A guide for bicyclists and motorists
This pocket guide has been prepared to illustrate how bicyclists and motorists can “Share the Road” legally and safely within Pima County.
Please take a moment to read through these safety tips to better understand the other person’s view of the road and to learn more about cycling and driving safely in our great region.
The more we understand each other’s needs, the better we can respect and cooperate with each other on the streets.
This f if th edition of the bicyclist and motorist pocket guide has been brought to you by the Pima County Department of Transportation Bicycle and Pedestrian Program.
Sharing the Road Legally and Safely
Pima County and the the U.S. Department of Transportation provided the funding for this guide.
A special thanks is due to the Pima Association of Governments Regional Transportation Authority, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Arizona Department of Transportation for funding that has been instrumental in the development of bicycle facilities throughout Pima County.
The Pima County Communications Office provided the design, i l lustration and photography for this guide.
Please refer to pages 42 through 51 for a listing of relevant Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) and local laws pertaining to the operation of bicycles and motor vehicles.
Sh
ow
res
pec
t to
oth
ers
Be p
olite
and
be
smar
t. Sh
ow re
spec
t fo
r all
user
s of
th
e ro
ad a
nd y
ou’ll
get
resp
ect b
ack
as a
resu
lt.Cy
clis
ts a
nd D
rive
rs: S
ame
road
s, s
ame
rule
s, s
ame
righ
ts a
nd re
spon
sibi
litie
s.
2 B I C Y C L I S T S
Wea
r w
hite
or
brig
htly
col
ored
shi
rts
and
cons
ider
ref
lect
ive
clot
hing
for
nigh
ttim
e us
e. A
whi
te fr
ont
head
light
and
red
rea
r re
flect
or a
re re
quire
d on
you
r bik
e if
you
ride
at n
ight
. (A
.R.S
. 28-
817)
. You
sho
uld
also
use
a re
d re
ar ta
illig
ht.
B I C Y C L I S T S 3
Ridi
ng w
ithou
t a
head
light
at n
ight
coul
d ge
t you
a fi
ne o
f $19
7!
Acc
ordi
ng t
o na
tion
al s
tudi
es,
85 p
erce
nt
of
bra
in i
nju
ries
ca
n be
pre
vent
ed b
y w
eari
ng a
he
lmet
.
Pim
a Co
unty
and
Cit
y of
Tuc
son
law
s re
quire
all
bicy
clis
ts u
nder
th
e ag
e of
18
to w
ear a
hel
met
.
Pro
tect
yo
urs
elf
4 B I C Y C L I S T S
Hel
met
and
bic
ycle
mir
rors
can
impr
ove
your
ove
rall
awar
enes
s an
d al
low
you
to
see
vehi
cles
beh
ind
you.
How
ever
, all
mir
rors
ha
ve b
lind
spot
s, s
o al
way
s sc
an o
ver
your
sho
ulde
r be
fore
ch
angi
ng y
our l
ine
of tr
avel
or b
efor
e m
akin
g a
left
turn
.
A W
ord
Ab
ou
t S
top
Sig
ns
Ari
zona
traffi
c la
w d
efine
s a
stop
as,
“com
plet
e ce
ssat
ion
from
m
ovem
ent.”
Whi
le b
icyc
lists
are
requ
ired
to s
top
at s
top
sign
s,
it is
not
nec
essa
ry to
put
you
r foo
t on
the
grou
nd to
com
ply
w
ith
the
law
.
Runn
ing
stop
sig
ns o
n m
ajor
str
eets
is
dang
erou
s an
d ca
n re
sult
in
a fin
e of
$22
5 w
ith p
oint
s ad
ded
to
your
dri
ver’s
lice
nse.
Blow
ing
thro
ugh
stop
sig
ns s
ets
a ba
d ex
ampl
e fo
r you
nger
ride
rs
and
hurt
s th
e im
age
of
all b
icyc
lists
.
B I C Y C L I S T S 5
Wat
ch f
or
cars
tu
rnin
g t
hro
ug
h g
aps
Ridi
ng to
o fa
st p
ast
a lin
e of
sto
pped
car
s ca
n ge
t yo
u cl
obbe
red.
W
hen
pas
sing
a l
ine
of v
ehic
les
SLO
W D
OW
N A
ND
BE
ALE
RT,
espe
cial
ly n
ear
driv
eway
ent
ranc
es. M
otor
ists
oft
en c
an’t
see
past
th
e lin
e of
veh
icle
s an
d w
on’t
know
you
’re th
ere.
6 B I C Y C L I S T S
Be
po
lite
an
d
be
smar
t
Use
hand
sign
als t
o sh
ow
your
inte
ntio
ns a
nd ri
de
in a
pre
dict
able
fash
ion
(A.R
.S. 2
8-75
6).
OR
Turn
ing
left
Rem
embe
r, th
e la
ws a
re
ther
e to
mak
e it
safe
r for
ev
eryo
ne.
Turn
ing
righ
tSl
owin
gdo
wn
B I C Y C L I S T S 7
Wat
ch ah
ead
for r
ailro
ad an
d st
reet
car t
rack
s. Lo
ok b
ehin
d yo
u to
mak
e sur
e it’
s saf
e, si
gnal
, the
n cr
oss t
rack
s as c
lose
to a
right
angl
e as
pos
sible
(A.R
.S.
