JACKSON, Wyo. —It’s that time of year! After a long winter, folks have started to ditch their cars and reunite with their trusty two-wheeler to tackle daily commutes and errands or get out for a joy ride.
Dry roads and warmer weather mean more motorists, bicyclists and e-bike users will have to share the roads throughout town. Whatever the mode of transportation, the laws of the road still apply. Cyclists in Jackson are asked to follow laws to ensure the safety of others while getting around town.
Don’t know what the rules are?
The Jackson Police Department put it simply by citing Wyoming State Statute 31-5-702, “if you can’t do it in a car, you can’t do it on a bicycle.”
So what does this mean in terms of how the public is asked to operate a bike on shared roads? Here are the rules:
- Always signal. Just like in a car, prior to turning you must signal right or left.
- Obey stop signs. That means a complete stop with one foot on the ground.
- Have a light and rear reflector while riding at night. The law says so.
Cell Phones
Technically, the hands-free ordinance only applies to motor vehicles; however, W.S.S 31-5-702 also states that individuals can’t carry anything that would prevent the use of both hands to control their bikes.
Biking while intoxicated
“We support those individuals attempting to do the right thing by using alternate transportation rather than driving a motor vehicle,” said the Jackson Police Department. However, if someone were to put themselves or others in harm by riding, a “DUI may be an appropriate charge.”
Four-way stops
Four-way stops, like the cluster along Kelly Avenue, have shown time and time again that not everyone is sure how they work. Follow these four rules to a four-way stop to help keep traffic flowing smoothly and safely.
