Source: https://www.schollelaw.com/georgia-bicycle-law-requiring-cyclists-to-stay-on-right-side-of.html
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 04:40:13+00:00

Document:
Legal Commentary. This Georgia bicycle statute ostensibly protects Georgia riders by requiring them to “know their place” on Georgia roadways. This can have serious implications if a Georgia bicycle rider is a victim of a cycling accident or a child suffers serious injury or wrongful death from a bicycle accident.
Under this law, Georgia bicycle riders are required to stay as far to the right as is practicable, except under certain circumstances, such as turning left or to avoid hazards. Because cyclists are allowed to ride on paved shoulders, there is always the argument that an injured rider could have been more to the right if they were on the roadway at all. not only can a bicycle rider be cited by law enforcement for violation of this statute, but such a statue can be used to deny an injured rider compensation from the operator of a motor vehicle who causes an accident. This is because the negligent motorist can use any violation of this statute to claim that the cyclist was negligent themselves. Under Georgia law, if such a driver can show that the cyclist’s negligence was equal to his own, he can win a civil case.
Provided, however, that every person operating a bicycle away from the right side of the roadway shall exercise reasonable care and shall give due consideration to the other applicable rules of the road.
HISTORY: Ga. L. 1973, p. 471, § 6; Code 1933, § 68A-1205, enacted by Ga. L. 1974, p. 633, § 1; Ga. L. 1990, p. 2048, § 5; Ga. L. 1992, p. 1546, §§ 1, 2; Ga. L. 1995, p. 271, § 1; Ga. L. 1996, p. 236, § 2; Ga. L. 2011, p. 426, § 3/HB 101.

References: § 6
 § 68
 § 1
 § 5
 § 1
 § 2
 § 3