28-8
15).
Also
, larg
e cr
acks
or g
aps i
n th
e ro
adw
ay ca
n tr
ap yo
ur w
heel
s, so
cr
oss t
hem
at a
safe
ang
le a
s wel
l.
Cro
ss t
rack
s ca
refu
lly
8 B I C Y C L I S T S
Ride
on
the r
ight
with
the fl
ow o
f tra
ffic—
NEV
ER ri
de ag
ains
t tra
ffic o
n th
e ro
ad, i
n a
bike
lane
, or o
n a
side
wal
k. D
rive
rs tu
rnin
g fr
om th
e si
de
cann
ot s
ee y
ou, a
nd a
ppro
achi
ng d
rive
rs w
ill n
ot e
xpec
t you
to b
e ri
ding
the
wro
ng w
ay (A
.R.S
. 28-
815)
.
Nev
er r
ide
agai
nst
tra
ffic
NEV
ER!
NEV
ER!
ALW
AYS!
B I C Y C L I S T S 9
Tak
e th
e la
ne
wh
enap
pro
pri
ate
Rem
embe
r tha
t you
may
“tak
e th
e la
ne” i
f the
lane
is n
ot w
ide
enou
gh fo
r bo
th a
car
and
bik
e to
safe
ly sh
are
(A.R
.S. 2
8-81
5). C
heck
beh
ind
to m
ake
sure
it’s
safe
, sig
nal y
our i
nten
tions
, and
take
the
lane
by
ridin
g 1/
3 to
1/2
of
the
way
into
the
lane
. Whe
n sa
fe an
d po
ssib
le, m
ove
to th
e rig
ht to
allo
w
a fo
llow
ing
vehi
cle
to p
ass.
Wat
ch o
ut fo
r gla
ss,
grat
es, l
oose
gra
vel,
catt
le g
uard
s, a
nd
oily
pav
emen
t.
10 B I C Y C L I S T S
Rid
ing
in
bu
s/b
ike
lan
es
Whe
n us
ing
the
bus/
bike
lane
s, rid
e ne
ar th
e ce
nter
of t
he la
ne to
mak
e yo
urse
lf as
visi
ble
as p
ossib
le. W
hen
appr
oach
ing
an in
ters
ectio
n, m
ove
to th
e le
ft b
efor
e pr
ocee
ding
thro
ugh.
Bus
driv
ers
are
requ
ired
to p
ass
cycl
ists o
utsid
e of
the
bus/
bike
lane
.
B I C Y C L I S T S 11
Cro
ssca
ttle
gu
ard
s ca
refu
lly
Be s
ure
to w
atch
for g
aps
betw
een
the
grat
es p
aral
lel t
o yo
ur d
irect
ion
of tr
avel
. The
se c
an c
ause
a s
erio
us
cras
h. T
he e
dge
of th
e ca
ttle
guar
d m
ay al
so b
e hig
her o
r low
er th
an th
e ro
ad su
rfac
e.
Be e
spec
ially
car
eful
if th
e ca
ttle
guar
d is
wet
and
is in
a c
orne
r or n
ear a
st
op si
gn.
Wat
ch o
utfo
r gap
s!
12 B I C Y C L I S T S
Be
cau
tio
us
wh
en r
idin
g t
wo
ab
reas
t
Ridi
ng tw
o ab
reas
t is p
erm
itted
by l
aw (A
.R.S
. 28-
815)
. You
can
help
driv
ers
pass
on
two-
lane
road
way
s w
ithou
t bik
e la
nes
by ri
ding
sin
gle-
file
whe
n sa
fe to
do
so (s
tay
at le
ast t
wo
to th
ree
feet
from
the
edge
of t
he ro
ad).
It’s
alw
ays n
ice
to g
ive
a fri
endl
y w
ave
whe
n dr
iver
s pas
s saf
ely.
B I C Y C L I S T S 13
5 ft
.
14 B I C Y C L I S T SW
atch
fo
r ca
r d
oo
rs i
n t
he
bik
e la
ne
Mot
orist
s in
par
ked
vehi
cles
may
be
unaw
are
that
you
’re c
omin
g up
on
them
from
beh
ind.
If th
ey o
pen
thei
r doo
r sud
denl
y yo
u co
uld
be in
jure
d.
You
coul
d be
forc
ed in
to th
e st
reet
car t
rack
s w
here
you
cou
ld c
atch
you
r w
heel
s. Al
way
s slo
w d
own
in co
nges
ted
area
s and
wat
ch fo
r peo
ple
sittin
g in
cars
who
mig
ht su
dden
ly e
xit t
he ca
r.
WATC
H FO
R TH
EDO
OR Z
ONE
WATC
H FO
R TH
EDO
OR Z
ONE
Whe
re p
ossi
ble,
st
ay a
t lea
st 5
feet
fr
om th
e si
de o
f pa
rked
cars
.
