Cycling safety in Vermont

Crash data

1 cyclist fatalities in 2023 .

In 2023, FARS recorded 1 pedalcyclist (bicyclist) fatality in Vermont — 1.4% of the state's 69 traffic deaths, a rate of 0.15 per 100,000 population (source: NHTSA, 'Bicyclists and Other Cyclists: 2023 Data,' Table 6, using FARS 2023 ARF). Because Vermont's cyclist counts are tiny, they swing sharply year to year: IIHS reports 2 bicyclist deaths in Vermont in 2024, so any single-year figure should be read as low but volatile rather than a stable trend. No clean statewide bicyclist serious-injury total was confirmed — the Vermont Department of Health publishes pedestrian injury/fatality data but not a comparable statewide cyclist injury figure — so cyclistInjuries is left null rather than estimated.

Official reports & data:

Cycling rules in Vermont

Helmets: Vermont has NO statewide bicycle helmet law — helmets are not required for adults or minors under state statute. (Some secondary guides claim an under-16 requirement under 23 V.S.A. § 1139, but that section governs where to ride and contains no helmet mandate; a helmet is strongly recommended for everyone.) (source)
Passing distance: When passing a bicyclist (a 'vulnerable user'), a driver must exercise due care, including reducing speed and increasing clearance to at least four feet; if that clearance isn't available the driver must wait to pass (23 V.S.A. § 1033(b); effective July 1, 2024; civil penalty of at least $200). (source)
Sidewalk riding: There is no statewide statute permitting or banning sidewalk cycling; it is regulated by local (municipal) ordinance, so check the town or city rules where you ride. (source)
E-bikes: Vermont uses the federal 3-class system (Class 1/2 to 20 mph, Class 3 pedal-assist to 28 mph) under 23 V.S.A. § 1136a. E-bikes may be ridden wherever bicycles are allowed (highways, bike lanes, shared-use paths), a rider under 16 may not operate a Class 3 e-bike (but may ride as a passenger), and Class 3 e-bikes must have a speedometer. Municipalities may restrict or prohibit e-bikes on specific paths. There is no e-bike-specific helmet mandate. (source)
Lights & reflectors at night: From one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise a bike must have a front lamp emitting white light visible at least 500 feet ahead, plus either a rear red light (flashing or steady) visible at least 300 feet or rear-facing reflective material totaling at least 20 square inches visible at least 300 feet. A working brake that can skid the wheel on dry pavement is also required (23 V.S.A. § 1141). (source)
Direction of travel / where to ride: Bicyclists are treated as vehicle operators and must ride in the same direction as traffic, keeping as near to the right side of the improved roadway as is safe, moving left only to turn, pass, or avoid hazards. Riders may not ride more than two abreast and, where riding two abreast, must stay within a single lane and not impede traffic (23 V.S.A. § 1139). (source)
Riding under the influence: Vermont's DUI statute (23 V.S.A. § 1201) does NOT apply to bicycles — the Vermont Supreme Court held in State v. Goodhue (2003 VT 85) that a bicycle is not a 'vehicle' under the DUI law. An impaired cyclist can still face public-intoxication or careless/negligent-operation charges, and riding drunk remains dangerous. (source)
Stop-as-yield (Idaho stop): Vermont does NOT have a stop-as-yield / 'Idaho stop' law — cyclists must fully stop at stop signs and red lights like other vehicle operators. (A separate 2025 change lets cyclists proceed on a pedestrian WALK signal, effective July 1, 2026, but that is not a general stop-as-yield 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 Vermont

Ride these with the rules above in mind:

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