Helena’s Bicycle Laws: http://www.bikewalkhelena.org/safety-tips/helenas-bicycle-laws/

For Bicyclists Download the Rules for Cyclists

• Wear a helmet and wear it properly- Protect a very precious asset. Nobody expects to fall, but it happens to everyone. 75% of the annual 100 deaths from bicycle crashes are due to serious head injuries.
• Ride with traffic, not against it
• Use designated bike lanes when available
• Be visible
  • Use front and backlights. At night cyclist need to have both a visible white front light and a red rear facing light
  • Wear light-colored or reflective clothing
• Be clear and predictable
  • Signal for lane changes and turns
  • Never pass on the right
  • Warn pedestrians if you will be passing from behind
• Avoid trouble-Always scan ahead for hazards
  • Stay out of the “door zone. Be far enough away (3ft) from parked cars to avoid being hit by a sudden door opening.
  • Check for traffic before entering any street or intersection. Remember driveways are intersections too!
  • Ride defensively, be aware of traffic movement
• Be Polite
  • Yield to pedestrians You cannot ride on sidewalks in business districts or if you are over the age 14.
  • Obey all traffic rules including signs, signals, and lane markings.
  • Never steal the right away. If you are forced to take the lane to safely navigate a narrow road, make sure you move over as soon as possible to let drivers stuck behind you pass.
  • Travel in a single-file straight line
  • Apologize if you make an error
  • Give a wave of thanks to someone who does something nice for you

For Drivers Download the Rules for Motorists Flier

• Keep a lookout
  • Watch for pedestrians and cyclists at all times. Always expect cyclist on the road
  • Be aware of crosswalks and bike lanes
  • Look carefully behind your vehicle before backing up
  • Watch for cyclists and pedestrians when exiting driveways and alleys
  • Yield to pedestrians within a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection
  • Obey all traffic laws, signals, and signs.
  • Always signal your intent.
  • Do not block, or park in crosswalks or bike lanes
  • Vehicles may not be driven or parked in a bicycle lane that is signed and delineated as a bicycling lane.
• Be patient
  • Drive the speed limit. Reduce speed when encountering cyclists if needed
  • Never pass or overtake a vehicle that is stopped for pedestrian
  • Ensure safe conditions before passing a cyclist, allowing adequate space between you and the cyclist. Don’t pass if it is not safe.
  • Come to a complete stop at STOP signs
  • Be extra careful around children playing near the street or older pedestrians who may not see or hear you.
• Be courteous
  • Do not honk to communicate with a bicyclist or pedestrian. A sudden reaction my cause a cyclist to crash or veer into traffic.
  • Do not follow closely behind a bicyclist
  • Realize motor vehicles create turbulence and recognize hazardous conditions that may affect cyclists

For Pedestrians

• Stay smart and alert
  • Always stay on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk then walk facing traffic.
  • Never assume a vehicle will stop.
  • Listen carefully for engine noise and look for backup lights in parking lots and near on-street parking spaces
  • Be careful when crossing
  • Used marked crosswalks or intersections whenever possible.
  • Obey traffic and pedestrian signals
  • Look both ways before you cross any street even if there is a pedestrian signal
  • At multi-lane crossings, look across all lanes. Just because one motorist stops, do not assume drivers in other lanes will stop as well.
  • Don’t wear headphones or talk on a cellphone when crossing
  • Watch for turning vehicles Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars or other obstacles before crossing so drivers can see you.
  • Stand out, especially at night. Wear bright/light-colored clothing and/or reflective materials.
  • Cross in well lit areas
  • Carry a flashlight