Where to Ride

Bicyclists must ride with the flow of traffic on the right side of the road.  Bicyclists must ride as close to the right edge of the roadway as possible. Exceptions to this are when bicyclists are overtaking and passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn, avoiding unsafe conditions, or when lane width is too narrow to share with a motor vehicle.  Additionally, bicycles are not excluded from riding on the roadway shoulder.  Bicyclists must not ride between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction unless one lane is a separate or mandatory turn lane.

   Bicyclists must ride single file on roadways. If a usable bicycle path is located next to a roadway bicyclists must ride on the path, not in the roadway.

   Bicyclists pulling onto a sidewalk or roadway from a driveway must yield the right of way to pedestrians or vehicles already on the sidewalk or roadway.

Equipment

Every bicycle ridden between sunset and sunrise must have a white light on its front with the light being visible at least 500 feet to the front. The bicycle must have a red reflector on the rear visible 300 feet from the rear. A red light visible for 500 feet to the rear may be used in place of or in addition to the red reflector.

Passing

Bicyclists may overtake and pass another vehicle only when safe to do so. Bicyclists may pass another vehicle on the right or left, and they may stay in the same lane, change lanes, or ride off the road if necessary for safe passing. Please note that passing motor vehicles on the right side may be extremely dangerous if the motorists does not see the bicyclist.

Changing Directions

Bicyclists must signal their intentions to stop or turn. The proper signals are made with the left arm as shown above. The signals do not have to be given continuously if  both hands are needed to control the bicycle.

Bicyclists may make left turns as either motorists or pedestrians do. To make a pedestrian left turn, the bicyclist should continue straight across the intersecting road, obey the traffic signals, turn left at the corner and proceed as usual. Bicyclists also dismount and walk in the crosswalks of the two intersecting roads. Please refer to the examples shown above.

Tips for Safe Bicycling

• Be a responsible bicyclist - obey all traffic control devices and use proper hand signals.
• Always ride with the flow of traffic.
• Dress Safely - wear a helmet, wear bright colored clothing, and secure loose pant legs.
• Ride defensively - anticipate the actions of  road users and watch for road hazards.
• Pass vehicles with extreme care - turning vehicles may not see you.
• Be aware of motor vehicle blind spots while riding or when stopped at an intersection.
• Maximize your visibility at night - wear reflective clothing and apply reflective tape to your bicycle.
• Walk your bicycle when you get into traffic situations beyond your cycling abilities.
• Exercise great caution when riding in bus traffic. Watch out for buses pulling to and from curbs and passengers getting on and off.
• Park your bicycle - secure both wheels and the frame to a stationary object using a sturdy lock.
• Bicyclists must not carry articles which prevent them from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars.
• Bicyclists must not attach themselves or their bicycles to any other vehicle on the roadway.
• Bicyclists are not permitted to wear earphones while riding a bicycle.

(Click Above to View Bicycling Map of Chincoteague)

Please Note that the map is provided by the Town of Chincoteague in an attempt to help the bicycling public to find and use the best, safest routes available on which to travel and tour the Island. In providing the map, the Town of Chincoteague and the Virginia Department of Transportation do not suggest that either the activity of bicycling or the roads of the Island are without risk or hazard to those bicycling. Bicyclists must travel at their own risk, use good judgment, and follow all applicable vehicle and safety guidelines.