Missouri State Highway Patrol — Public Information and Education Division
About Bicycling Safety
Riding a bike is healthy and fun, but it can also be dangerous. Many bicyclists are involved in collisions with motor vehicles each year. By observing Missouri's bicycle laws and by following certain other rules, your biking experience will be safer and more enjoyable.
Missouri has several laws related to riding a bicycle that were designated to protect you. These laws relate to the brakes, lights, reflectors, and operation of a bicycle on Missouri's roadways.
Safety Tips
• Never carry passengers.
• Walk your bike across busy intersections.
• Do not hitch rides on other vehicles.
• Give pedestrians the right-of-way.
• Use bell to warn those who may not see you.
• Do not perform stunts on streets or sidewalks.
• Keep both hands on the handlebars except when signaling.
• Wear light-colored or reflective clothing when riding after dark.
• Keep your bicycle in a safe condition.
• Always ride with caution and courtesy.
What the Law Says
Riding a bicycle on the sidewalk within a business district is prohibited. When riding elsewhere on a sidewalk, yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and give audible signal before overtaking and passing.
Bicyclists Must
• Ride as near to the right side of the roadway as is safe.
• Obey all traffic signals and signs.
• Use hand signals whenever you plan to change directions, slow, or stop.
Hand Signals
• Stop: Left arm extended straight down
• Left Turn: Left arm extended straight out
• Right Turn: Bend left arm upward at elbow forming a right angle to body
Penalties for violations range from not less than $5 to not more than $25 for people 17 years of age or older.
Equipment
A bicycle must be equipped with a brake or brakes that will enable its driver to stop within 25 feet from a speed of 10 mph on dry, level, clean pavement.
After Dark, Bicycles Are Required to Have
• A white light mounted to the front visible at 500 feet.
• A rear facing red reflector of at least two square inches or a red lamp visible at 600 feet.
• Reflective material and/or lights on pedals or crank arms, or shoes/lower legs, visible at 200 feet.
• Reflective material and/or lights on each side visible at 300 feet.
Bicycle Helmets
Although not required by state law, wearing a bicycle helmet while riding is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself. Between 70-80 percent of fatal bicycle crashes involved head injuries. Statistics show bicycle helmets are 85-88 percent effective in reducing total head and brain injuries.
Bicycle Helmet Tips
• Get the right sized helmet. Try on various helmets before buying.
• Use sizing pads to form a snug yet comfortable fit.
• Adjust and use the straps for a snug fit. The helmet should cover the top of the forehead.
• Do not use paint, harsh cleaners, or solvents on your helmet.
Contact Information
Missouri State Highway Patrol
P.O. Box 568, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0568
(573) 751-3313
Emergency Assistance: 1-800-525-5555 or cellular *55
Road Conditions: 1-888-275-6636
Website: www.statepatrol.dps.mo.gov
Email: mshppied@mshp.dps.mo.gov