Safety on the Roads

The Law in Connecticut as it Pertains to Bicycles on the Road

After consultation with the Torrington Police Dept., paragraph (b) below is confirmed to mean: Cyclists are allowed to ride two abreast ONLY on roads where the shoulder or “breakdown lane” is wide enough to accommodate two bikes.

Section 14-286b – Operation of Bicycles on Roadways

(a) Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, except when (1) making a left turn pursuant to subsection (b) of section 14-241, (2) overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, (3) overtaking and passing pedestrians, parked vehicles, animals or obstructions on the right side of the highway, and (4) when the right side of the highway is closed to traffic while under construction or repair.

(b) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Persons riding two abreast, as provided in this subsection, shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, and, on a laned roadway, shall ride within a single lane.

ILLEGAL Scenarios Due to Impeding Normal Motor Vehicle Traffic

On a laned road (painted center line and painted shoulder line): Two bikes abreast, one in the shoulder or “breakdown lane” and one in the roadway.
Illegal and unsafe.
On an unlaned road (no painted lines anywhere): Two bikes abreast. Illegal and unsafe.

Please Note

When in doubt, ride single file.
Stay alive and be courteous to the motorists.
Illegal riding and discourtesy will limit our ability to continue to conduct the Tour of the Litchfield Hills.

Thanks for reading and helping get this message out to everyone, we really appreciate it! The Tour Of The Litchfield Hills committee.