Charleston has expanded bicycle infrastructure over the last decade, including the Kanawha River Boulevard trail and on-street lanes, with motor vehicles required to give safe passing distance under West Virginia state law.
Chapter 38 (Vehicles and Traffic) and WV state code govern cycling. WV Code Section 17C requires motorists to pass cyclists at a safe distance, commonly interpreted as three feet. Charleston has built out the Kanawha Boulevard riverfront trail offering car-free access from Magic Island past the Capitol Complex. On-street bike lanes appear on selected corridors. Cyclists are entitled to the lane and may take it when needed for safety. Helmets are required for riders under 15 statewide. Sidewalk riding rules vary by district, with downtown commercial blocks generally prohibiting it. The Cultural Center and Capitol Market are popular trail destinations.
Cyclists riding against traffic, on prohibited downtown sidewalks, or without lights at night may be cited; drivers passing too close also face penalties.
Charleston, WV
West Virginia Senate Bill 167, enacted in 2017, prohibits sanctuary policies. Charleston cannot adopt rules barring police cooperation with federal immigrati...
Charleston, WV
Charleston cannot set its own minimum wage above the West Virginia rate of 8.75 dollars per hour set by W. Va. Code Section 21-5C-2. State law preempts local...
Charleston, WV
Charleston levies a business and occupation gross receipts tax under Chapter 10 of the City Code, with rates that vary by business classification such as ret...
Charleston, WV
Charleston has not adopted a hotel worker retention ordinance like those in some larger cities. Hotel sales or change-of-control transactions in Charleston f...
Charleston, WV
Charleston hotel guests pay a 6 percent city hotel occupancy tax under W. Va. Code Chapter 7 plus a 6 percent state consumer sales tax, totaling roughly 12 p...
Charleston, WV
Charleston enforces loud party rules through the city noise ordinance and disorderly conduct provisions in Chapter 24, with stronger response near East End r...
See how Charleston's bike lane rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.