Interstate highways were designed for vehicles to drive safely and speed up travel crisscross the country offering easier access to far-flung cities and towns, visible lines of sight, and faster drives. With these advantages on the table, is it legal to ride a bike on the interstate?
It is illegal to ride bikes on an interstate in most states, but the law differs from state to state. For instance, a majority of low population density states allow bikes to use interstate freeways in portions found out of urban areas.
Furthermore, some states permit bikes on some interstate roads specially classified to accommodate bicycles.
Safety is a significant reason for discouraging bike riding on interstates as these roads tend to have cars cruising at high speeds and high traffic. However, some people argue that cyclists can benefit from accessing them.
What States Allow Bicycles On Interstates?
With no federal laws prohibiting bike use on interstates, you must narrow your research to the states because these jurisdictions can establish rules to allow or deny bikes access to interstate highways.
So in which states is it legal to ride a bike on the interstate? Go through this table to find the answer.
| States | Bikes On Interstates | Condition |
| Alabama | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| Alaska | Allowed | If there’s no other suitable alternative |
| Arizona | Allowed | If there’s no other suitable alternative |
| Arkansas | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| California | Allowed | If there’s no other suitable alternative |
| Colorado | Allowed | If there’s no other suitable alternative |
| Connecticut | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| Delaware | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| District of Colombia | Discouraged but allowed | |
| Florida | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| Georgia | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| Hawaii | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| Idaho | Allowed in every interstate | |
| Illinois | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| Indiana | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| Iowa | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| Kansas | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| Kentucky | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| Louisiana | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| Maine | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| Maryland | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| Massachusetts | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| Michigan | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| Minnesota | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| Mississippi | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| Missouri | Discouraged but allowed | |
| Montana | Allowed on every interstate | |
| Nebraska | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| Nevada | Allowed | If there’s no other suitable alternative |
| New Hampshire | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| New Jersey | Allowed | You must have a permit |
| New Mexico | Allowed | If there’s no other suitable alternative |
| New York | Prohibited | Possible alternatives |
| North Carolina | Prohibited | Possible alternatives |
| North Dakota | Allowed on every interstate | |
| Ohio | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| Oklahoma | Discouraged but allowed | |
| Oregon | Allowed | Unless prohibited |
| Pennsylvania | Allowed | If there’s no other suitable alternative |
| Rhode Island | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| South Carolina | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| South Dakota | Allowed on every interstate | |
| Tennessee | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| Texas | Discouraged but allowed | |
| Utah | Allowed | If there’s no other suitable alternative |
| Vermont | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| Virginia | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| Washington | Allowed | Unless prohibited |
| West Virginia | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| Wisconsin | Prohibited | Possible exceptions |
| Wyoming | Allowed in every interstate |
Therefore, it is legal to cycle on an interstate in Idaho, Montana, North and South Dakota, Wyoming, Oregon, Washington, Oklahoma, District of Columbia, Missouri, and Texas. Cyclists in New Jersey Require a permit to ride on an interstate
On the other hand, some states allow cyclists to use some interstates, but only if they are designated for bicycle use. These are Alaska, Utah, Pennsylvania, California, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado.
Most states that allow cycling on interstates have lower population densities in the whole state or at least in large areas than the states that prohibit it. Therefore, it is much safer for bicyclists in these states because they have less traffic to deal with, lowering their risk.
Where Is It Illegal To Ride A Bicycle On The Interstate?
It is illegal to ride a bike on the interstate in 31 states. This is because are few spots you can use to cross safely to another side when using the interstate and the presence of high-speed traffic flowing around cyclists.
The traffic on Interstate highways typically comprises larger, heavier vehicles like logging trucks, semis, and shipping trucks. These automobiles usually go at speeds of at least 60 mph, with speeds varying on different interstates.
Moreover, interstates have limited egress and ingress, are noisy, particularly in urban areas, and crossing off-ramps are extremely dangerous.
If you get caught cycling on an interstate in a state that prohibits it, the trooper can lecture, warn, or fine you and ask you to get off of it.
What Are The Benefits of Riding Your Bike On The Interstate?
Interstate highways were primarily built for defense purposes, but they are now a fundamental part of the United States’ transportation system. However, I’ll focus on the benefits it offers to cyclists.
1. No Left Turning Cars
Since traffic flows in one direction on interstate highways, you won’t have to worry about colliding with left-turning vehicles. A lot of accidents between cars and bikes are usually caused by left-turning cyclists and drivers who are not attentive or cannot see them.
This issue is eliminated if you cycle on an interstate’s shoulder. However, remember it can be pretty risky to ride your bike over off-ramps then re-enter the freeway via the next on-ramp.
2. They Are Safe
While you must contend with big vehicles going at high speed while cycling on an interstate, these roads are a bit safe compared to regular streets. For one, you can easily cruise down an interstate because these roads are flatter and provide a long and clear line of sight.
In addition, interstates have huge shoulders (usually 10-12 feet), allowing you to cycle on its shoulder and manage to avoid things such as wildlife, debris, and construction. The Absence of left-turning cyclists and drivers also makes you safer.
Moreover, you can ride your bike faster on an interstate because they are flatter, but beware of fast-moving cars.
FAQs
1. Are Bicycles Allowed On Interstate Highways?
Some states allow bicycles on interstate highways while others don’t. Cycling on interstate highways is legal in Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming, Missouri, Washington, Idaho, Texas, North Dakota, Oregon, District of Columbia, and Oklahoma.
2. Can You Ride Your Bike On The Interstate?
You can ride your bicycle on the interstate if your state allows it, and you are confident you can handle cycling along with big cars and fast-flowing traffic. Watch out for signage indicating bike use to avoid breaking any rules or laws.
3. Is It Legal To Ride A Bicycle On An Interstate Highway In The USA?
It’s legal to ride a bike on an interstate in Idaho, Montana, North and South Dakota, Wyoming, Oregon, Washington, Oklahoma, District of Columbia, Missouri, and Texas. You need a permit to do so in New Jersey.
In A Nutshell, Is It Legal To Ride A Bike On The Interstate?
Currently, it’s illegal to cycle on the interstate in most states. However, the situation could change, especially since more people are venturing into bike riding.
If you decide to ride your bicycle on an interstate, ensure it’s legal and mind the signs. Additionally, be attentive and cycle safely.
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