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Winston-Salem, NC Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Roadway position
Ride near right-hand side
Group riding limit
No more than two abreast
Sidewalk riding
Banned downtown & 2 corridors
Code sections
§ 42-285, § 42-286

Summary

Winston-Salem cyclists on public roadways must ride as near the right-hand side as practicable and may not ride more than two abreast, with sidewalk riding barred downtown and on two named street segments.

(a)Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the righthand side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction. (b)It shall be unlawful for persons riding bicycles upon a roadway to ride more than two abreast.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 102 | Personnel: Supplement 96 | Water and Sewer: Supplement 56 | Solid Waste: Supplement 15).

Full Breakdown

City code requires anyone operating a bicycle on a roadway to ride as near the right-hand side as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing or slower-moving vehicle, and makes it unlawful to ride more than two abreast. A companion section requires sidewalk cyclists to yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing, and separately bans bicycle riding on sidewalks in the central business district and on Sunset Drive (First Street to Glade Street) and Liberty Street (14th Street to 17th Street), except for police officers on downtown bike patrol duty.

Violations & Fines

Riding more than two abreast on a roadway, failing to keep right where practicable, or riding a bicycle on a sidewalk in a banned zone (downtown, part of Sunset Drive, part of Liberty Street) violates the code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cyclists ride two abreast in Winston-Salem?
No. City code makes it unlawful for bicyclists on a roadway to ride more than two abreast; riders must keep to the right-hand side as practicable under § 42-285.
Is sidewalk riding legal downtown?
No. Section 42-286 bans bicycle riding on sidewalks in the central business district and on parts of Sunset Drive and Liberty Street, except for on-duty police bike-patrol officers.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Winston-Salem

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All Winston-Salem rules

Compare Winston-Salem to another location·View the North Carolina mobility & curb rules overview

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