Bellingham, WA Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Riding rule
- BMC 11.48.070(A)
- Bike lane parking ban
- BMC 11.33.060(A)(37)
- Abreast limit
- No more than two, off dedicated facilities
- Adjacent path
- Must use path over roadway if provided
Summary
Bellingham requires cyclists to ride near the right side of the roadway and use a designated bicycle lane where one exists, while separately banning any vehicle from stopping or parking in a designated bicycle lane.
Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable and may utilize the shoulder of the roadway or any specially designated bicycle lane if such exists, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction. ... Upon any designated bicycle lane [no stopping, standing or parking].
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-06-015, passed June 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
BMC 11.48.070(A) directs every person operating a bicycle on a roadway to ride as near the right side as practicable, permitting use of the shoulder or a specially designated bicycle lane where one exists, and to exercise due care passing standing or same-direction vehicles; subsection (B) bars riding more than two abreast off dedicated bike facilities, and subsection (C) requires cyclists to use an adjacent bike path instead of the roadway where one is provided. Separately, BMC 11.33.060(A)(37) makes it unlawful for any vehicle to stop, stand, or park upon a designated bicycle lane, protecting the lane from motor-vehicle obstruction.
Violations & Fines
Riding violations under BMC 11.48.030 are traffic infractions; parking in a bike lane under BMC 11.33.060(A)(37) is a civil infraction carrying the standard $60.00 parking fine under BMC 11.33.230(C).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cars park in a Bellingham bike lane?
Must cyclists use the bike lane if one exists?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellingham
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