Bicycle Laws in South Carolina
South Carolina bicycle laws are designed to keep riders and everyone around them safe. But when cyclists or motorists violate traffic laws, the consequences can be devastating. A recent report found more than 4,500 bicycle accidents occurred in South Carolina over a nine-year period ― an average of 508 crashes per year. A staggering 91 percent of those collisions resulted in injuries, and three percent were fatal.
Even bicyclists who follow all the laws are vulnerable to serious injuries from collisions with careless or negligent motorists. If you suffered injuries in a bike accident that wasn’t your fault, a South Carolina attorney from Wilson Law Group, LLC can help you pursue compensation for your losses.
Bike accidents often come at a high cost, both personally and financially. If someone else is responsible for your injuries, you could potentially recover money for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. The attorneys at Wilson Law Group, LLC can determine whether someone else is liable for the accident and help you pursue the money you deserve. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
What Are the Bicycle Laws in South Carolina?
South Carolina has some bicycle laws that are common in most states and others that are specific to the Palmetto State. Some key laws concern:
Where to Ride
Many roads in South Carolina have designated bike lanes. Bicyclists should always ride in a dedicated bike lane when available, only using the road to pass other bicyclists blocking the designated lane. If there is no bike lane, bicyclists should ride on the right side of the road or the shoulder.
There is a distinction between a formal bike lane and a recreational path running adjacent to the road but separate from it. If there is only a recreational path but no bike lane, a bicyclist may ride in the street.
How to Ride
Unless they are on a bicycle path or bike lane, bicyclists must not ride more than two abreast. A cyclist should sit on the bike seat and not carry additional riders unless the bike is designed for multiple people, such as a tandem bike. Bicyclists should come to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs and use hand signals before turning.
E-bikes are considered the same as traditional bikes under the law. While we will take a closer look at other relevant bike laws in subsequent sections, you can also find additional information from the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
Can You Ride a Bike on the Sidewalk in SC?
Riding a bike on the sidewalk in SC is not explicitly addressed in state statutes, which means the decision is left to local municipalities. In other words, whether you can legally ride a bicycle on a sidewalk in South Carolina depends on where you are planning to ride. Check the local ordinances before riding on a sidewalk, and always yield to pedestrians. Also, watch for hazards such as cracks in the pavement, sharp drop-offs, debris, and other objects.
Laws for Drivers Regarding Cyclists
Cyclists’ safety also depends on how other road users behave around them. In South Carolina, drivers must:
- Not block bike lanes
- Yield to bicyclists if it is necessary to enter the bike lane
- Keep a safe distance when passing a bicyclist
- Not harass, yell at, or throw anything at a cyclist
Any driver who violates traffic laws meant to safeguard bicyclists can be held accountable if their actions result in a bike accident. Injured riders can file a personal injury claim against the negligent driver for compensation.
Safety Equipment While Riding
Although South Carolina law does not require bicyclists of any age to wear helmets, they must meet other requirements. Every bike must have:
- A white light on the front of the bike that is visible from at least 500 feet away when riding at night
- A red reflector on the back of the bike
- Functioning brakes that will make the bike skid on a dry, level surface
A lack of safety equipment puts a bicyclist at risk for an accident. It could also have legal consequences, impacting the amount of compensation they could receive for an injury. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence system, which allows individuals to receive compensation as long as they are less than 51 percent at fault for an accident. Following all bicycle laws in South Carolina lessens the likelihood that you will be assigned an unfair portion of fault for a bike accident and protects your rights to compensation.
Prohibitions for Cyclists
Cyclists in South Carolina may not:
- Carry a package or other object that prevents the cyclist from holding the handlebar with at least one hand.
- Attach the bike or themselves to any vehicle.
- Carry additional passengers or riders unless their bike is specifically designed for more than one person.
Engaging in these behaviors can result in fines, but, more importantly, they could lead to a devastating bike accident in South Carolina.
Talk to a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in SC Today
Following all relevant bicycle laws, using appropriate safety equipment, and practicing safe biking techniques can help reduce the chances of an accident. Still, they are not enough to prevent one entirely — especially when cyclists encounter motorists who disregard their rights under South Carolina law.
Were you hurt in an accident while riding a bicycle? You shouldn’t be responsible for paying for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses when someone else is to blame. A successful personal injury claim in South Carolina can provide money to pay for your medical care, lost wages, disabilities, pain and suffering, and more. You can improve your chances of a positive outcome by working with a bicycle accident lawyer at Wilson Law Group, LLC.
Our law firm has a zero-tolerance policy for motorists who recklessly ignore the rights granted to cyclists in our state. Call or contact us today for help with your legal claim. The first consultation is free.