Illuminated turn signals and brake lights are mandatory on all motor vehicles. Even e-bikes and e-scooters often have built-in lights for communicating with others on the road.
Standard, human-powered bicycles generally do not have any lighting. They can be difficult to spot during nighttime, transitional times of day and overcast weather. Drivers may not notice when cyclists attempt to communicate their intentions in traffic due to the lack of illuminated turn signals and brake lights.
There are aftermarket systems available for avid cyclists to install on their vehicles that work much like traditional vehicle turn signals. Are those systems mandatory for cyclists who ride on the road?
The law does not require aftermarket accessories
State statutes regulate the conduct of cyclists in traffic. They must follow the same laws as everyone else, including the obligation to communicate their intent to others in traffic. They do not need to purchase and maintain aftermarket accessories to achieve that goal.
The law allows for the use of simple hand signals to indicate the intent to turn or stop. Motorists should monitor cyclists and respond appropriately to signals advising of an upcoming deceleration or turn. Cyclists who use hand signals have the same rights as drivers who use the built-in systems in their vehicles. They can hold motorists accountable for ignoring their attempts at communication and causing bicycle collisions.
Drivers are responsible for monitoring their surroundings and ensuring that they understand the signals used by cyclists in traffic. If they ignore cyclists or fail to properly interpret their hand signals, they may be responsible for any crash they cause. Understanding the laws that apply to cyclists on the road can help those injured in car-bicycle collisions recognize when a driver may be liable for their losses.