The short answer is no. While Arizona law grants cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motorists under Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 28-812, the right of way is not absolute. Your right to the road depends on the specific situation, traffic signals, and where you’re riding. Understanding these nuanced rules protects you on Phoenix streets and helps you know your legal rights if you’re injured in a bicycle accident.
Why Choose Triumph Law Group for Your Bicycle Accident Case
When you’re injured in a bicycle accident in Phoenix, you need an attorney who understands Arizona bicycle law and has a track record of results. Triumph Law Group brings experience and demonstrated success to every bicycle accident case.
Our team includes attorneys with 14+ years of experience in personal injury law, including work on bicycle accident cases. Triumph Curiel, our founding and managing partner, earned recognition as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2019, 2020, 2021) and holds a J.D. from Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU.
Liz Wylde, one of our lead attorneys, brings 15+ years of experience and was honored with the Order of the Barristers for excellence in oral advocacy. Gary Kester, with 22+ years of experience, has handled numerous bicycle accident cases and understands the unique challenges cyclists face.
We’ve recovered substantial settlements for injured cyclists, including a $1.25 million settlement in a serious bicycle accident case. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. We’re available 24/7 for free consultations and ready to help you pursue the compensation you’re entitled to. Visit our case results page to see the settlements and verdicts we’ve recovered for injured cyclists and other personal injury clients.
If you’ve been hit by a car while riding, contact us today to learn how we can help recover the damages you’re entitled to.
Cyclists Have the Same Rights and Responsibilities as Motorists
Arizona law is clear: cyclists have the same rights to use public roadways as drivers of motor vehicles. This means you can legally ride on most streets and highways in Phoenix. However, this right comes with equal responsibility. You must obey all traffic signals, stop signs, and lane markings just like any other vehicle operator.
You cannot run red lights, ignore stop signs, or ride against traffic. When you follow these traffic rules, you have the legal right to be on the road, and drivers must respect that right.
Understanding your rights as a cyclist is similar to understanding the rights of other road users. If you’re involved in any type of motor vehicle accident, the same principles of negligence and liability apply. Whether you’re injured in a car accident, motorcycle accident, or bicycle accident, Arizona law holds negligent drivers accountable for injuries they cause.
When Bicyclists Must Yield the Right of Way
Despite having equal rights on the road, there are specific situations where cyclists must yield to others. Understanding these situations keeps you safe and protects your legal rights.
- Pedestrians on sidewalks and crosswalks: When you ride on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk, Arizona law treats you as a pedestrian, not a vehicle. This means you must yield the right of way to people walking. The Arizona Supreme Court established this principle in Maxwell v. Gossett (1980), a landmark case that clarified cyclist responsibilities in pedestrian areas. This is similar to how pedestrian accident liability is determined—the more vulnerable road user often has priority.
- Other vehicles at intersections: Cyclists must yield to other vehicles when traffic signals or signs indicate they should. At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive has the right of way. If you arrive at the same time as a car, the vehicle on your right has priority. This is the same rule that applies in truck accidents and other motor vehicle collisions.
- Hazards and emergency situations: If you need to avoid a hazard or make a sudden maneuver, you can move left into the traffic lane—this is legal in Arizona and protects your safety. Many cyclists are injured when drivers fail to give them adequate space, which is why Arizona’s three-foot passing law exists.
These rules apply equally to bicycles and automobiles, and understanding them helps you navigate Phoenix streets safely and legally. Similar principles apply to pedestrian accidents and other types of personal injury claims. If you’ve been injured due to another party’s negligence, you may have grounds for a claim.
Bicycle Right-of-Way Rules at Intersections
Intersections are where most bicycle accidents happen, often because drivers fail to yield to cyclists. At traffic lights, the same rules apply to you as to cars. A green light means you have the right of way; a red light means you must stop. You cannot proceed through a red light, even if no traffic is visible. At stop signs, you must come to a complete stop before proceeding.
When making left turns, use hand signals to communicate your intention to other road users. Keep one hand on the handlebars while signaling. Make eye contact with drivers before entering an intersection—many accidents occur because drivers simply don’t see cyclists, even when cyclists have the legal right of way. Ride defensively and assume drivers may not notice you, even when you have the right of way.
If you’ve been injured at an intersection due to a driver’s negligence, the same liability principles that apply to car accidents and truck accidents apply to your bicycle accident claim. Drivers have a legal duty to avoid hitting cyclists, and when they fail to do so, they can be held liable for your injuries and damages.
