bus lanes may be used by cyclists as indicated on signs.
• You should be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians, and horse riders.
• You should look all around to make sure it is safe before moving away from the kerb, when pulling out to overtake or to pass stationary vehicles, or when turning at junctions or stopping.
• Do not ride across equestrian crossings, as they are for horse riders only.
• Cyclists should look out and be prepared to stop for pedestrians crossing the track informally as well as at these designated points.
• When approaching a junction on the left, watch out for vehicles turning in front of you, out of or into the side road.
• When turning into or out of a side road, you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross.
• Must not ride on the motorway at any point.
• Any electric bike that does not meet the EAPC rules is classed as a motorcycle or moped and needs to be registered and taxed.

Cycling Traffic Laws US

• You must follow the same laws as vehicles in the state.
• Ride on the right side of the road.
• Cyclists under 18 must wear a helmet when riding a bike.
• Every road user is entitled to the width of lane they need .
• When moving lane you must yield to the road user already in said lane.
• If lanes are big enough for bicycles and cars (around 14 foot) then they can share the lane.
• If the lanes are not big enough to share, cyclists can ride in the middle.
• Use the farthest right lane for the direction you are going.

Cycling Traffic Laws Australia

• You must follow the same laws as vehicles.
• Must wear a helmet (unless there is a medical, cultural, or religious reasons not to).
• Must not hold onto a moving vehicle.
• Must ride on the left.
• Must not walk and animal on a lead while riding.
• Must not ride more than two abreast and no more than 1.5 metres apart.
• Must have the correct lights when riding at night.
• Must have one hand on the handlebars at all times.
• Must follow the cycling specific laws dependent on the state/territory as they can vary.

Cycling Traffic Laws Europe

• Some European countries expect you to follow the same traffic laws as cars.
• In some European countries, cycle helmets have become mandatory in the last few years (Malta, Sweden, Slovenia and Czech Republic for children up to 15, Spain cyclists have to wear a helmet outside urban areas except when going uphill).
• Cyclists are required to use cycle lanes and tracks. They may not, however, use motorways and similar roads.
• When walking and pushing their bicycles on foot, cyclists are classified as pedestrians and may therefore use the pavement.
• They must keep to the right of the carriageway (to the left in the United Kingdom and Ireland) and give an appropriate arm signal when they wish to turn.
• In principle, cyclists may not ride more than one abreast. Some countries however introduced exceptions to this rule; for instance, cyclists may ride two abreast where the carriageway is wide enough, where cycle traffic is heavy, on cycle tracks, etc.
• In principle, cyclists may not ride more than one abreast. Some countries however introduced exceptions to this rule; for instance, cyclists may ride two abreast where the carriageway is wide enough, where cycle traffic is heavy, on cycle tracks, etc.
• Denmark, children under the age of 6 are not allowed to go by bicycle unless they are escorted by a person who is 15 years old or older.
• Germany, children must be at least 8 years old with the same provisions as in Denmark.
• Poland, children over 10 years must have passed a test to be allowed on a road.
• Spain and France, it is illegal to ride a bike or drive a car while using headphones/earphones.

Can Cyclists Go Through Red Lights?

When it comes to whether or not cyclists can go through red lights the majority of laws across the board make it clear that this is not allowed.

In the UK and Australia as well as most of the United States, the answer to do bikes have to stop at red lights is yes. This is because traffic laws are applied to both vehicles and bicycles. Therefore they have to stop and not ride through them.

However, in Idaho, a law passed in 1982 allows cyclists to treat a red light as a stop sign. Meaning they have to stop and yield to any traffic. Some small cities in Colorado have adopted similar rules. But overall in the US, this is not allowed.

With regards to Europe, it can vary. However in general red lights should be stopped at. For example, in Paris and some other French cities, there are specific rules for bikes depending on the signage which allows them to jump red lights.

Many bike lanes across the world also have their own traffic lights, as commonly found in London, specifically for bikes, which should be followed over the main road traffic lights if you are riding on the bike path. So, can bikes run red lights? Overall, no, not often.

Do Bicycles Have to Stop at Stop Signs? 

Another common question is whether to not bikes have to stop at stop signs. Just with other vehicles and road users, in the UK, Australia, Europe and most of the US: yes. You have to stop at stop signs.

The places where this law varies is Minnesota. In May 2023, they passed a law that meant bicycle users don’t have to stop but instead have to treat a stop sign as a yield sign instead.

Other states in the US are also looking to follow suit by passing similar laws. Therefore it’s best to check on the state and keep up to date with any changes that may occur. But overall, you must stop at a stop sign if you are riding a bicycle.