B I C Y C L I S T S 15
On
a sh
ared
pat
hway
, red
uce
spee
ds w
hen
appr
oach
ing
pede
stria
ns, g
ive
a ve
rbal
war
ning
suc
h as
“Pas
sing
!” or
ring
a b
ell w
hen
you’
re a
bout
to
pass
, and
pro
vide
at l
east
five
feet
of p
assin
g cl
eara
nce.
Rem
embe
r: Th
e pe
dest
rian
you
trea
t wel
l on
the
path
way
may
be
the
driv
er w
ho tr
eats
you
wel
l whe
n yo
u’re
ridi
ng o
n th
e ro
adw
ay.
Res
pec
t p
edes
tria
ns
Bicy
cle
bells
are
a p
olite
way
to a
lert
pe
ople
to y
our p
rese
nce!
5 ft
. min
.
16 B I C Y C L I S T S
You
may
mak
e a
left
turn
like
a d
river
by
look
ing
over
you
r sh
ould
er, s
igna
ling
and
mov
ing
into
the
left
turn
lane
whe
n it’
s sa
fe (A
.R.S
. 28-
815)
.
You
may
wish
to sl
ow a
nd w
ait i
n ad
vanc
e of
the
inte
rsec
tion
in o
rder
to g
et a
suffi
cien
t gap
in tr
affic t
o m
ake
a sa
fe le
ft tu
rn.
You
may
mak
e a
left
tur
n by
goi
ng t
o th
e fa
r si
de o
f th
e in
ters
ectio
n, tu
rnin
g yo
ur b
ike a
nd u
sing
the c
ross
wal
k. B
e ver
y aw
are
of ri
ght-t
urni
ng ca
rs co
min
g fro
m th
e cr
oss s
tree
t.
Tw
o le
gal
way
s to
tu
rn le
ft
1 2
B I C Y C L I S T S 17
Way
s to
rid
e a
rou
nd
abo
ut
Stay
righ
t to
mak
eth
e fir
st ri
ght t
urn.
Mer
ge to
the
left
ifyo
u ar
e go
ing
stra
ight
thro
ugh.
Mer
ge to
the
insid
e la
ne
if yo
u ar
e m
akin
g a
left
tu
rn o
r U-tu
rn.
You
can
exit
the
road
way
on
the
bike
ram
p an
d cr
oss a
t the
cros
swal
k.
Yiel
d to
traffi
c alre
ady
in th
e ro
unda
bout
!
18 B I C Y C L I S T S
All o
f the
law
s tha
t app
ly to
bic
ycle
s also
app
ly to
mot
oriz
ed b
ikes
, whi
ch
can
be e
ither
gas
pow
ered
or e
lect
ric. M
otor
ized
bik
es m
ay h
ave
a m
otor
th
at h
as a
max
imum
size
of 4
8cc.
You
mus
t be
at le
ast 1
6 ye
ars o
ld to
driv
e a m
otor
ized
bic
ycle
. Rid
ers a
nd p
asse
nger
s und
er th
e age
of 1
8 ar
e req
uire
d to
wea
r a ce
rtifi
ed h
elm
et.
Mot
oriz
ed b
icyc
les m
ay b
e rid
den
in
bike
lane
s as l
ong
as th
em
otor
ized
bic
ycle
ope
rate
s at a
max
imum
allo
wab
le sp
eed
of 1
9 m
iles p
er h
our.
Gas p
ower
ed b
ikes
are
not
allo
wed
on
pav
ed sh
ared
use
pat
hway
s suc
h as
The
Loo
p in
Pim
a Co
unty
.
Mo
tori
zed
bik
es a
nd
th
e la
wB I C Y C L I S T S 19
Be
a d
efen
siv
e b
ike
‘dri
ver
’ Be a
war
e of
you
r su
rrou
ndin
gs a
nd
espe
cial
ly o
ftu
rnin
g an
d sid
e tr
affic.
Mak
e ey
e co
ntac
t with
driv
ers
and
be su
re to
get
th
eir a
tten
tion.
Even
with
eye c
onta
ct th
e per
son
may
not
real
ly se
e you
or r
ealiz
e the
spee
d yo
u ar
e go
ing,
so b
e pr
epar
ed!
20 B I C Y C L I S T S
Wh
en a
bik
e la
ne
mer
ges
Use
extr
eme
caut
ion
whe
n m
ergi
ng a
cros
s rig
ht tu
rn o
nly/
drop
lane
s. Th
ese l
anes
can
be ch
alle
ngin
g fo
r bic
yclis
ts. W
ell b
efor
e the
inte
rsec
tion,
sc
an o
ver y
our l
eft s
houl
der a
nd si
gnal
your
inte
ntio
ns to
mer
ge le
ft ac
ross
th
e la
ne.
Alw
ays w
atch
for f
ast-m
ovin
g dr
iver
s who
may
not
see
you.
Scan
ove
r lef
tsh
ould
er a
nd si
gnal
B I C Y C L I S T S 21
Head
phon
es a
nd ce
ll ph
ones
ca
use
dist
ract
ion
and
redu
ce
your
abi
lity
to h
ear t
raffi
c, w
hich
co
uld
cost
you
you
r life
.
Don
’t us
e an
y ki
nd o
f he
adph
ones
or a
cell
phon
e w
hen
ridin
g yo
ur b
ike.
Pay
att
enti
on
22 B I C Y C L I S T S
Wat
ch f
or
on
com
ing
car
sPr
epar
e fo
r an
emer
genc
y ex
it off
the
road
way
!
B I C Y C L I S T S 23
Whe
n ri
ding
on
narr
ow, t
wo-
lane
road
s,
alw
ays b
e on
the
look
out f
or o
ncom
ing
cars
at
tem
ptin
g to
pas
s.
Ride
in a
hig
hly
visib
le p
ositi
on in
the
road
way
, not
too
clos
e to
the
edge
, an
d al
ert t
he m
otor
ists t
o yo
ur p
rese
nce
by w
avin
g yo
ur le
ft a
rm. B
e re
ady
to e
xit t
he ro
adw
ay if
nec
essa
ry.
Su
nri
se a
nd
su
nse
t ca
n b
e d
ang
ero
us
tim
es t
o r
ide
B I C Y C L I S T S
Whe
n th
e su
n is
low
in th
e sk
y at
sunr
ise a
nd
suns
et, m
otor
ists m
ay b
e bl
inde
d an
d no
t abl
e to
see
you
as y
ou ri
de.
Wat
ch fo
r car
s ahe
ad o
f you
and
com
ing
up
from
beh
ind.
Con
sider
diff
eren
t ro
utes
if y
ou ca
n du
ring
this
time.
Pr
epar
e yo
urse
lf fo
r car
s pu
lling
out
une
xpec
tedl
y in
to y
our p
ath.
24 B I C Y C L I S T S
Bic
ycl
ists
mu
st f
oll
ow
tra
ffic
law
s in
sch
oo
l zo
nes
B I C Y C L I S T S 25
Bicy
clist
s, ju
st li
ke d
river
s, m
ust n
ot g
o fa
ster
th
an 1
5 m
iles p
er h
our i
n a
scho
ol zo
ne w
hen
tem
pora
ry si
gns a
re in
pla
ce.
In a
dditi
on, a
cycl
ist ca
nnot
pas
s a m
otor
veh
icle
go
ing
in th
e sa
me
dire
ctio
n w
hen
in a
scho
ol
zone
. Thi
s app
lies e
ven
whe
n th
e cy
clist
is in
a
bike
lane
.
Follo
win
g sc
hool
zone
law
s can
kee
p yo
u fro
m
gett
ing
a tic
ket i
n ex
cess
of $
650.
Be
awar
e o
f b
ikes
Cycl
ists h
ave t
he sa
me l
egal
righ
t to
use t
he ro
ad as
mot
orist
s. S
ame r
oads
, sa
me
rule
s, sa
me
right
s an
d re
spon
sibili
ties.
Cycl
ists
can
lega
lly ri
de tw
o ab
reas
t on
the
road
way
and
in m
any
circ
umst
ance
s cy
clist
s ca
n us
e th
e en
tire
trav
el la
ne (A
.R.S
. 28-
815)
.
M O T O R I S T S26 M O T O R I S T S
5 ft
.
Yie
ld t
o b
ikes
wh
en t
urn
ing
th
rou
gh
gap
s
A sit
uatio
n w
hen
a mot
orist
allo
ws a
noth
er ca
r to
mak
e a le
ft tu
rn th
roug
h a
line
of c
ars c
an b
e ha
zard
ous t
o cy
clist
s. M
ake
your
turn
with
ext
rem
e ca
utio
n an
d yi
eld
to b
icyc
lists
.
27M O T O R I S T S
Be
wat
chfu
l at
inte
rsec
tio
ns
Whe
n ch
angi
ng la
nes,
turn
ing
left
or r
ight
, or p
ullin
g ou
t fro
m a
driv
eway
, be
aw
are
of c
yclis
ts a
nd y
ield
to th
em ju
st a
s yo
u w
ould
with
mot
orist
s. Cy
clist
s may
be
trav
ellin
g fa
ster
than
you
exp
ect,
so e
xerc
ise d
ue ca
utio
n.
YIEL
D
YIEL
D
28 M O T O R I S T S
Bik
e la
nes
are
fo
r b
ikes
Do
not d
rive
or p
ark
in b
ike
lane
s or o
n pa
ved
shou
lder
s. W
hen
turn
ing
right
, wai
t and
allo
w th
e cy
clis
t to
go th
roug
h th
e in
ters
ectio
n fir
st.
Be p
redi
ctab
le a
nd a
lway
s sig
nal y
our i
nten
tions
. Be
care
ful n
ot to
turn
in
fron
t of c
yclis
ts (A
.R.S
. 28-
815)
.
29M O T O R I S T S
Do
not u
se y
our h
orn
whe
n fo
llow
ing
a cy
clist
. A
sudd
en lo
ud b
last
from
a
horn
may
star
tle th
e cy
clist
and
cau
se h
im o
r her
to sw
erve
into
traffi
c.
The
driv
er ca
n be
cite
d fo
r cau
sing
a cr
ash.
