
Whether you’re driving a car or riding a bike in Arizona, it’s important to know the rules of the road. Since there is a significant disparity between bicycles and larger vehicles, accidents can result in particularly severe consequences for cyclists. When an automobile collides with a bike, for example, the car and driver typically experience minor damage while the bicycle victim will experience injuries ranging from broken bones and road rash to traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage depending on the speed and force of impact. Any bicycle accident lawyer will tell you that understanding bike law in Arizona is important and will keep you safe.
Bicyclists share many of the same rules and responsibilities as drivers do while navigating Arizona roadways. Let’s review some of the most important bike laws and safety tips together.
Bicyclists Rights in Arizona
When you’re on a bike in Arizona, the law treats you like any other vehicle. That means you’ve got the same rights on the road as motorists, but you also carry the same responsibilities.
According to the Arizona Traffic Code, a person riding a bike has the same rights as drivers. Regardless of whether they’re on the roadway itself or its shoulder, bicycle riders must travel in the same direction (and corresponding lanes) as traffic, obey signals, give pedestrians the right of way, and use bike lanes whenever possible. Just like a car must come to a complete stop at a red light, so must a bicycle.
Bicyclists Have the Right to the Road
Cyclists are allowed on most Arizona roads, just like cars. You can ride in the traffic lane or on the shoulder, but whichever you choose, you must:
- Travel in the same direction as traffic
- Obey all traffic signals and signs
- Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks
- Use bike lanes where available, unless turning, avoiding a hazard, or passing.
Drivers must treat you like any other vehicle. They can’t crowd you, cut you off, or ignore your space.
Bicyclists Must Follow the Rules, Too
Arizona law holds cyclists to the same standards as drivers. That includes:
- Stopping at red lights and stop signs
- Using proper hand signals when turning or slowing
- Keeping at least one hand on the handlebars — no overloaded backpacks or bags that interfere with safe riding
- Making safe, legal left-hand turns by moving to the left side of the lane when needed.
Sharing the Road with Other Cyclists
You can ride side by side with another cyclist — up to two across — as long as it doesn’t block traffic. If traffic is building behind you, it’s recommended to ride single file to avoid dangerous situations
Ride on Sidewalk: It Depends on Where You Are
Arizona law doesn’t ban sidewalk riding statewide, but local rules apply, and they vary. In some cities, like parts of Tempe, you’ll find dismount zones where sidewalk riding isn’t allowed. Always check for signs or local ordinances before riding on sidewalks.
Gear Up: Equipment That Keeps You Legal
Cyclists riding at night must have:
- A white front headlamp visible from 500 feet
- A rear red reflector visible from 50 to 300 feet
- Working brakes capable of stopping on dry, level pavement.
Helmets: Strongly Recommended, Sometimes Required
There’s no state-wide helmet law for adults in Arizona. But for riders under 18:
- Tucson, Pima County, Sierra Vista, and Yuma require helmets by law
Regardless of the law, we always recommend wearing a helmet. After the accidents we’ve seen, it’s a simple, life-saving choice.
What Arizona Bicycle Law Says: Breaking Down the Statutes That Protect Cyclists
When you’re pedaling through Arizona, whether it’s your morning commute, a joyride with friends, or a training session for your next race, it’s not just good sense to know the rules, but it’s your legal armor. Arizona’s traffic laws aren’t vague suggestions. They’re written into the Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS), and they exist to keep you safe.
Let’s break down a few of the most important ones every cyclist should have in their back pocket:
- ARS 28-735 — The Safe Passing Law
Drivers in Arizona are legally required to leave at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicycle traveling in the same direction. Sounds simple, right? But here’s the thing — failure to give that space is one of the leading contributors to serious cycling crashes in cities like Phoenix and Tucson. Data from the Arizona Department of Transportation shows that in 2022 alone, over 1,000 bicycle-involved crashes occurred statewide, many of them involving unsafe passing or motorists misjudging space. - ARS 28-812 — Cyclists Have the Same Rights (And Responsibilities)
This one makes it crystal clear: when you’re on a bike, the law treats you like any other vehicle. That means you have the right to occupy the lane, follow traffic signals, and expect drivers to respect your space — but you also carry the responsibility to ride predictably and lawfully. - ARS 28-101(56) — Yes, E-Bikes Count Too
The law now defines electric bicycles, breaking them down into three classes based on speed and power. Whether you ride a traditional bike or an e-bike, knowing where you’re legally allowed to be — and where you’re not — is key to staying safe and avoiding tickets.
Except, state-wide laws, there are also local regulations on driving on bicycle.
Local Rules That Could Catch You Off Guard
Arizona’s statewide laws lay the foundation, but here’s where it gets tricky: each city, county, and even neighborhood might layer on their own rules. And those local ordinances? They can seriously change the game.
Phoenix
Cyclists in Phoenix can legally ride on sidewalks unless there’s a posted sign prohibiting it. But keep in mind — just because it’s legal doesn’t always mean it’s the safest option, especially in crowded downtown areas where pedestrians dominate the space.
