Surprise, AZ Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Direction of travel
- Same direction as traffic unless marked two-way
- Traffic control
- Must obey signals/signs like a vehicle
- Curb positioning
- Ride close to right curb when slower than traffic
- Curb exceptions
- Passing, left turns, hazards, narrow lanes
Summary
Surprise's shared-mobility ordinance, Code § 54-58(g), requires bicycle and shared e-bike/scooter (SATV) riders in a bike lane or roadway to travel in the same direction as vehicle traffic unless signs or markings allow two-way travel, and to ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb when moving slower than traffic, with listed exceptions for passing, left turns, and hazards.
(7)No person shall ride or operate a bicycle or SATV in any direction except as permitted by vehicular traffic on the same side of the roadway where the sidewalk or bicycle lane exists; provided, that bicycles and SATVs may proceed either way where signs or pavement markings on the sidewalk or bicycle lane designate two-way traffic. ... (11)A person riding a bicycle or SATV on a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic, at the time and place and under the then existing conditions, shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except under the following conditions and when the movement can be made safely:a.If overtaking and passing another bicycle or SATV proceeding in the same direction;b.In preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private roadway or driveway;c.If reasonably necessary to avoid hazardous conditions ahead in the roadway; ord.If the lane in which the person is operating the bicycle or SATV is too narrow to travel safely side by side with another vehicle, bicycle or SATV.
Full Breakdown
Section 54-58(g), part of the city's shared active transportation vehicle (SATV) pilot program ordinance, sets the operating rules for bicycles and SATVs (rented electric bicycles and stand-up electric scooters) on Surprise streets and bike lanes. Paragraph (7) bars riding in any direction except as permitted by vehicular traffic on the same side of the roadway where the sidewalk or bicycle lane exists, unless signs or pavement markings specifically designate the lane for two-way bicycle or SATV traffic, so riding against traffic in a one-direction bike lane is a violation absent that marking.
Paragraph (8) requires a rider in a bicycle lane or traffic lane to comply with the same state traffic requirements, speed restrictions, signals, and signs that apply to motor vehicles unless a peace officer directs otherwise. Paragraph (11) requires a rider moving slower than the normal speed of traffic to stay as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, but lists four situations where moving away from the curb is allowed: passing another bicycle or SATV, preparing for a left turn, avoiding a hazardous roadway condition, or where the lane is too narrow to share safely with another vehicle.
Riders who obstruct a bike lane in violation of these paragraphs are treated the same as any other traffic offender under Section 54-58, since paragraph (1) grants bicycle and SATV riders the rights, and subjects them to the duties, of a bicycle rider under state and local law.
Violations & Fines
Section 54-58 does not set a separate dollar fine for a bike-lane violation; a rider who fails to follow the direction-of-travel, curb, or traffic-control rules in paragraphs (7), (8), and (11) is subject to the same duties and liabilities as any bicycle rider under state and local traffic law, per paragraph (g)(1). The city also holds authority to impound SATVs that are operated or parked in violation of the pilot program's terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a bike or shared scooter against traffic in a Surprise bike lane?
Do cyclists have to obey traffic signals in a Surprise bike lane?
Do I have to ride at the curb, and are there exceptions?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Surprise
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