Politely Adirondack Bike and Car Etiquette

Politely Adirondack Bike and Car Etiquette

Be Politely Adirondack and Follow Bike and Car Etiquette

The Adirondacks offer a lot of adventures for everyone, from scenic drives to cycling tours. Whether you’re on a bike, hog, car, or RV, we know you want to enjoy your time in the Adirondacks. Just as we share beaches and hiking trails, we share roadways, too. Here are some rules of the road and suggestions to ensure everyone has fun, safely.

Laws - What we all need to know

  • Bicycles are considered vehicles just like cars and obey the same laws.
  • Cyclists may ride two or more abreast if space is available but must go single file when being overtaken by a vehicle.
  • Cyclists should ride as close to the right-side edge/curb as possible, but they are not required to ride in a designated bike lane or shoulder if it is not safe to do so (condition of pavement, too narrow, etc.)
  • Bicycles are not required to travel at a minimum speed.

So what does this mean for you?

If you’re a motorist

  • Give cyclists at least three feet of room when passing.
  • A cyclist may not realize you’re behind them; a light tap on the horn is sufficient to notify them.
  • Be patient with cyclists and only pass them when it is safe to do so. It’s your responsibility to wait until it is safe.
  • Be aware of the road conditions that the cyclist is encountering and allow them time to safely get to the right edge of the road so you can safely pass them.

If you’re a cyclist

  • You are allowed to ride 2 (or more) abreast when it is safe to do so, but you must get over to single file when being passed by another vehicle.
  • When a motorist taps their horn to alert you to their presence, be sure to get single file and as close to the edge of the road as is safe.
  • Use common sense! When riding on a busy or narrow road, stay single file the whole time.
  • Ride on the shoulder or designated bike lane when it is safe to do so, and always be aware of motorists approaching from behind, giving as much room for safe passage as possible.
  • Don’t roll stop signs or lights. You’re operating a vehicle too and all traffic signs and signals apply.

Laws of the road

We encourage you to learn more about the specific laws regarding bike and car safety in New York. The New York Bicycling Coalition has put together an excellent summary of key laws to help everyone share the road in a safe way.

As you enjoy the amazing Adirondack landscape, be safe, have fun, and share the road.