As an avid cyclist and Maine bike crash attorney, Lauri Boxer-Macomber knows the difference between a bicycle accident and a bicycle crash.
Maine’s bicycle laws and regulations are found throughout the Maine Motor Vehicles and Traffic Code, in Maine case law and within local ordinances. A few of the most commonly referenced bicycle laws are referenced below. For questions about a specific incident or guidance about how these statutes play out in everyday riding, do not hesitate to call or e-mail Lauri.
Read her review and analysis of Maine bicycle laws.
Also, read her analysis of permissible and safe road positioning.
- The statute primarily governing bicycle operation on public ways is found here: 29-A M.R.S.A. § 2063.
- Maine’s safe passing distance law is found here: 29-A M.R.S.A. § 2070.
- The laws generally governing helmets, lights and reflectors are found within the Bicycle and Roller Skis Safety Education Act.
- Maine’s “dooring” statute is found here: 29-A M.R.S.A §2068(4).
Bicycling Events in Maine
Maine has bicycling events for riders of all types, ages, and abilities. Each year, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine puts out a guide to all of them. A few that you won’t want to miss include:
- BikeMaine: This week-long cycling tour, held in different regions of the state each fall, is capturing national and international attention with its locally-sourced foods, homespun twists and unique use of bicycle touring as a means to educate and build reciprocal relationships with local communities.
- Yarmouth Clam Festival USCF Professional Bike Race and HK2 Kids Fun Ride: Each July, male and female professional racers take on Yarmouth Town Center while spectators enjoy pancakes, crafts and tag sales from the sidelines. Then, it is on to HK2’s Kids Fun Ride, organized by former pro racer Lenora Felker with her husband Tim Corcoran.
- Maine Women’s Ride: Join hundreds of women throughout Maine and New England each June for a day-long celebration of women and riding in Freeport, Maine. Select one of the multiple route options varying from 10 to 62 miles in length along Maine’s coastline and quiet country roads.
- 12 Hours of Bradbury Mountain: This mountain bike relay race and festival is held each fall at Bradbury Mountain in Pownal, Maine and features a course boasting more than seven miles of incredible singletrack mountain biking.
