First, learn where to ride. Bicyclists have the right to use the road like other motorists. In fact, in most places in Alabama, riding a bicycle on the sidewalk is prohibited. Bicycles are viewed as vehicles under state law, meaning they have the right to be ridden on public roadways. This also means that bicyclists have the same responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers.
On a roadway, bicyclists must ride in the same direction as surrounding traffic. They must obey all traffic laws and roadway rules, including signs, signals and lane markings. A bicyclist must come to a complete stop at a stop sign or red light, for example, and yield the right-of-way to other motorists, as necessary.
When riding on a road, a cyclist must keep as far to the right-hand side as is practicable, except when turning left or if there is a hazard that needs to be avoided. Two bicyclists may ride side-by-side in a single lane; however, a bicyclist cannot ride side-by-side with a motor vehicle, nor can a bicyclist ride on the line between two lanes (lane-split).