Massachusetts law about bicycles

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Best bet

Laws for bicyclists and motorists in the presence of bicycles: rules of the road, Chapter 4, pp. 108-112, Mass. Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Detailed summary of bicycle laws with cites to laws.

Massachusetts laws

16 or under Must wear a helmet

MGL c.6, § 116E Training for law enforcement in bicycle safety enforcement

MGL c.82, §§ 35-36 Bike paths

MGL c.85, § 11B The Primary Bike Law that regulates where and how bicycles can be ridden in the Commonwealth including required safety equipment, riding in traffic and riding on sidewalks

MGL c.85, § 11B 3/4 Electronic bicycles

MGL c.85, § 11D Stores selling or renting bikes must display sign about helmet law; renters must make helmets available

MGL c.85, § 11E Cyclist stopped for a traffic law must give his name and address; ticketing procedure is same as that for motor vehicles in MGL c.90C

MGL c.89, § 2 Rules for car passing bicycle

MGL c.90, § 1B-1E Motorized bicycles (including e-bikes): operating regulations, complying with federal safety standards, and registration sticker

Over 16 To ride an ebike

MGL c.90, § 14 Rules for cars sharing the road with bicycles and others

MGL c.90E Bikeways

MGL c.266, § 41 Larceny of bicycles, 2d conviction

Massachusetts regulations

302 CMR 12 Rules of conduct on Department of Conservation and Recreation property

720 CMR 9 Driving on state highways
Includes provisions that apply to bicycles, such as yielding to pedestrians, and limitations on bicycle operation on certain roads.

Web sources

Bike law, MassBike.
Provides a comprehensive summary of Massachusetts’ bike law that covers equipment, riding, safety standards, races, violations, and penalties.

Bikes on the T, MBTA.
Explains when and how you can bring your bike on the subway, commuter rail or bus.

Bicycle and pedestrian transportation, Mass. Dept. of Transportation.
Information on plans and initiatives supporting bicycle transportation.

Electric bikes, MassBike.
Explains the laws related to ebikes in Massachusetts and links to pending legislation.

League of American Bicyclists
National organization that “represents bicyclists in the movement to create safer roads, stronger communities, and a bicycle-friendly America”. Maintains collection of summaries of state bicycling laws.

Print sources

Motor vehicle law and practice, 5th ed. (Mass. practice v.11), West, 2021 with supplement. Section 11.28: Bicycles.

Municipal law and practice, 5th ed.(Mass. practice, v.18A), West, 2006 with supplement. Section 16.17: Bicycles, a listing of all relevant general laws.

Consumer law, 4th ed. (Mass. practice v.35), West, 2021. Section 7:112 – 7:115 recreational equipment – bicycles, helmets, motorized recreational vehicles.

Last updated:	January 6, 2023