Ho
rns
do
n’t
hel
p30 M O T O R I S T S
Saf
e p
assi
ng
is
the
law
The
law
requ
ires t
hat y
ou g
ive
at le
ast t
hree
feet
of c
lear
ance
whe
n yo
u pa
ss a
cyc
list (
A.R
.S. 2
8-73
5). S
low
dow
n an
d do
n’t p
ass a
cyc
list u
ntil
safe
to d
o so
. Whe
n po
ssib
le, p
leas
e gi
ve a
t lea
st fi
ve fe
et o
f cle
aran
ce.
Uns
afe
pass
ing
can
resu
lt in
a fi
ne o
fm
ore
than
$1,
250!
31M O T O R I S T S
5 ft
.re
com
men
ded
3 ft
.m
inim
um
Bu
ses
nee
d t
o a
llo
wfi
ve
feet
wh
enp
assi
ng
Whe
n on
road
way
s with
bus
/bik
e la
nes,
bus d
river
s nee
d to
pas
s cyc
lists
co
mpl
etel
y ou
t of t
he la
ne. T
he w
ind
draf
t cau
sed
by th
e bu
s ca
n st
artle
cy
clist
s or
eve
n kn
ock
them
sid
eway
s. Be
caus
e th
e en
gine
is in
the
rear
, cy
clist
s may
not
hea
r the
bus
app
roac
hing
from
beh
ind.
5 ft.
min
.
32 M O T O R I S T S
Giv
e ex
tra
roo
m n
ear
haz
ard
s
Slow
dow
n an
d pa
ss cy
clist
s car
eful
ly at
railr
oad
cros
sings
and
catt
legu
ards
, in
cons
truc
tion
zone
s, an
d in
poo
r wea
ther
cond
ition
s (A.
R.S.
28-7
35). W
atch
fo
r cyc
lists
sign
alin
g an
d m
ovin
g to
the
left
brie
fly in
ord
er to
safe
ly cr
oss
railr
oad
trac
ks (A
.R.S
. 28-
815)
.
33M O T O R I S T S
Lo
ok
bef
ore
op
enin
g y
ou
r d
oo
r
Ope
ning
your
car d
oor i
n a c
row
ded
area
can
be d
isast
rous
to a
cycl
ist ri
ding
al
ongs
ide
park
ed c
ars.
Driv
ers
are
lega
lly re
quire
d to
mak
e su
re it
’s sa
fe
befo
re o
peni
ng a
car d
oor i
nto
the
road
way
.St
reet
car d
river
s are
not
lega
lly ab
le to
pas
s cyc
lists
unl
ess t
here
is su
ffici
ent
safe
are
a to
pas
s with
a m
inim
um o
f thr
ee fe
et o
f cle
aran
ce.
34 M O T O R I S T S
stre
etca
r tra
cks
Pay
att
enti
on
to
th
e ro
ad, n
ot
to
yo
ur
ph
on
e
Acco
rdin
g to
nat
iona
l res
earc
h, yo
u ar
e fo
ur ti
mes
mor
e lik
ely
to h
ave
an au
tom
obile
cras
h if
you
use a
cell
phon
e w
hile
driv
ing.
For e
very
one’s
safe
ty, p
ull o
ver t
o a
safe
loca
tion
off th
e roa
d to
use
your
ce
ll ph
one.
35M O T O R I S T S
Giv
e a
cycl
ist
roo
m t
o m
aneu
ver
Assu
me
ther
e is
a go
od re
ason
for a
cycl
ist’s
posit
ion
in th
e ro
ad a
nd g
ive
them
ade
quat
e ro
om to
man
euve
r. Cy
clis
ts c
an m
ove
furt
her i
nto
the
trav
el la
ne d
ue to
haz
ards
, to
be m
ore
visi
ble
to d
rive
rs, o
r if t
he
lane
is to
o na
rrow
to s
afel
y sh
are
with
a v
ehic
le. (
A.R
.S. 2
8-81
5).
36 M O T O R I S T S
Giv
e ex
tra
roo
m w
hen
pas
sin
g
If yo
u ar
e dr
ivin
g a
larg
e ve
hicl
e su
ch a
s a
truc
k, R
V or
bus
, the
w
ind
push
ed o
ut fr
om th
e si
de c
an c
ause
a c
yclis
t to
cras
h. S
low
do
wn
and
whe
neve
r pos
sibl
e gi
ve a
full
lane
wid
th o
f cle
aran
ce.
(A.R
.S. 2
8-72
3, A
.R.S
. 28-
735)
.
Uns
afe
pass
ing
can
resu
lt in
a fi
ne o
f $5
00 to
$1,
000!
5 ft
. min
.12
ft. r
ecom
men
ded
pass
ing
dist
ance
37M O T O R I S T S
Bik
e la
ne
mer
gin
g a
cro
ss r
igh
t tu
rn o
nly
lan
eAs
a m
otor
ist, y
ou sh
ould
yie
ld to
bic
yclis
ts a
s the
y ap
proa
ch ri
ght
turn
onl
y/dr
op la
nes.
Wat
ch fo
r bic
yclis
ts w
ho m
erge
left
war
d as
they
ap
proa
ch th
e rig
ht tu
rn o
nly
lane
.
38 M O T O R I S T S
YIEL
D!
Deb
ris cr
eate
s haz
ardo
us
cond
ition
s and
forc
es cy
clist
s in
to th
e tr
avel
lane
.W
hen
haul
ing
tras
h or
oth
er
obje
cts,
prop
erly
secu
reyo
ur lo
ads.
