Bicycling is an increasingly popular way to commute, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors in Tennessee cities like Memphis and Nashville. In Memphis, cyclists riding for recreation or to work in areas like Midtown, Downtown, Cooper-Young, and along the Mississippi River Greenway must often share the road with heavy motor vehicle traffic, putting them at risk of serious accidents. Nashville bicyclists face similar dangers riding in neighborhoods like 12 South, Sylvan Park, East Nashville, and Germantown or along busy corridors like West End Avenue and Charlotte Pike.
Bicycle accidents involving cars or trucks can result in catastrophic injuries or even fatalities. Both cyclists and motorists in these areas must understand the bicycle laws in Tennessee and how they affect liability and legal issues if a bicycle accident occurs.
In this post, we'll provide an overview of key bicycle laws in the state and discuss how they impact bicycle accident cases, especially in high-traffic urban areas like Memphis and Nashville, where many cyclists and motorists must share the road.
Tennessee Bicycle Laws
Tennessee law defines a bicycle as a vehicle, meaning cyclists have the same rights and duties as motorists on public roads. Some of the most important Tennessee bicycle laws include:
- Tenn. Code § 55-8-172 – Bicycles are considered vehicles, and cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles, with only a few exceptions. Cyclists must obey traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.
- Tenn. Code § 55-8-175 – Cyclists must ride as close as practicable to the right-hand side of the roadway, except when passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn, avoiding hazards, or if the lane is too narrow to share safely with a motor vehicle. Cyclists may ride two abreast but cannot impede traffic.
- Tenn. Code § 55-8-175 – Motorists must leave a safe distance of at least 3 feet when passing a bicycle traveling in the same direction.
- Tenn. Code § 55-8-143 – Cyclists must use hand signals when turning. A left turn is indicated by extending the left arm horizontally. A right turn is indicated by extending the left arm upward or by extending the right arm horizontally. Stopping or decreasing speed is signaled by extending the left arm downward.
- Tenn. Code § 55-8-177 – Bicycles used at night must be equipped with a white headlight visible from at least 500 feet, and either a red rear reflector or a lamp emitting a red light, which shall be visible from 500 feet when directly in front of car headlights.
- Tenn. Code § 55-52-105 – Bicycle helmets are required for cyclists under 16 years old.
- Tenn. Code § 55-8-174 – Clinging to motor vehicles while riding a bicycle is prohibited.
Local Bike Laws in Tennessee
Additional local ordinances may govern bicycling in specific cities or counties. For example, Memphis allows bicyclists to ride on sidewalks, though it may be prohibited in some neighborhoods. Nashville Metro Code prohibits riding bicycles on sidewalks within business districts.
The two cities also have slightly different door laws. These laws require a person to open a vehicle door in a way that ensures that it is reasonably safe to do so without interfering with moving traffic and that the door isn’t left open any more time than necessary.
Memphis’s dooring law prohibits motor vehicles from parking or stopping in a bike lane unless signs are posted granting permission to do so. Nashville has a similar requirement but also states that motor vehicles cannot use a bicycle lane as a turning or passing lane.
It's important to check local laws where you live or frequently ride.
E-Bike Laws in Tennessee
An electric bicycle, often referred to as an "e-bike," is a bicycle equipped with an integrated electric motor that can be used to assist the rider's pedal power or, in some cases, to propel the bike entirely. A rechargeable battery powers the motor and can help riders travel faster, farther, and with less effort compared to a traditional bicycle.
E-bikes have gained popularity as an alternative mode of transportation, especially for commuting and recreation. They can make cycling more accessible to people with limited physical fitness, help riders tackle hills and headwinds, and allow for longer trips. However, the added speed and power of e-bikes also raise safety concerns, particularly when sharing the road with traditional bicycles and motor vehicles.
Tennessee also has specific laws related to electric bicycles (e-bikes) introduced in 2019. Here are the key points about e-bike laws in Tennessee:
Classification
Tennessee law (Tenn. Code § 55-8-301) defines three classes of e-bikes:
- Class 1: E-bikes with a motor that assists only when the rider is pedaling and stops assisting when the bicycle reaches 20 mph.
- Class 2: E-bikes with a motor that can be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and stops assisting when the bicycle reaches 20 mph.
- Class 3: E-bikes with a motor that assists only when the rider is pedaling and stops assisting when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.
Treatment as Bicycles
Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are treated like traditional bicycles under Tennessee law. However, sidewalk riding is prohibited except where authorized by local ordinance. Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited on paths or trails where bicycles are permitted, except where the bike path is adjacent to or part of the street or highway.
Helmet Requirement
Riders and passengers of Class 3 e-bikes must wear helmets. There is no state-level helmet requirement for riders of Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, but local laws may vary.
Age Restriction
No one under the age of 14 may operate a Class 3 e-bike.
Labeling
Manufacturers must label e-bikes with their classification number, top-assisted speed, and motor wattage.
Other Bicycle Laws Apply
E-bike riders must follow the same traffic laws and have the same rights and duties as riders of traditional bicycles, such as riding on the right side of the road, using hand signals, and obeying traffic signs and signals.
What if I’m Injured in a Bicycle Accident in Tennessee?
