Lynchburg, VA Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Keep-right rule
- Sec. 10-47, exceptions for passing/turning/hazards
- Riding two abreast
- Only on a dedicated bike lane or path
- Sidewalk riding
- Banned citywide, Sec. 10-41
- Standard fine
- Up to $200 traffic infraction, Sec. 10-2
- Night lighting
- Front lamp visible 500 ft, rear light 50-300 ft, Sec. 10-49
Summary
Lynchburg cyclists must ride as close as practicable to the right-hand side of the roadway, may not ride two abreast except on a path or street portion set aside exclusively for bicycles, and are banned from sidewalks entirely under City Code Secs. 10-41 and 10-47. Most bicycle-chapter violations are $200 traffic infractions under Sec. 10-2.
Sec. 10-47. - Method of riding. Every person riding a bicycle or moped on any street shall keep as close as practicable to the right-hand side of the roadway, except under any of the following circumstances: (1)When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;(2)When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway; and(3)When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes that make it unsafe to continue along the right curb or edge. ... Persons riding bicycles on a street shall not ride two or more abreast except on paths or parts of streets set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 10).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 10 of the City Code governs bicycle operation on Lynchburg streets. Sec. 10-47, Method of riding, requires a cyclist to keep as close as practicable to the right-hand side of the roadway, with exceptions for overtaking another vehicle, preparing for a left turn, or avoiding hazards including "substandard width lanes" too narrow to share safely with another vehicle. The same section bars riding two or more abreast on a street except on "paths or parts of streets set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles," meaning a marked bike lane or dedicated path is the only place side-by-side riding is allowed; mopeds may never ride two abreast or use bicycle-only paths.
Sec. 10-41 separately bans riding a bicycle or moped on any sidewalk, or crossing a roadway on a crosswalk, in any district of the city. Riders must comply with traffic signals and officer directions under Sec. 10-39, keep at least one hand on the handlebars under Sec. 10-40, give hand signals before turning under Sec. 10-46, and equip the bicycle with adequate brakes (Sec. 10-48) and, between sunset and sunrise, a front lamp visible 500 feet and a rear reflector or lamp visible from 50 to 300 feet (Sec.
10-49). Sec. 10-42 separately bars reckless riding at a speed or in a manner that endangers life, limb or property. An officer who catches a violation issues a summons under Sec. 10-5, sending riders under 18 to the city's juvenile and domestic relations court and adults to general district court.
Violations & Fines
Most Chapter 10 violations, including improper lane position, riding two abreast outside a bike lane, sidewalk riding and reckless riding, are traffic infractions punishable by a fine of not more than $200.00 under Sec. 10-2. Removing or altering a bicycle's frame number is instead a class 3 misdemeanor. A written or verbal summons under Sec. 10-5 routes juveniles to juvenile court and adults to Lynchburg General District Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride my bike on the sidewalk in Lynchburg?
Can two cyclists ride side by side on a Lynchburg street?
What's the fine for breaking Lynchburg's bicycle rules?
Do I need lights on my bike at night in Lynchburg?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lynchburg
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