Happy Friday! Here is a fun guest post about some of the crazier bike laws out there. (Maybe removing these laws will inspire lawmakers to lower restrictions on e-bikes.)
As a person on a bike, it is important that you are aware of the laws that governments have in place when you are out and about.
Most countries have specific bike laws, and most people – even regular riders – are often pretty uneducated about those laws. That said, maybe this list of 10 crazy cycling laws from around the world are better left unknown.
1. Missouri: Cyclist must have a fluorescent flag attached to their bicycle that is 15 foot high
People on bikes must have a flag at a height of 15 feet. The law is actually probably more hazardous than safe. Imagine what would happen when you ride during heavy wind with a 15-foot flag pole attached to your bicycle? Maybe good lights will do just fine.
2. United Kingdom: Fast and furious cycling is not allowed
When cycling, you normally do not expect to go too fast. Especially in the city where you have to be on a constant lookout for motorists and pedestrians. The U.K. has made it a criminal offense for anyone caught cycling at high speeds, they have made it equivalent to dangerous driving as it can cause harm to pedestrian and even the cyclist themselves. While Ireland has repealed the law, it still stands in England.
3. Thailand: You can’t ride a bicycle without a shirt
It’s safe to assume that the Thai authorities were tired of tourists cruising through the city without shirts on. After all, it does get awfully hot in the country come summertime. They have made it an offense for cyclists to ride around without a shirt and have imposed a fine if caught. So you may want to reconsider that vacation to Thailand in the summer. But don’t worry, the fine isn’t a ridiculous amount as it converts to around $5 US.
4. California: Riding a bicycle in the pool is forbidden
Who doesn’t enjoy a nice ride around the pool, while being submerged in water? Oh wait, do people actually do that? Well, it doesn’t matter if they do because if you are in Baldwin Park in California it is against the law to do so. Which makes us wonder, why was this law instated, to begin with?
5. Dallas, TX: No bicycle to be carried into public buildings
So turns out no matter how bad the weather is outside, you have to leave your bike outdoors in Dallas, TX. Taking your bike into public buildings is not allowed, the law doesn’t really define what constitutes as a public building, leaving everyone wondering.
6. Arizona: Gargling is an offense while cycling
Who doesn’t enjoy a nice ride around on a bike as they gargle? Doesn’t gargling while zipping through the town result in a deeper clean? Not sure, why this law even exists but you cannot use mouthwash while you are cycling in Peridot, Arizona. We are sure the dentists in the city are not too happy with that one.
7. South Dakota: You must dismount completely from the bike allowing motorists to pass by you
This law is fairly tricky, it states that cyclists must dismount from the bike and allow vehicles that are faster to pass by. Which basically means that every time a vehicle approaches you, you need to dismount because there is no way you are going faster than it. This law definitely makes cycling around South Dakota anything but a breeze.
8. New South Wales, Australia: You cannot ride a bicycle without a bell
How effective are bells when you stroll around on a bike? We agree bells are an important aspect of safety but not many motorists pay attention to it. It only serves a real purpose if pedestrians are involved. Well, in NSW you are heavily fined if you are caught cycling around on a bike without a bell. The fine equates to around $80 US. You could probably buy a few bells with that amount, so might as well load up.
9. Colorado: You must have one hand on the handlebar at all times
Thinking of showing off your cycling skills by letting go of the handlebar? While the skill isn’t the safest, it is kind of cool to be able to cycle with no hands on the bar. You can’t show off in Colorado though, the state has made it clear that at least one hand must be on the handlebar at all time as you ride around.
10. Connecticut: Cyclists cannot go above 65 mph
This law just boggles our minds, because which average cyclist can even reach 65 mph? If you can reach speeds of 65 mph on a bike then maybe you should consider entering in actual bike races. We doubt that cyclists in Connecticut would reach such speed so we don’t see a need for the law (or any of these other ones)
Photo by Sam Kittner for Mobility Lab