Cycling safety in New Hampshire
Crash data
4 cyclist fatalities in 2024 .
In 2024, 4 bicyclists were killed in New Hampshire motor-vehicle crashes, about 3% of the state's 133 total traffic deaths that year (source: IIHS 'Fatality Facts 2024,' compiled from NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System; posted June 2026). This is the most recent state figure confirmed here; New Hampshire's small population means annual cyclist deaths are low single digits and can swing year to year. A clean statewide serious bicyclist-injury total was not confirmed from an official source, so cyclistInjuries is left null rather than estimated.
Official reports & data:
- IIHS โ Fatality Facts: State by State (deaths by road user type, 2024; includes New Hampshire bicyclist count)
- NHTSA โ Bicyclists and Other Cyclists: 2023 Data (national report with per-state table; direct PDF)
- NHDOT โ Active Transportation (Bicycle & Pedestrian) Program (state DOT landing page)
Cycling rules in New Hampshire
- Helmets
- Any bicyclist under 16 years of age must wear approved protective headgear on a public way (RSA 265:144). There is no helmet requirement for riders 16 and older on a standard bicycle. (source)
- Passing distance
- When passing a bicycle a driver must allow at least 3 feet of clearance at 30 mph or less, plus 1 additional foot for every 10 mph above 30 mph (so 4 ft at 40 mph, 5 ft at 50 mph, etc.) (RSA 265:143-a). (source)
- Sidewalk riding
- There is no single statewide statute governing sidewalk cycling; it is generally left to local ordinances, so check the rules for the city or town where you ride. (source)
- E-bikes
- New Hampshire uses the 3-class system (RSA 265:144-a): Class 1 (pedal-assist to 20 mph) and Class 2 (throttle to 20 mph) may use bike and multi-use paths unless a local agency prohibits it; Class 3 (pedal-assist to 28 mph) may not be operated by anyone under 16, and any rider or passenger under 18 on a Class 3 must wear a helmet. Class 3 e-bikes are restricted from many paths not adjacent to a highway. (source)
- Lights & reflectors at night
- From a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise, a bicyclist must wear at least one item of reflective outerwear apparel, such as a reflective vest, jacket, or helmet strip (RSA 265:144). New Hampshire is unusual in mandating reflective apparel on the rider; a front lamp is strongly recommended for visibility but is not spelled out in this statute. (source)
- Direction of travel / where to ride
- A cyclist moving slower than traffic must keep to the right portion of the roadway as far as practicable, except when passing, turning left, going straight where a right turn is allowed, or avoiding hazards (RSA 265:144). (source)
- Rights, duties & riding under the influence
- A person riding a bicycle has all the rights and is subject to all the duties of a vehicle driver under the rules of the road, and impaired-riding (DUI) rules apply to cyclists (RSA 265:143). (source)
- Stop-as-yield (Idaho stop)
- New Hampshire does NOT have a stop-as-yield / 'Idaho stop' law โ because cyclists share the same duties as drivers, they must fully stop at stop signs and obey red lights. (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
- NHDOT โ Active Transportation (Bicycle & Pedestrian) Program
- Bike-Walk Alliance of New Hampshire (statewide advocacy)
- League of American Bicyclists โ Bicycle Friendly States rankings
Bike-friendly destinations in New Hampshire
Ride these with the rules above in mind:
In an emergency in the U.S., call 911. Read our general bike safety guide โ