Changes to Bicycling Laws

Effective July 1, where a bicycle lane is provided on the roadway, the operator of a motor vehicle shall yield to a person operating a bicycle in a bicycle lane. When a driver is attempting to pass a bicyclist traveling in the same direction, the driver will be required to move over at least three feet until safely past the bicycle.

While not a new law, it is important to remember that no person under the age of 16 years can operate or be a passenger on a bicycle on a highway, bicycle path, or sidewalk without wearing a bicycle helmet. Though not a law, the Cobb County Police strongly advise that bicyclists of all ages wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.

When bicycling at night, Georgia law requires all bicycles to be equipped with a light on the front visible from a distance of 300 feet with a red light or reflector on the rear visible from a distance of 300 feet. It is also strongly advisable to wear light colored or reflective clothing.