Cycling safety in Pennsylvania

Crash data

29 cyclist fatalities in 2023 .

In 2023, 29 bicyclists (pedalcyclists) were killed in Pennsylvania motor-vehicle traffic crashes (source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2023 ARF, Table 6) — about 2.4% of the state's 1,211 traffic deaths, a fatality rate of 0.22 per 100,000 population. A clean statewide serious-injury total was not confirmed here, so injuries are left null; PennDOT's Crash Facts & Statistics and the PA Crash Information Tool report bicycle-involved injuries.

Official reports & data:

Cycling rules in Pennsylvania

Helmets: Anyone under age 12 must wear a properly fitted, fastened pedalcycle helmet meeting a recognized safety standard when operating or riding as a passenger (also applies to child seats/trailers). Violation fine up to $25, dismissed if a helmet is shown at the hearing (75 Pa.C.S. 3510). (source)
Passing distance: A motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle must pass to the left 'within not less than four feet at a careful and prudent reduced speed.' Pennsylvania's 4-foot rule (75 Pa.C.S. 3303(a)(3), added 2012) is stricter than the 3-foot standard most states use, and it also mandates reduced speed. (source)
Sidewalk riding: State law bans riding a pedalcycle on a sidewalk in a business district (unless permitted by traffic-control devices), or where a usable adjacent bike lane exists. Elsewhere sidewalk riding is allowed under state law but the rider must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing; local ordinances may further restrict it (75 Pa.C.S. 3508). (source)
E-bikes: Pennsylvania uses its own category, a 'pedalcycle with electric assist' (75 Pa.C.S. 102): no more than 100 lbs, 2-3 wheels over 11 inches, motor rated at not more than 750 watts, operable pedals, and a top motor-only speed of no more than 20 mph on level ground. Qualifying e-bikes are treated as bicycles (no license, registration, title, or insurance). Pennsylvania does NOT use the national 3-class system. (source)
Lights & reflectors at night: Between sunset and sunrise a bike must have a front lamp emitting white light visible at least 500 feet, a red rear reflector visible at least 500 feet to the rear, and an amber reflector on each side. Supplemental flashing white (front) and red (rear) lights are permitted; a lamp worn by the rider can satisfy the front-light requirement (75 Pa.C.S. 3507). (source)
Direction of travel / where to ride: Cyclists must ride in the same direction as other traffic. A rider moving slower than traffic should keep to the right unless unsafe (e.g., avoiding hazards, turning left, or on narrow lanes); on one-way multi-lane roads riders may keep left. Riding on the shoulder is allowed but must follow the roadway's direction. No more than two abreast except on paths/lanes set aside for bikes (75 Pa.C.S. 3505). (source)
Red lights (dead red): Under Pennsylvania's 'ride on red' provision (Act 126 of 2016, 75 Pa.C.S. 3112), a driver or cyclist facing a steady red signal that fails to detect the vehicle may, after coming to a complete stop, proceed with caution as if at a stop sign, yielding to any cross traffic and pedestrians. (source)
Riding under the influence: A bicycle is a 'vehicle' under Pennsylvania law, so DUI laws apply to cyclists; a person can be charged with driving under the influence while operating a bike (75 Pa.C.S. 3802). (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 Pennsylvania

Ride these with the rules above in mind:

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