Tempe
Tempe is bike-friendly, but they’re strict when it comes to shared spaces. There are designated “walk zones” near Arizona State University where you must dismount and walk your bike — something many out-of-towners get ticketed for when they don’t know the rules.
Tucson and Pima County
Helmet laws apply here for riders under 18. While the state doesn’t mandate helmets universally, these local rules are strictly enforced. And with Tucson ranking as one of the top cycling cities in the state, but also reporting a higher-than-average rate of bike crashes, taking precautions isn’t just smart, it’s life-saving.
Common Violations and What They Can Cost You
We’ve seen it too many times — cyclists trying to do the right thing, but getting ticketed (or worse, injured) because of a simple misstep or misunderstanding of the rules. On the flip side, careless drivers breaking bike safety laws are often the reason for this. Let’s walk through some of the most common bicycle-related violations across Arizona and the consequences that come with them:
- Ignoring Traffic Signals
Rolling through stop signs or red lights on a bike? It might feel harmless, but Arizona law (ARS 28-812) applies to cyclists just like drivers. A ticket for running a red light can run you up to $250, and worse, it puts you at serious risk for a crash. - Riding the Wrong Way
Cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic. Riding against traffic isn’t just dangerous, it’s illegal and one of the top factors in bike-vehicle collisions statewide. - Not Using Lights at Night
Skip the headlamp or rear reflector? That’s a violation under ARS 28-817, and police enforce it, especially in cities like Tempe and Tucson. Beyond the ticket, riding invisible after dark puts you at serious risk. Nearly 50% of bike fatalities in Arizona happen at night, often because drivers simply don’t see cyclists. - Distracted or Unsafe Riding
Carrying large items that prevent you from keeping both hands on the handlebars? Not signaling your turns? These infractions might seem minor but they can lead to citations, and more importantly, leave you vulnerable in traffic.
And drivers aren’t off the hook. Arizona’s Three-Foot Passing Law (ARS 28-735) makes it illegal for motorists to pass cyclists without enough space. Violators can face fines, and if a crash results, they’re looking at legal liability and potential civil claims.
Bicycle safety tips That Works (That the Law Doesn’t Always Say)
Arizona’s bike laws set the groundwork. But after representing injured cyclists across the state, we’ve seen what actually makes the difference, and the research backs it up.
- Helmets Save Lives — That’s Not a Debate
We’ve handled enough head injury cases to tell you: whether it’s a quick ride to the store or your daily commute, a helmet is your best defense. According to the CDC, helmets reduce the risk of serious head injury by nearly 60% and the risk of death by up to 37%. It’s a small choice that can save everything. - Be Seen, Or Risk Being Invisible
Bright clothing, reflective gear, and lights are proven. A study from the British Medical Journal found that cyclists wearing high-visibility clothing and lights were significantly less likely to be involved in a crash, especially in low-light conditions. - Ride Like No One Sees You
Here’s the hard truth: distracted drivers are everywhere. In Arizona alone, the Department of Transportation reported over 1,000 bicycle-related crashes in 2022, with many linked to driver inattention. Ride defensively. Assume drivers don’t see you, even when they should. - Know the Local Rules — They Change Block by Block
Sidewalk riding, helmet laws for minors, dismount zones, it all depends on where you are. In cities like Tempe and Tucson, not knowing the local ordinances can get you ticketed, or worse, land you in a dangerous situation. A quick check before you ride keeps you protected.
Check more safety tips in the Bike Book published by ADOT
What If You’ve Been in a Bicycle Accident?
It doesn’t matter how careful you are — when you’re sharing the road with distracted drivers, heavy traffic, or unsafe conditions, accidents happen. And when they do, it’s the cyclist who takes the hit — literally.
If you’ve been in a bicycle crash in Arizona, here’s what matters most:
- Get medical care, even for what feels “minor.”
Road rash, concussions, hidden fractures — we’ve seen injuries that didn’t show symptoms until hours or days later. Protect your health first. - Report the crash.
Call the police. Get an official report. Take photos of the scene, your bike, your injuries. It’s all evidence that matters later. - Don’t argue with insurance alone.
Insurance companies love to downplay bike crashes. They’ll blame you, minimize your injuries, or pressure you into a quick settlement that doesn’t cover your real costs. That’s where we step in.
We’ve helped cyclists across Arizona get justice after bike accidents — from Phoenix to Tucson and everywhere in between. Here’s what our bicycle accident lawyers do:
- Investigate the crash, gather evidence, and document exactly what happened
- Hold at-fault drivers accountable, whether they broke the Three-Foot Law, failed to yield, or weren’t paying attention
- Negotiate with insurance companies, so you don’t get lowballed or blamed
- Take your case to court if needed, fighting for fair compensation for your medical bills, lost income, bike repairs, and pain
The law protects cyclists, but it doesn’t enforce itself. That’s our job.
Hurt on your bike? Confused about your rights? Call us. Let us fight for you, so you can focus on healing and getting back on the road.