State and local laws provide specific provisions for the operation of bicycles on public roads in Glastonbury. Since bicycles share the roads with bigger, faster vehicles, and bicyclists lack the protections afforded to motorists, lawmakers have established some regulations and restrictions related to roadway behavior. A local bicycle accident attorney could help a plaintiff understand these regulations within the context of their specific case.
For instance, Connecticut General Statutes §14.232 specifies that motorists must provide at least three feet of clearance when passing bicycles on the road. Likewise, Conn. Gen. Stat. §14-286b imposes certain obligations on bicyclists, including the duty to “ride as close to the right side of the roadway as is safe” and a prohibition against riding more than two abreast when operating on roads used by motorized vehicles.
Bicycle laws also impose duties to protect the safety of pedestrians. For example, Conn. Gen. Stat. §14-286 requires bicyclists operating on sidewalks or crosswalks to yield to pedestrians. Finally, bicycle laws also require bicyclists to take certain precautions for their own safety regardless of proximity to other vehicles or pedestrians. Conn. Gen. Stat. §14-286d, for instance, requires riders under the age of 16 to wear a helmet.