Don
’t lit
ter!
Deb
ris i
n th
e bi
ke la
nes i
s dan
gero
us.
Hel
p k
eep
tra
sho
ut
of
the
bik
e la
nes
39M O T O R I S T S
Whe
n at
tem
ptin
g to
pas
s ve
hicl
es o
n a
narr
ow
two-
lane
road
, wat
ch o
ut fo
r bik
es co
min
g in
the
oppo
site
dire
ctio
n!
Wat
ch f
or
bik
es w
hen
try
ing
to
pas
s o
n t
wo
-lan
e ro
ads
Yiel
d to
cyc
lists
as
you
wou
ld to
onc
omin
g ve
hicl
es a
nd d
o no
t pa
ss if
it’
s un
safe
. Alw
ays
expe
ct th
at b
icyc
lists
may
be
on th
e ro
adw
ay, e
ven
in
rura
l are
as.
DO N
OT
PASS
!
40 M O T O R I S T S
Su
nri
se a
nd
su
nse
t m
ake
it
diffi
cult
to
see
bic
ycl
ists
an
d p
edes
tria
ns
Whe
n th
e su
n is
low
in th
e sk
y at
sunr
ise a
nd
suns
et, y
ou m
ay b
e bl
inde
d an
d no
t abl
e to
see
bicy
clist
s, pe
dest
rians
and
dog
w
alke
rs in
the
road
way
. Co
ntro
l you
r spe
ed a
nd b
e ca
utio
us
until
cond
ition
s im
prov
e.Be
esp
ecia
lly ca
refu
l ar
ound
cros
swal
ks.
41M O T O R I S T S
42 ARIZONA BICYCLE LAWS
28-723. Overtaking a vehicle on the leftThe driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left of the vehicle at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.
28-735. Overtaking bicycles; civil penaltiesA. When overtaking and passing a bicycle proceeding
in the same direction, a person driving a motor vehicle shall exercise due care by leaving a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three feet until the motor vehicle is safely past the overtaken bicycle.
B. If a person violates this section and the violation results in a collision causing:
1. Serious physical injury as defined in section13-105 to another person, the violator is subject to a civil penalty of up to five hundred dollars.
2. Death to another person, the violator is subject to a civil penalty of up to one thousand dollars.
C. Subsection B of this section does not apply to a bicyclist who is injured in a vehicular traffic lane when a designated bicycle lane or path is present and passable.
28-756. Method of giving hand and arm signalsA. Except as provided by subsection B, a person shall
give all hand and arm signals required by this article from the left side of the vehicle in the following manner, and the signals shall indicate as follows:
1. Left turn. Hand and arm extended horizontally. 2. Right turn. Hand and arm extended upward. 3. Stop or decrease speed. Hand and arm
extended downward.B. A person operating a bicycle may give a right
turn signal by extending the right hand and arm horizontally to the right side of the bicycle.
28-811. Parent and guardian responsibility; applicability of articleA. The parent of a child and the guardian of a ward
shall not authorize or knowingly permit the child or ward to violate this chapter.
B. Except as otherwise provided in this article, this chapter applies to a bicycle when it is operated on a highway or on a path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
43ARIZONA BICYCLE LAWS
28-812. Applicability of traffic laws to bicycle ridersA person riding a bicycle on a roadway or on a shoulder adjoining a roadway is granted all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter and chapters 4 and 5 of this title, except special rules in this article and except provisions of this chapter and chapters 4 and 5 of this title that by their nature can have no application.
28-813. Riding on bicyclesA. A person propelling a bicycle shall not ride other
than on or astride a permanent and regular seat attached to the bicycle.
B. A person shall not use a bicycle to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.
28-814. Clinging to vehicleA person riding on a bicycle, coaster, sled or toy vehicle or on roller skates shall not attach the bicycle, coaster, sled, toy vehicle or roller skates or that person to a vehicle on a roadway.
44 ARIZONA BICYCLE LAWS
28-815. Riding on roadway and bicycle path; bicycle path usageA. A person riding a bicycle on a roadway at less
than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except under any of the following situations:
1. If overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction. 2. If preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. 3. If reasonably necessary to avoid conditions, including fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals or surface hazards. 4. If the lane in which the person is operating the bicycle is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.B. Persons riding bicycles on a roadway shall not
ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
45ARIZONA BICYCLE LAWS
C. A path or lane that is designated as a bicycle path or lane by state or local authorities is for the exclusive use of bicycles even though other uses are permitted pursuant to subsection D or are otherwise permitted by state or local authorities.
D. A person shall not operate, stop, park or leave standing a vehicle in a path or lane designated as a bicycle path or lane by a state or local authority except in the case of emergency or for crossing the path or lane to gain access to a public or private road or driveway.
E. Subsection D does not prohibit the use of the path or lane by the appropriate local authority.
28-816. Carrying article on bicycleA person shall not carry a package, bundle or article while operating a bicycle if the package, bundle or article prevents the driver from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars.