Sidewalk and Crosswalk Riding in Arizona
Arizona law permits bicycles on sidewalks unless a local ordinance specifically prohibits it. However, rules vary significantly by city. Phoenix permits sidewalk riding with the yield to pedestrians. Tempe requires riding with traffic flow on sidewalks. Tucson prohibits sidewalk riding unless signage explicitly permits it. Always check local ordinances before riding on sidewalks in your area.
When you ride on a sidewalk or use a crosswalk, you have pedestrian status under Arizona law. This means you must yield to people walking and cannot ride recklessly. Drivers must still yield to you in crosswalks, but they may not expect a bicycle, so ride defensively and stay alert. If a driver hits you in a crosswalk, they may be liable for your injuries, similar to how liability is determined in pedestrian accident cases.
The Three-Foot Passing Law and Driver Responsibilities
Arizona law requires drivers to maintain at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicycle on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, and five feet on roads with higher speed limits. This requirement is codified in ARS §28-735 and was enhanced in 2024 to improve cyclist safety on high-speed roads.
This is not a suggestion—it’s a legal requirement. Drivers who violate this law can be cited and held liable if they hit you. This law exists because bicycles need space to maneuver safely, and close passes can cause accidents even without physical contact.
If a driver passes you too closely and causes an injury, you have grounds for a personal injury claim. Document the incident, get witness information, and report it to the police. This evidence strengthens your case if you need to pursue legal action.
You have the legal right to safe passage on Arizona roads, and drivers who violate the three-foot rule can be held accountable for injuries they cause. For more information on how liability is determined in accidents, see our guide on comparative negligence in car accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a bicyclist ride in either direction on a sidewalk in Arizona?
Yes, Arizona law allows bicycles to ride in either direction on sidewalks unless a local ordinance prohibits it. This was established in the Maxwell v. Gossett case. However, drivers must look both ways when crossing sidewalks because bicycles can legally approach from either direction.
Some cities, like Tempe, require riding with traffic flow, so always check local rules before riding. If you’re injured by a driver who failed to look both ways, you may have grounds for a bicycle accident claim.
What should I do if I’m hit by a car while riding my bike?
First, seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries appear hours or days later. Next, document the scene by taking photos of your bike, the vehicle, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Get the driver’s name, phone number, address, insurance information, and license plate number. Collect contact information from any witnesses.
Report the accident to the police and request a copy of the police report. Finally, contact Triumph Law Group for a free consultation. Do not accept any settlement offer without speaking to an attorney first. For detailed guidance, see our article on what to do immediately after a car accident.
Do I need to wear a helmet in Arizona?
Helmet laws in Arizona vary by age and location. While Arizona does not have a statewide helmet requirement for adults, many cities require helmets for riders under 18. Regardless of legal requirements, wearing a helmet significantly reduces your risk of serious head injury.
In a personal injury case, not wearing a helmet may affect your claim, as insurance companies may argue you were partially negligent. Always wear a helmet for your safety and legal protection. If you’ve suffered a brain injury or other serious injury in a bicycle accident, contact us immediately.
What if I were partially at fault for my bicycle accident?
Arizona follows comparative negligence rules, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and the driver was 80% at fault, you can recover 80% of your damages.
An experienced bicycle accident attorney can investigate your case, determine fault, and work toward fair compensation. Triumph Law Group handles these complex cases and has recovered substantial settlements for injured cyclists. Learn more about how comparative negligence affects your claim.
Get Legal Help After a Bicycle Accident
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Phoenix, you have legal rights and options. Drivers who cause accidents through negligence can be held accountable for the injuries and damages they cause. Triumph Law Group handles bicycle accident cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing up front. Our team works 24/7 to help injured cyclists recover the compensation they’re entitled to.
Contact us today for your free consultation. Call 602-595-5559, or visit our bicycle accidents page to learn more about how we can help. You can also visit our results page to see the settlements and verdicts we’ve recovered for our clients.
Related Articles on Personal Injury & Accident Law
- How Arizona’s Comparative Negligence Law Affects Your Car Accident Claim
- What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Phoenix
- How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Phoenix?
- Common Evidence Used in Commercial Truck Accident Claims
- Who Is Liable in a Multi-Vehicle Accident in Phoenix?
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