If I Ride A Bike in Wyoming, What Are My Rights?

Like many states, Wyoming law considers bikes vehicles. Bikers on the roadway have the same rights and responsibilities as cars and other automobiles using the roads. Thus, cars must share the road with bikers. 

But bikers must also ride responsibly and follow the applicable driving laws, including: 

• Giving the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks,
• Obeying traffic signals,
• Not riding while intoxicated or on drugs, and
• Any other applicable driving laws.  

Wyoming also has laws that apply specifically to bicyclists. The descriptions below provide an overview of the most common biking laws.

If you are involved in a bike accident, you should speak with an experienced bike accident lawyer so you can understand your legal rights. An attorney can help explain these laws and how they may apply to your case.

Biking On Roads and Paths 

Wyoming law allows bikers to use the roadways as would a car or other automobile. When a biker rides on the road, the biker must stay as far to the right side of the road as possible.

Although the law defines bikes as vehicles, bikes do not have motors and thus may be used on paths and sidewalks. 

Bike Helmet Laws 

Wyoming does not require bikers to wear helmets. However, biking can be very dangerous, and bike accidents often involve serious injuries. Bikers who do not wear helmets face a much higher risk of serious head injury or death. You should always wear a helmet while riding a bike.

Bike Equipment Laws 

All bikes in Wyoming must have the following equipment:

• If biking at night, a front, white-colored light that can shine at least 500 feet,
• A rear, red-colored light or reflector visible from 600 feet, and
• A working brake.

Bike lights, especially at night, provide significant safety benefits to bikers and help prevent bike accidents. The most common bike accidents occur at night because a car cannot or does not see a biker. You should always have lights on your bike to help protect yourself and avoid an accident. 

Bike Passing Laws 

Wyoming passed a law called the vulnerable users law that requires cars to stay at least three feet from bikers at all times.

If a vehicle cannot pass a bike without getting closer than three feet to the biker, the car may not pass until it is safe to do so. Cars must respect bikers’ rights to use the road and must use caution when passing bikes.

Common Types of Bike Accidents

The Right Hook 

One of the most common types of accidents, a right hook, occurs when a car passes a biker on the left and then makes a quick turn to the right in front of the biker. 

The Right and Left Cross 

These accidents are probably the most common types of bike accidents. A right cross happens when a car or other automobile pulls out from the right in front of an oncoming biker.

The left cross occurs when an oncoming vehicle turns left in front of or into an oncoming biker. 

Accidents From Behind 

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), approximately 45% of bike accidents occur when a vehicle is traveling in the same direction as a biker.

You should always stay alert when riding a bike. You can also help avoid accidents from behind by wearing bright, reflective clothing and using bright lights when riding at night. 

Do I Need A Bike Accident Lawyer? 

Bike accidents can cause severe injuries and lead to hardship and stress. If you suffered injuries in a bike accident, you might be entitled to financial compensation.

But filing a legal claim can cause additional stress, especially when insurance companies are involved. A qualified bike accident attorney can help handle the pressure of managing your case and will provide you with the legal advice and support you need. 

A skilled bicycle accident attorney can help you by:

• Saving you time by gathering reports, documents, and other important materials for your case;
• Achieving higher settlements through negotiation with the opposing party and insurance companies;
• Speaking with attorneys, police, and the court on your behalf; and 
• Representing you in court if your case needs to go to trial. 

The bike accident attorneys at Platte River Injury Law have extensive experience representing clients involved in bike accidents. Our team has won significant damages awards for our clients, and we fight diligently on our clients’ behalf.

Our dedicated staff will thoroughly investigate your claim, build a strong legal case, and help you get the compensation you deserve. 

Contact A Qualified Bike Accident Attorney Today

If you were involved in a bike accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact the experienced bike accident lawyers at Platte River Injury Law today.

We provide free legal consultation and will answer your questions to help you understand your legal rights. Contact our offices at 307-224-9378 or fill out an online form today.