In the course of representing injured cyclists throughout Connecticut, the cyclist rights attorneys at Mills & Cahill, LLC, have advocated for bike safety and the rules of the road in many different scenarios. We have listed below some of the basic rights cyclists have under Connecticut law.

Basic Rights For Bicyclists Under Connecticut Law

• 3-foot passing law. Section 14-232 of the Connecticut General Statutes now provides that a car overtaking a bicycle shall pass to the left at a safe distance of at least three feet. The link to the full public act is: http://www.cga.ct.gov/2008/ACT/PA/2008PA-00101-R00HB-05746-PA.htm
• Helmet law. Section 14-286d of the Connecticut General Statutes requires that all children riding a bicycle in Connecticut wear a helmet. Also, anyone renting a bike to children age 16 or younger must provide helmets.
• Hand signal law. Section 14-286c of the Connecticut General Statutes provides that cyclists can use hand signals to signal the intent to make a left or right turn.
• Equal rights with motorists law. Section 14-286a of the Connecticut General Statutes provides that cyclists have all of the same rights and obligations of people driving cars in Connecticut.
• Duty of motorists to avoid cyclists. Section 14-300d of the Connecticut General Statutes provides that operators of motor vehicles are obligated to avoid cyclists.
• Cross-walk law. Section 14-286a(b) provides that cyclists, while crossing the street within a cross-walk, have all of the same rights and duties as pedestrians, and may have the right of way over motor vehicles.
• The complete streets law. After October 1, 2010, all transportation projects must provide for all road users, including cyclists and walkers. The law also established an 11 member Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board. The DOT Commissioner will have to provide an annual report that summarizes all transportation projects and indicates what percentage of transportation funds have been spent on improving bicycle access.

We Are Here For You

If you have any specific questions, or would like more information please feel free to contact us by email or at 203-776-4500, or visit our pages on bicycle safety and accidents.