28-817. Bicycle equipmentA. A bicycle that is used at nighttime shall have a
lamp on the front that emits a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the front and a red reflector on the rear of a type that is approved by the department and that is visible
46 ARIZONA BICYCLE LAWS
from all distances from fifty feet to three hundred feet to the rear when the reflector is directly in front of lawful upper beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle. A bicycle may have a lamp that emits a red light visible from a distance of five hundred feet to the rear in addition to the red reflector.
B. A person shall not operate a bicycle that is equipped with a siren or whistle.
C. A bicycle shall be equipped with a brake that enables the operator to make the braked wheels skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
10.43.010 Requirement for helmet use.No person under eighteen years of age shall ride a bicycle or be a passenger on a bicycle, ride in a restraining seat attached to a bicycle, or ride in a trailer towed by a bicycle unless that person is wear-ing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet which meets the current standards of the American National Standards Institute for protective headgear. (Ord. 1995-12 § 1 (part), 1995)
47ARIZONA BICYCLE LAWS
PIMA COUNTY BICYCLE LAWS
10.43.030 Civil penalties.Any person in violation of this chapter shall be found guilty of a civil infraction and be required to pay a minimum fine of fifty dollars that cannot be sus-pended except pursuant to Section 10.43.040. (Ord. 1995-12 § 1 (part), 1995)
10.43.040 Waiver of fine.The penalty provided in this section for a violation of Section10.43.010 may be waived if an offender pres-ents purchased or otherwise obtained since the time of the violation and that the minor uses or intends to use said helmet whenever required to do so by this chapter. (Ord. 1995-12 § 1 (part),1995)
48 PIMA COUNTY BICYCLE LAWS
SEC. 5-1. Parking of bicycles. It shall be unlawful to park a bicycle upon any public sidewalk or street in a manner that substantially impedes pedestrian or vehicular traffic or obstructs access to public or private facilities.
SEC. 5-2. Riding on sidewalks and pedestrian paths, and through underpasses. A. It shall be unlawful to ride a bicycle on any public
sidewalks, or upon a designated pedestrian path in any public park, unless signs are posted specifically permitting bicycling.
B. It shall be unlawful to ride a bicycle through any underpass when signs are posted prohibiting bicycling.
SEC. 20-29. (1). Bicycle helmets. No person under eighteen (18) years of age shall ride a bicycle or be a passenger on a bicycle, ride in a restraining seat attached to a bicycle, or ride in a trailer towed by a bicycle unless that person is wear-ing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet which meets the current standards of the American National Standards.
49TUCSON BICYCLE LAWS
Running stop signs First offense, potential points against license or revoking of license (driver or cyclist). .....................from $187 to $225
Running stop lights First offense, potential points against license or revoking of license (driver or cyclist). .....................from $283 to $335
Riding at night without a headlight and rear red reflector ..............................................from $118 to $197 A rear, red taillight in addition to the rear reflector is permitted by law and is recommended.
Riding on a sidewalk City of Tucson only ........................................................ from $91
The following is a listing of selected laws and associated fines that apply to motorists and bicyclists. Fine amounts vary by jurisdiction.
50 LOCAL TRAFFIC FINES
Riding on the wrong side of the roadway Against the flow of traffic .........................from $118 to $197
Failure to yield By driver to a cyclist or pedestrian ........from $187 to $225
Failure to wear bicycle helmet By a child under age of 18 ........................from $116 to $127
Unsafe passing of a bicyclist By a driver................................................... from $145 to $1,263
Bicycling more than two abreast .... from $118 to $197
Speeding in a school zone By a driver or a cyclist ................................from $293 to $657
Failure by driver or cyclist to yield to pedestrian in school crossing .................................from $293 to $657
Driver stopping, standing or parking in bike lane or paved shoulder .....................from $118 to $225
Bicyclist operating a motorized bicycle at 20 mph or higher .............................. from $113 to $1,263
51LOCAL TRAFFIC FINES
Local governments and programs for cyclists: Marana Bicycle Coordinator ..................................... 382-2612
Oro Valley Bicycle Coordinator ................................ 229-5057
Pima Assoc. of Gov’ts Bicycle Coordinator .......... 792-1093
Pima County Bicycle & Pedestrian Program .........724-BIKE
Sahuarita Bicycle Coordinator ................................. 822-8824
South Tucson Bicycle Coordinator ......................... 792-2424
Tucson Bicycle and Pedestrian Program .............. 791-4371
Tucson-Pima County Bicycle Advisory Committee ......................................724-BIKE
USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
52 LOCAL TRAFFIC FINESThe preceding section is a listing of relevant Arizona, Pima County and City of Tucson laws as of January 2015. Additional civil and criminal traffic laws may apply to bicyclists, motorists and pedestrians throughout Arizona.
This booklet does not constitute a legal standard. Refer to Arizona Revised Statutes and to local traffic ordinances.
Report road maintenance needs to:Arizona DOT Street Maintenance ........................... 388-4200
Marana Streets Department ..................................... 382-2500
Oro Valley Street Maintenance ................................ 229-5070
Pima County Street Maintenance ........................... 740-2639
Sahuarita Public Works ............................................... 344-7100
South Tucson Public Works ....................................... 792-2424
Tucson Street Maintenance ...................................... 791-3154
Tucson Police Road Rage Hotline .............235-RAGE (7243) To report aggressive drivers.
53USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
Six ways to make bike commuting easier!1. Pick the bike that’s right for your ride. Mountain
bikes were designed for the dirt and are much slower than road bikes or hybrids.
2. Drive to work on Monday with a week’s worth of clothing. You can fight wrinkles and lighten your load.
3. Use the bike racks on city buses to shorten your ride and give you a bailout on rainy days.
4. Got light? You need a bright headlight and at least one red flasher on the back. You may get stuck at work or school later than you planned. It’s a $197 ticket if you’re caught riding at night without a light.
5. Pick a good route. Major streets can be intimidat-ing for newer riders. Try different routes through neighborhoods and on paths.
6. Ride flat free. There are many products to help you fight flats, including tire sealant, tire liners and puncture resistant tires.
We have classes for all types of riders, from beginners to racers.
You’ll get Biker Bucks good for a free helmet, free front and rear bike lights and a free high-quality bike lock. Call for details.
Call 243-BIKE to learn more or to sign-up.Visit www.BikePed.pima.gov
1. Pick the bike that’s right for your ride. Mountain bikes were designed for the dirt and are much slower than road bikes or hybrids.
2. Drive to work on Monday with a week’s worth of clothing. You can fight wrinkles and lighten your load.
3. Use the bike racks on city buses to shorten your ride and give you a bailout on rainy days.
4. Got light? You need a bright headlight and at least one red flasher on the back. You may get stuck at work or school later than you planned. It’s a $184 ticket if you’re caught riding at night without a light.
5. Pick a good route. Major streets can be intimidating for newer riders. Try different routes through neighborhoods and on paths.
6. Ride flat free. There are many products to help you fight flats, including tire sealant, tire liners and puncture resistant tires.
Available FREE at your local bike shopor online at www.bikeped.pima.gov
FIND YOUR WAY!
Includes Tucson, South Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Sahuarita and Eastern Pima County
with the new
Tucson MetroBike Map
Tenemos clases para todo tipo de ciclistas, desde principiantes a corredores.
Usted recibirá Biker Bucks canjeable por un casco, luces de bicicleta, y candado de alta calidad gratis.
Para más detalles o para inscribirse llame al 243-BIKE o visite www.BikePed.pima.gov
Disponible GRATIS en tiendas de bicicletaso en línea: www.bikeped.pima.gov
¡ENCUENTRE SU RUTA!
Incluye Tucson, South Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Sahuarita y el Este del Condado de Pima
Con el nuevo
Mapa Ciclista de Tucson
¡Clases de Bicicleta para Todos!
Patrocinado por el Programa de Ciclistas y Peatones del Condado Pima.
SEIS MANERAS para facilitar su viajeal trabajo en bicicleta
1. Obtenga la bicicleta adecuada. Las bicicletas de montaña fueron diseñadas para los caminos de tierra y son mucho más lentas que una bicicleta de ruta o híbrida.
2. Utilice su carro para ir al trabajo el lunes y llévese la ropa necesaria para el resto de la semana. Puede evitar ropa arrugada y de aligerar su carga.
3. Utilice los porta-bicicletas en los autobuses públicos para acortar la distancia y tener otra opción en caso de lluvia.
4. ¿Tiene luces? Todos deben tener una luz blanca frontal y una luz roja trasera. Quizá salga más tarde de lo planeado del trabajo o la escuela. Una multa por circular de noche sin luces le podría costar $184 dólares.
5. Escoja una buena ruta. Las calles principales pueden intimidar a los ciclistas novatos. Intente diferentes rutas en calles residenciales o en senderos.
6. Evite llantas ponchadas. Existen varios productos para proteger sus llantas, incluyendo, selladores de llantas, revestimientos de neumáticos y llantas resistentes a las pinchaduras.
Bike Classes for Everyone!
Sponsored by the Pima County Bicycle and Pedestrian Program
We have classes for all types of riders, from beginners to racers.
You’ll get Biker Bucks good for a free helmet, free front and rear bike lights, a free multi-tool and a free bicycle U- lock.
Call 724-BIKE to learn more or to sign-up.
Visit www.BikePed.pima.gov
Find your way!with the new
Pima County Regional Bike MapIncludes Eastern Pima County, Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita, South Tucson and Tucson.
Available FREE at local bike shops or online at www.bikeped.pima.gov
To get involved, call 724-BIKE or visit us at:
www.BikeTucson.Pima.gov
Our VisionOur vision is to have safe and viable bicycling across
our diverse community.
Our MissionThe Tucson-Pima County Bicycle Advisory Committee serves in
an advisory capacity to local governments on issues relating to bicycle recreation, transportation and safety.
© 2015, 5th Edition Created by the Pima County Bicycle & Pedestrian
Program, Matthew Zoll, Program Manager
www.BikePed.Pima.gov
Design & illustration by David Burnham, Pima County Communications Office
Pima County Board of Supervisors
Sharon Bronson, Chair, District 3 Ally Miller, District 1
Ramón Valadez, District 2Raymond J. Carroll, District 4
Richard Elías, District 5
County Administrator, Chuck Huckelberry
This booklet has been funded by