Interesting laws for bicycles in the state of Georgia

[NoCO2]

For more info on Georga state laws, go here (they match the ones on the dot site so they're good)

Section 40-6-296

No bicycle shall be equipped, modified, or altered in such a way as to cause the pedal in its lowermost position to be more than 12 inches above the ground, nor shall any bicycle be operated if so equipped.

Last I checked my road bikes pedals at their lower position were only about 2 inches and that's from the factory.

It shall be unlawful for any person to sell a new bicycle or a pedal for use on a bicycle unless the pedals on such bicycle or such pedals are equipped with reflectors of a type approved by the Department of Public Safety. The reflector on each pedal shall be so designed and situated as to be visible from the front and rear of the bicycle during darkness from a distance of 200 feet. The commissioner of public safety is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations and establish standards for such reflectors.

My clipless pedals have no reflectors on them and even if they did they are inside my shoe so you wouldn't be able to see them anyway.

I think I may also have found a loophole in GA law restricting the speed at which it can travel on the road. Section 40-6-294 states that:

Electric assisted bicycles as defined in Code Section 40-1-1 may be operated on bicycle paths.

and Section 40-1-1 states that: (and this is a long one so I'll sum it up)

Originally Posted by summary of 40-1-1

Electric assist bikes are defined as a bicycle that is powered by a motor no more then 1000W in power. They may not exceed 20mph in speed when under electric assist power only on level ground. May not allow for the bicycle to exceed 20mph when human power alone can already attain such speed or higher

So, that means if I have an E-bike that can go over 20mph, it is not legal to ride it on bicycle paths, however, it says nothing about being illegal to ride in the road...am I right?


(Sorry for posting so much recently, I've just been finding a lot of interesting stuff I thought I might share with everyone while I am at work)

If you're interested about bicycle safety laws in your area, check out this site.
http://www.electricscooterparts.com/laws.html

[TheDon]

Originally Posted by NoCO2

Last I checked my road bikes pedals at their lower position were only about 2 inches and that's from the factory.

looks like I am ok to ride in Georgia.

[SuperTrooper]

summary of 40-1-1
"Electric assist bikes are defined as a bicycle that is powered by a motor no more then 1000W in power. They may not exceed 20mph in speed when under electric assist power only on level ground. May not allow for the bicycle to exceed 20mph when human power alone can already attain such speed or higher."

The way I read it is you can NEVER exceed 20 mph under power. Period. Regardless of location.

[ebacherville]

dont you think its totally ridiculous that they make laws over bicycles..

If you injure some one your liable no matter if you on a bike or crawling on your hands and knees, that's all it boils down to .. these laws are pretty anal