Cycling is a great way to get around Olathe, Kansas, but it's essential to be aware of the laws and regulations that apply to cyclists. In the Sunflower State, riders must travel in the same direction as traffic when driving on the road. If a bike path is available, it is mandatory for the cyclist to use this lane. However, unlike most other states, cyclists can ride sidewalks in Kansas.
Different municipalities may have different restrictions on walking on sidewalks, so check your local laws. For their safety, cyclists are prohibited from traveling on highways and interstate highways. Whenever a road usable for bicycles has been arranged next to a road, cyclists must use that road and not use the roadway. People traveling by bicycle on a road must not travel more than twice at the same time, except on trails or parts of roads intended for the exclusive use of bicycles. If you or a loved one was injured while biking in Kansas, contact the bicycle accident attorneys at Wendt Law Firm in Kansas City.
Occasionally, one or two Kansas police officers go crazy and begin giving instructions (or worse, fines) to Kansas cyclists who ride on the highway instead of on a nearby trail or sidewalk. Unfortunately, cyclists in Kansas and Missouri are at constant risk of injury in bicycle accidents. When using a device classified as a bicycle in Kansas, wearing a helmet is not mandatory, even for cyclists under 18 years of age. The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) maintains the Kansas Bike Guide, which contains basic information about cycling in the state of Kansas. While Kansas doesn't have many bicycle laws and regulations to comply with, existing laws help keep riders safe from accidents.
Kansas is unique compared to most states in that it doesn't classify bicycles as vehicles for many legal purposes, including driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI).