Rules of the Road

In North Carolina, bicycles and many e-bikes are legally considered vehicles, so riders have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers and must obey all traffic laws.

If you're riding on sidewalks in Cary, use caution and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.

Know Your Ride

Whether you ride a traditional bicycle, e-bike or other electric two-wheeler, it is important to understand how your vehicle operates and where it is permitted to ride.

In general, e-bikes have operable pedals and are designed to function like traditional bicycles with electric assistance. Higher-speed electric vehicles without pedals may be classified as mopeds or electric motorcycles under North Carolina law and may require registration, insurance and a valid driver license. Electric motorcycles and mopeds are not allowed on Cary greenways.

Before riding, understand your vehicle type and follow all applicable traffic laws and greenway regulations. 

What to Wear - You and Your Bike

• At night, bicycles must be equipped with a front light and a red rear light or reflector, both visible from 300ft.
• Wear a protective helmet with a secure chin strap (see diagram below for correct fit).
• Wear bright clothing so people can see you.

It's the Law!  Every person 15 years of age or under riding a bicycle, skates, skateboard, scooter, or other similar vehicle on a street, sidewalk, or greenway, must wear a protective helmet with the chin strap securely fastened under the chin.

Getting the Right Fit

Use the Eyes, Ears, Mouth Check to ensure your helmet fits. 

Eyes. When you look up, you should see the front rim of the helmet, sitting one to two finger widths above your eyebrows.

Ears. The side straps should come to a "V" just below each ear.

Mouth. When you open your mouth wide, you should feel the helmet push down on your head. 

Bike Prep Checklist

For your safety and others', always check your bike before departing. 

TIRES are sufficiently inflated, no tears or cuts. 
BRAKES are working and centered on the rim.
CHAIN is clean and runs smoothly
 QUICK-RELEASE LEVERS are closed
 CABLES are taut with no cracks, crimps, rust, or dirt

The tools and supplies you'll need are packed

How to Ride

• Be a defensive and predictable rider.
• Ride on the right -- the same direction as traffic.
• Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Ride no more than two abreast.
• Cross the railroad track at right angles.
• Slow down and yield to pedestrians on greenways and shared-use paths. 

How to Pass

• When passing another bike, give them plenty of space -- a minimum of 2 ft. (or 4ft. in a no-passing zone) is the law.
• Allow some space when riding past parked cars. You never know when a door might open. 

Hand Signals 

When to Yield

• Yield the right-of-way when you enter the road or change lanes.
• If you're riding your bike on any sidewalk within Cary, use caution and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. 

Love Your Bike? Lock it Up.

• Lock your bike in a well-lit and visible location (try out the lockers at the Cary Depot).
• Make sure your bike doesn't block sidewalks, paths, doorways, or other vehicles.
• Lock your wheel and bike frame to a sturdy base rack or post.
• U-locks are best, followed by heavy-duty cable locks.
• Write down your bike's serial number here and take a picture so you can share it with the police if it's stolen. 

Bike Repair Station

Learn more about Cary's bike repair stations 

GoCary and Transporting Your Bike

Learn how you can take your bike with you on a GoCary bus! Watch this video.