Chapel Hill, NC Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)

Chapel Hill's bikeway rules sit in the Traffic Code, Article VI of Chapter 21. Section 21-41 defines a bikeway to include bike lanes, bike paths and bike trails, and covers electric assisted bicycles under G.S. 20-4.01(7a). Section 21-45 gives cyclists on a public street, bikeway or sidewalk all the rights and duties of a vehicle driver under state law and town ordinances. Section 21-46 requires cyclists to obey traffic-control signs and devices unless a police officer directs otherwise. Section 21-47 requires a cyclist entering a bikeway to yield to bicycles and pedestrians already on it, and to yield to vehicles or bicycles when entering a roadway.

Section 21-49 confines bikeway travel to the direction of the nearest adjacent traffic lane unless the town manager specifies otherwise, and section 21-50 gives bicycles in bike lanes and bike paths the right-of-way over vehicles making turning movements from parallel lanes. The core obstruction rule, section 21-52, bars any motor vehicle or moped from driving upon or across a bikeway except at a public street intersection or to enter a driveway, and requires yielding to bicycles in the lane even then. Section 21-53 requires a front lamp and rear reflector or lamp visible 300 feet, or reflective clothing, and section 21-53.1 requires helmets for riders 15 and under.

Separately, section 21-62 bars mopeds from sidewalks, bike paths and bike trails and sets a $5.00 civil penalty. Section 21-27.3 cross-references this article by barring parking on designated bike lane overlay segments. Chapel Hill Police Department enforces the traffic code; because section 21-52 carries no specific penalty, the general Code penalty in section 1-7 applies: a fine up to $50.00 or up to 30 days' imprisonment, with each day a separate offense.