Tennessee's bicycle laws are designed to promote the safety of cyclists and to define the rights and responsibilities of both cyclists and motorists. These laws aim to reduce the risk of accidents by requiring cyclists to ride predictably and follow traffic rules and by requiring motorists to respect the right of cyclists to use the road and to exercise caution when driving near them.
Despite these laws, negligent motorists still cause accidents that injure cyclists. When a driver fails to follow traffic laws or acts carelessly behind the wheel and strikes a cyclist, the injured rider may have grounds to pursue a legal claim against the motorist and recover compensation for their medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.
To have a successful bicycle accident claim based on negligence, the injured cyclist must generally prove four key elements:
- Duty: The motorist owed a duty of care to the cyclist to drive safely and follow traffic laws. All motorists have a duty to operate their vehicles in a reasonably safe manner and to look out for cyclists, pedestrians, and other road users.
- Breach: The motorist breached their duty of care by failing to act as a reasonably prudent driver would under the circumstances. Examples could include speeding, running a red light, failing to yield, driving while distracted, or passing too closely.
- Causation: The motorist's breach of duty directly caused the accident and the cyclist's injuries. The cyclist must show that they would not have been injured but for the motorist's negligent actions.
- Damages: The cyclist suffered actual injuries and losses that can be compensated, such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, or emotional distress.
If you've been hurt in a bicycle accident in Tennessee, it's important to discuss your case with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer who can advise you of your rights and help you seek the compensation you need and deserve.
What if I’m Partly to Blame for My Bicycle Accident?
In some cases, a cyclist may be partially at fault for an accident, such as if they were riding on the wrong side of the road or failed to stop at a red light. Under Tennessee's modified comparative fault rule, the cyclist's recovery would be reduced by their assigned percentage of fault. However, they may still have a valid claim if the motorist was primarily responsible for causing the crash.
For example, let's say a cyclist runs a red light and is hit by a speeding car. It's determined that the cyclist was 30% at fault for running the red light, while the driver was 70% at fault for speeding. Under modified comparative fault, the cyclist's total damage award would be reduced by their 30% of fault. So, if their damages totaled $100,000, they could collect $70,000 from the speeding driver.
This is why it's critical for cyclists to obey all applicable bicycle laws and rules of the road. Violating the law, such as failing to ride on the right side of the road, not using proper hand signals, or riding at night without lights/reflectors, could be used as evidence that the cyclist was fully or partially at fault for a resulting accident. This could limit or prohibit their ability to recover damages.
On the other hand, if a cyclist follows all the bicycle laws and is hit by a negligent driver, they would have a strong case that the motorist was 100% liable for the accident. Examples could include a driver rear-ending a cyclist, hitting them while turning, "dooring" them by opening a car door, or unsafely passing within the 3-foot buffer required by Tennessee law.
Compensation Available to Tennessee Bicycle Accident Victims
In a case where the motorist was primarily at fault, the injured cyclist could potentially recover damages. Damages in a personal injury case refer to the monetary compensation awarded to an injured party (the plaintiff) by the party responsible for causing the injury (the defendant) or their insurance company. The purpose of damages is to make the plaintiff "whole" again or to restore them to the position they would have been in if the injury had not occurred.
The specific damages available will depend on the circumstances of the case and the severity of the cyclist's injuries. However, some common types of damages in bicycle accident claims include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage to the bicycle
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
An experienced bicycle accident attorney could help document the cyclist's damages, establish the motorist's negligence and liability, and pursue maximum compensation for the cyclist's injuries and losses.
Safety and Prevention
While understanding Tennessee's bicycle laws is important if an accident occurs, the ultimate goal is to prevent crashes in the first place. Some key safety tips for cyclists:
- Always wear a properly fitted helmet, even if you're over 16
- Wear bright, reflective clothing to increase visibility
- Equip your bike with lights and reflectors if riding at night
- Ride predictably and in a straight line
- Use hand signals when turning and stopping
- Ride with traffic on the right side of the road
- Obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings
- Stay alert and watch for road hazards
- Avoid distractions like headphones or cell phones
- Yield to pedestrians
- Ensure your bike is in good working order
For motorists, here are some ways to safely share the road with cyclists:
- Look for cyclists before turning, changing lanes, or opening doors
- Yield to cyclists when appropriate, such as at intersections
- Leave at least 3 feet when passing cyclists
- Don't honk at or harass cyclists
- Be patient and wait until it's safe to pass on narrow roads
- Pay attention and avoid distractions
Contact a Tennessee Bicycle Accident Lawyer from Cory Watson Attorneys
Bicycling continues to grow in popularity across Tennessee. While laws are in place to protect the rights of cyclists and define their responsibilities on the road, far too many preventable bicycle accidents still occur due to motorist or cyclist negligence. By understanding Tennessee's bicycle laws, following the rules of the road, and prioritizing safety, both cyclists and drivers can help reduce crashes.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident caused by someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced Tennessee bicycle accident lawyer at Cory Watson Attorneys can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue the maximum recovery you deserve. Contact us at 901-479-0227 or through our online form to discuss your case during a free, no-obligation consultation.