Cycling safety in Rhode Island

Crash data

2 cyclist fatalities in 2023 .

In 2023, 2 bicyclists (pedalcyclists) were killed in Rhode Island motor-vehicle traffic crashes (source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2023 ARF, Table 6) — about 2.8% of the state's 71 traffic deaths, a fatality rate of 0.18 per 100,000 population. A clean statewide serious-injury total was not confirmed here, so injuries are left null. As a small state, Rhode Island's single-year bicyclist fatality count is low and volatile year to year.

Official reports & data:

Cycling rules in Rhode Island

Helmets: Anyone age 15 or younger must wear a CPSC-approved helmet, secured by straps, when operating or riding as a passenger on a bicycle (also applies to skateboards, scooters, roller/inline skates) on any public way, path, or recreational area. Failure to wear a helmet cannot be used as evidence of negligence in a civil suit (RIGL 31-19-2.1). (source)
Passing distance: A driver overtaking a bicycle must pass to the left at a 'safe distance' and only return to the lane once safely clear. Rhode Island does NOT use a fixed 3-foot rule — 'safe distance' is defined as a distance sufficient to prevent contact if the cyclist were to fall into the driver's lane (RIGL 31-15-18). (source)
Sidewalk riding: State law permits riding a human-powered vehicle on a sidewalk, bike lane, or bike route, and across a roadway on a crosswalk, unless prohibited by official traffic-control signs. Sidewalk riding is commonly restricted by local (municipal) ordinances, so rules vary by city/town (RIGL 31-19-11). (source)
E-bikes: Rhode Island adopted the 3-class e-bike system (effective July 1, 2024): Class 1 = pedal-assist only, cuts off at 20 mph; Class 2 = throttle-assist, cuts off at 20 mph; Class 3 = pedal-assist only, cuts off at 28 mph. Defined in the Electric Bicycles chapter (RIGL 31-19.7). (source)
Lights & reflectors at night: A bicycle used at night must have a front lamp emitting a white light visible at least 500 feet ahead and a DMV-approved red rear reflector visible 600 feet to the rear; a red rear lamp visible 500 feet may be added. Side reflective material on wheels/tires is also required at night (RIGL 31-19-10). (source)
Direction of travel / where to ride: Every person operating a bicycle on a roadway must ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing parked or moving vehicles, unless traffic-control devices direct otherwise (i.e., ride with the flow of traffic) (RIGL 31-19-6). (source)
Riding under the influence: Bicycles are defined as vehicles under Rhode Island law, so riding while impaired can expose a cyclist to the state's driving-under-the-influence provisions. Application of the DUI statute to bicycles is less settled than for motor vehicles — treat as a caution rather than a bright-line rule. (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 Rhode Island

Ride these with the rules above in mind:

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