When Do Cyclists Have the Right of Way in New York?

Bicycling in New York City can be one of the fastest, most cost-effective, and environmentally friendly ways to get around. But cycling here also comes with risks, especially when you find yourself sharing busy streets with cars, buses, taxis, pedestrians, and delivery vehicles. One of the most important aspects of riding safely—and protecting your legal rights after a crash—is understanding when cyclists have the right of way in NYC.

In New York, bicycles are not treated as “second-class” vehicles. Under the law, cyclists are generally given the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles. That means there are times when you do have the right of way, and other times when you’re legally required to yield. Knowing the difference can help you avoid accidents, and if you’re injured, it can also strengthen your personal injury claim. Learn more below, and if you’ve been hurt as a cyclist while riding in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens or the Bronx, contact Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., to speak with an experienced and dedicated New York City bicycle accident attorney.

Cyclists Are Treated Like Drivers Under New York Law

New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) treats bicycles as vehicles for most purposes. That means cyclists must obey the same traffic signals, signs, and road markings as motorists. You must ride in the same direction as traffic, signal lane changes and turns, stop at red lights, and yield where required.

At the same time, drivers owe cyclists a duty of care. They must share the road responsibly, maintain a safe distance, and exercise caution to avoid collisions. In fact, under New York’s “due care” rule, a driver who fails to take reasonable steps to avoid hitting a cyclist in clearly marked bike lanes or elsewhere on the road can be found negligent.

When Cyclists Have the Right of Way in New York City

Although every traffic situation is different, there are several common scenarios where New York law gives cyclists the right of way.

1. Intersections Without Traffic Signals

If you approach an intersection without a stop sign or traffic light, the same rules apply as they would for cars. The first vehicle (car or bike) to arrive has the right of way. If you and another vehicle arrive at the same time, the vehicle to the right has priority. However, motor vehicle drivers must still yield if you are already in the intersection.

2. Riding in Designated Bike Lanes

Bike lanes are designed to give cyclists a protected space to travel. If you’re riding in a marked bike lane, motor vehicles may not enter or block it except when turning or entering/exiting a driveway. In those cases, drivers are required to yield to any cyclists approaching in the lane.

3. Passing Straight Through an Intersection

If you’re riding straight through an intersection with a green light or a “go” signal, you generally have the right of way over vehicles that are turning. This is especially important when cars are making right turns across bike lanes. The driver must wait for you to pass before turning.

4. Crosswalks and Shared Use Paths

Cyclists using crosswalks or shared paths must yield to pedestrians, but pedestrians and drivers alike must also respect your right to cross when you have the appropriate signal. On multi-use paths, cyclists should keep to the right, pass only when safe, and yield to pedestrians at all times.

Dangerous Situations for Cyclists

While the law gives cyclists clear rights in many cases, real-world situations can create confusion and danger. Common examples include:

• “Dooring” accidents – A driver or passenger opens a vehicle door into a cyclist’s path. These accidents happen quickly, and the driver can be held liable for failing to check before opening the door.
• Blocked bike lanes – If a bike lane is obstructed, you may have to merge into traffic. While you may have the right to occupy a travel lane in this instance, caution and signaling are essential to staying safe and avoiding allegations of shared fault in a crash.
• Turning vehicles – Some drivers misjudge a cyclist’s speed and turn directly across their path. Even though you may have the legal right of way, a driver’s mistake or lack of respect for cyclists can cause a crash.
• Pedestrian-heavy intersections – Pedestrians sometimes cross against signals or outside crosswalks. While you may have the right of way, it’s safest to slow or stop rather than risk hitting someone.

How Right of Way Affects Liability in an Accident

If you’re injured in a cycling accident in New York, determining right of way is often a key factor in proving negligence. If the other party failed to yield when they were legally required to, that can be strong evidence that they were at fault.

In some cases, however, liability can be shared. New York follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, meaning that if you were partly at fault—for example, by riding against traffic or ignoring a signal—your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. This is why it’s so important to follow all traffic laws, not just for safety but to protect your right to compensation when a negligent driver hits you.

Protecting Your Rights After a Cycling Accident in NYC

If you’ve been injured while riding a bike in New York, consider taking the following steps to protect your health and your legal claim:

• Call 911 to get police and medical responders on scene.
• Document the accident – Take photos of the location, any vehicles involved, and your injuries.
• Get witness contact information – Independent witnesses can be crucial in proving right of way.
• Seek medical attention immediately – Even if you feel okay, some injuries may not be obvious right away.
• Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer – An attorney can investigate, gather evidence, and deal with insurance companies on your behalf.

Contact Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., After a Bicycle Accident in New York City

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident and believe the other party failed to yield, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. The law is on your side, but proving your case requires quick action and experienced legal guidance.

Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., has years of experience representing injured cyclists in New York City. We know how to investigate right-of-way disputes, hold negligent drivers accountable, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.