Cycling safety in Delaware

Crash data

4 cyclist fatalities in 2024 .

IIHS analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data shows 4 bicyclist deaths in Delaware in 2024, about 3% of the state's 126 motor-vehicle crash deaths. Delaware is a small state but has historically carried a high per-capita cyclist fatality rate; NHTSA's national 'Bicyclists and Other Cyclists: 2023 Data' report is the source for FARS year-2023 figures. A clean statewide cyclist-injury total could not be confirmed from an official source, so injuries are left null.

Official reports & data:

Cycling rules in Delaware

Helmets: Riders and passengers under 18 must wear an approved, properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet. No statewide helmet requirement for adults 18+ (Class 3 e-bike operators/passengers are an exception and must wear helmets). (source)
Passing distance: Drivers overtaking a bicyclist must give at least 3 feet of clearance, and under the 2017 Bicycle Friendly Delaware Act must change lanes to pass where the lane is too narrow to share safely (crossing the center/double-yellow line to pass is permitted when it is safe). (source)
Stop-as-yield (Delaware Yield): Delaware pioneered a 'safe yielding' law (effective Oct 2017): approaching a stop sign at an intersection with 2 or fewer lanes for moving traffic, a cyclist may slow and, only if needed for safety, stop, then proceed after yielding to vehicles already in the intersection. At intersections with 3 or more lanes, and at all traffic signals, a full stop is still required. (source)
Lights / reflectors at night: When riding at night a bicycle must have a front white lamp visible at least 500 feet, a rear red reflector visible up to 600 feet, and reflective material or side lamps visible 600 feet from each side. (source)
Direction of travel / where to ride: Ride in the same direction as traffic on the right half of the roadway, generally as far right as practicable, with exceptions for passing, turning left, avoiding hazards, and using bike lanes. (source)
Sidewalk riding: Sidewalk riding is generally allowed statewide except where prohibited by local ordinance (so rules vary by town/city); a cyclist on a sidewalk must yield to pedestrians. Check local signage and ordinances. (source)
E-bikes: Delaware uses the standard 3-class e-bike system (motor capped at 750W): Class 1 pedal-assist up to 20 mph, Class 2 throttle up to 20 mph, Class 3 pedal-assist up to 28 mph. Class 3 riders and passengers must wear helmets and operators must be at least 16. (source)

Cities and counties often add their own rules (for example, where you can ride on sidewalks or boardwalks). Check the local ordinance for the specific town you're visiting.

Resources

Bike-friendly destinations in Delaware

Ride these with the rules above in mind:

In an emergency in the U.S., call 911. Read our general bike safety guide →