Charleston requires cyclists to use designated bike lanes where provided, follow vehicle traffic laws, and yield on multi-use paths like the West Ashley Greenway and Ravenel Bridge.
Charleston's bike network includes on-street bike lanes, sharrows, and multi-use paths including the iconic Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge cycle/pedestrian path and the West Ashley Greenway. Cyclists must follow SC vehicle code (SC §56-5-3410 et seq.), riding with traffic, signaling turns, and yielding at crosswalks. Sidewalk cycling is prohibited in the central business district. Helmets are required for riders under 16 in some jurisdictions but SC has no statewide adult helmet law. The city continues to expand its Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan with protected lanes on key corridors.
Riding wrong way, ignoring signals, or sidewalk cycling in restricted areas: $25-$100 fines. Failure to yield causing injury: misdemeanor traffic charge under SC code.
See how Charleston's bike lane rules rules stack up against other locations.
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