There are a few cycling laws all riders must follow to help ensure a safe ride:
- Ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Follow all traffic signs and signals.
- Yield to pedestrians.
- Walk bikes on sidewalks.
- Use hand signals when turning, and do not to weave in and out of traffic.
- Never ride distracted. Wearing headphones in both ears is illegal, and it’s never a good idea to use your phone while riding.
All users must be 16 years or older to ride a Citi Bike.
Keep in mind it's generally safest to take a route that includes a bike lane. When you “Plan a ride” using the mobile app, we'll show you a route using bike lanes whenever possible. You can also use Google Maps to find bike routes using bike lanes. And there are many other resources for cyclists available online, such as this New York City Bike Map of bike paths, bike lanes & greenways.
In New Jersey, it is the law that cyclists under the age of 17 wear a helmet while riding. If you don't own a helmet, you can purchase a discounted Citi Bike helmet from our online store or see the helmets page on our website for more ways to save.