where must cyclists ride in relation to vehicle traffic?

Cyclists must ride in the same direction as vehicle traffic, usually as far to the right as is safe and reasonable, unless local law or safety conditions require otherwise.

Core rule

• On the roadway, cyclists are generally treated as vehicles and must travel in the same direction as nearby motor traffic.

• Many traffic codes say cyclists should ride “as near as practicable” to the right side of the road, which means as far right as is safe and reasonable , not squeezed against the curb.

Sidewalks and opposite direction

• Riding against traffic (facing cars) is usually illegal and significantly more dangerous, because drivers do not expect traffic from that direction and may not see the cyclist at intersections or driveways.

• Sidewalk cycling rules vary by city or state; in many places it is restricted or discouraged on busy sidewalks, even if not fully banned, because sidewalks are primarily for pedestrians.

Lane position in traffic

• Even when required to keep right, cyclists are typically allowed to “take the lane” (ride in the center of the lane) when the lane is too narrow to share safely, when avoiding hazards, or when preparing for turns.

• On certain one‑way streets with multiple lanes, some laws also allow cyclists to ride near the left curb in the same direction as traffic, again following vehicle rules.

Safety reasoning

• Riding with traffic improves predictability: drivers scan for vehicles coming from the same direction, which reduces collision risk at intersections and driveways.

• Positioning a bit away from the curb helps avoid door zones, debris, and potholes, balancing visibility and safety instead of hugging the extreme edge of the road.

Bottom line: ride with traffic, not against it, and position yourself to the right only as far as is safe—not so far that it puts you in danger.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.