Local Motion offers a summary of the rights and responsibilities of bicyclists in Vermont as well as a summary of both Vermont statutes as a pocket-sized summary printed on waterproof paper.  To order free copies for distribution to your neighbors, cycling club, school, or workplace, contact Mary Catherine Graziano at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  You can also download a PDF of the state summary by clicking here. 

Additional resources include:

Vermont State Statutes

Rules of the Road by the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition

Municipalities in Vermont can have varying traffic laws. Burlington's ordinances, for example, have a few differences from State Statue.  They include:

• Prohibition of cycling two abreast on roadways
• Prohibition of cycling on the sidewalks in Burlington's "Inner Fire District" -- basically the downtown area bounded by Pearl Street, Winooski Avenue and Main Street.

Local Motion offers a summary of the rights and responsibilities of bicyclists in Burlington as a pocket-sized summary printed on waterproof paper.  To order free copies for distribution to your neighbors, cycling club, school, or workplace, contact Mary Catherine Graziano at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  You can also download a PDF of the Burlington summary by clicking here. 

For details, you can read Burlington's Code of Ordinances online.  For other municipalities, contact the local Town Clerk or City Clerk.

Crashes do happen.  If you've had a crash with motor vehicle, we recommend following these three steps:

1. Seek medical attention if needed
2. File a police report
3. Contact a lawyer to make sure your rights are protected (see list of lawyers below)

For more detail, read the document "What To Do If You Are Hit By A Car" published by the VT Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition.  The insurance companies for drivers are always looking to minimize any costs to the insurance company or their customers.  Cyclists and pedestrians don't have this built in protection.  There are many Vermont lawyers who will provide a free initial consultation to cyclists and pedestrians.

LAWYER REFERRAL PROGRAM

To make sure that cyclists and pedestrians have an easy way to find a lawyer, we've established a lawyer referral program.  We do not endorse or recommend any lawyer.  The lawyers below have stated that they have met at least one of the following criteria:

1) Had past experience representing a cyclist or a pedestrian in a crash

2) Are a member of Local Motion and/or the VT Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition

3) Are willing to offer discounts to Local Motion or VT Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition members

To add your name to this list, contact Local Motion Executive Director This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Vermont has many different types of trails -- hiking trails, mountain biking trails, equestrian trails and shared-use trails.  Help us keep our trails in good shape and respectful places by following the following etiquette.

HIKING TRAILS:

• Read Green Mountain Club's Leave No Trace Policy

SHARED-USE TRAILS:

• Ride, walk and inline skate on the right side of the path (unless otherwise posted)
• Ring a bell or say "passing on your left" when passing
• Obey all traffic laws and signs
• When bicycling, signal your turns by using your arms
• When running, walking or bicycling side-by-side, be alert for other path users and get in single file when others approach
• Wear a helmet when biking, inline skating or skateboarding -- it's not the law in Vermont but it makes good sense!

• New England Horse Trail Etiquette