Safety & Rules of the Road



Bicycle Safety
Bike Safety for Web


Bicycling Rules
In Kansas, bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles. See Kansas Bicycling Statues. 
  • Obey all traffic signs and signals. The "dead red" provision in Kansas allows bicyclists to proceed with caution through red lights that they are unable to trigger.
  • At night, cyclists must use at least a white headlight and rear red reflector.
  • Ride in designated bike lanes when present, otherwise ride to the right side of the roadway. If a travel lane is too narrow to share with a car, ride in the middle of the lane.
  • Yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal when passing from behind: ring a bell or say "passing on your left."
  • In Manhattan, it is illegal to ride your bicycle on sidewalks located Downtown or in Aggieville. While it is legal in other parts of town, you are often safer riding on a road than a sidewalk designed for pedestrians.
  • Be predictable — hold a straight line of travel; do not surprise a motorist, pedestrian, or other cyclists.
Getting back in the saddle? Watch more Smart Cycling Videos here.

Motorist Responsibilities:  Sharing the Road with Bicycles

In Kansas, bicycles have a right to be on the roads and should be treated as another vehicle. Here are some tips for sharing the road:
  • Allow a minimum of 3 feet between your vehicle and a cyclist when passing. Check over your shoulder before re-entering the lane.
  • If you have to speed up to pass, it's probably not safe to do so.
  • On lanes that are too narrow to share, cyclists may use the full lane by riding in the middle.
  • Look for approaching cyclists before making turns. They may be moving faster than you think.
  • Check for cyclists before exiting a parked vehicle — a car door might open directly into a cyclist's path.
  • Don't harass or endanger a cyclist. This is considered reckless endangerment by law, a misdemeanor offense.

Be Alert. Be Patient.

Above all, respect a cyclist's right to use the road. Treat them like slow-moving cars — do not tailgate, wait until it is safe to pass, and give them the right-of-way when appropriate. Be predictable by using your turn signals and following the established rules of the road.