St. Louis, MO Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Driving on bike lane
- Prohibited under § 17.16.040
- Exceptions
- Emergency, maintenance, business/residence access vehicles
- Cyclist road position
- Ride near right side, two abreast max
- Sidewalk riding
- Barred for riders 15+ unless signed path
- Maximum fine
- $500 or 90 days jail
Summary
St. Louis bans driving any vehicle onto a bicycle/pedestrian right-of-way under Section 17.16.040, with narrow exceptions, and requires cyclists to ride near the roadway's right side under Section 17.36.050.
A.No person shall drive any vehicle upon a sidewalk except upon a permanent or duly authorized temporary driveway.B.No person shall drive any vehicle upon any bicycle/pedestrian right-of-way. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to persons driving emergency vehicles or maintenance vehicles, persons who drive upon any bicycle/pedestrian right-of-way as a means of ingress or egress to a place of business or a residence or persons crossing any bicycle/pedestrian right-of-way at a point designated by Grace Hill Americorp as a river access crossing site.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11).
Full Breakdown
Section 17.16.040 makes it illegal to drive any vehicle onto a bicycle/pedestrian right-of-way: the city's term for a path or lane whose primary use is designated for cyclists, runners, walkers or skaters. Exceptions cover emergency and maintenance vehicles, drivers reaching a business or residence, and crossings at Grace Hill Americorp-designated river-access points; everyone else must stay off. Separately, Section 17.36.050 governs cyclists themselves: on a roadway they must ride as near the right side as practicable, no more than two abreast except on a path set aside exclusively for bicycles, and riders 15 or older may not use a sidewalk unless it is signed as a bike path.
Violations & Fines
Violating either section is a general-penalty offense under Chapter 1.12: a fine of $1 to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both; as a minor traffic violation, fines plus court costs are capped at $225.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a car park or drive in a St. Louis bike lane?
Where in the lane must a cyclist ride in St. Louis?
Can kids ride bikes on St. Louis sidewalks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Louis
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