Allentown's Mobility & Curb Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles mobility & curb rules a little differently. In Allentown, Pennsylvania, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Bike Lane Rules

Chapter 177 tells cyclists exactly where on the road they belong: obey normal traffic rules unless riding the shoulder or moving slower than traffic, travel with traffic on a shoulder, take the left lane on marked one-way streets only with due care, and never ride more than two abreast except on a path reserved exclusively for pedalcycles. Section 177-4 governs every pedalcycle, electric-assist or not.

Key details: Riding abreast: Max 2 abreast on roadways. Shoulder riding: Allowed, same direction as traffic. One-way streets: Left curb allowed with due care. Fine: $10 summary offense per violation. Adopted: Ord. No. 16113, Apr. 2, 2025.

Violating any subsection of § 177-4, riding three abreast on an ordinary street, cutting left on a two-way road, or ignoring the shoulder-direction rule, is a summary offense under § 177-7.A punishable by a flat $10 fine on conviction. A parent or guardian who knowingly lets a minor break these roadway rules faces separate liability under § 177-7.B. Each ride in violation can be cited independently by Allentown police.

E-Bike Classes

Allentown's pedalcycle ordinance defines one lawful electric-assist category: a two- or three-wheeled cycle under 100 pounds, motor capped at 750 watts, equipped with working pedals, and limited to 20 mph on motor power alone on level ground. Operators must be at least 16. Anything heavier, throttle-only without pedals, or faster than that ceiling falls outside the definition and outside the road rights Chapter 177 grants pedalcycles.

Key details: Motor limit: 750 watts maximum. Speed cap: 20 mph on motor power alone. Weight limit: 100 lbs maximum. Minimum age: 16 years old. Fine: $10 summary offense per violation.

Any violation of Chapter 177, including letting a person under 16 operate an electric-assist pedalcycle, is a summary offense carrying a flat $10 fine under § 177-7.A. A parent or guardian who knowingly permits an underage rider to violate the chapter is separately liable under § 177-7.B. An over-powered or unpedaled 'e-bike' that fails the § 177-1 definition loses Chapter 177's pedalcycle road privileges entirely.

The Bottom Line

Allentown's mobility & curb rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Allentown is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Allentown's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.