Vermont Walk & Bike Laws

Know your rights and responsibilities as a vulnerable road user (anyone walking, biking, or rolling) in the State of Vermont! Below are a highlight of important laws for both drivers and vulnerable road users to note, with links to the laws as written in Vermont Statute.

Motor vehicles passing vulnerable users

• Drivers must exercise due care, which includes reducing speed and giving at least four feet of clearance, to pass vulnerable road users. Crossing the double yellow line is allowed in this case - be aware of and yield to oncoming traffic.

Pedestrians' right of way in crosswalks

• Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing the roadway within a crosswalk, even if traffic-control signals are not in operation. If any vehicle is stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross (at marked or unmarked crosswalks), drivers may not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.
• Pedestrians may not suddenly enter the roadway into the path of a vehicle that is so close that it is impossible for a driver to yield.

Crossing except at crosswalks

• Pedestrians crossing a roadway at any point other than a marked crosswalk must yield to vehicles.

Pedestrians on roadways

• Pedestrians walking on the road must stay on the left side, facing oncoming traffic, when practicable - pedestrians may be on the right side of the road when that is a safer choice.

Bicyclists on roadways and bike paths

• Bicyclists riding on the road must as near to the right side as is safe, meaning that a bicyclist may be in the lane with traffic when: preparing to turn left, approaching an intersection, overtaking another road user, avoiding hazards (such as trash cans, animals, or parked cars), and avoiding unsafe road conditions (such as potholes, blind turns, narrow roadways, or bad weather).
• Bicyclists may ride no more than two abreast, except on paths or bike lanes, or as part of a public sporting event.
• Bicyclists must follow all traffic signals governing motor vehicles, except that a bicyclist may proceed through an intersection during the "walk" signal, yielding to pedestrians.

Lights on bicycles, and other equipment

• At nighttime (between 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise), a bicyclist must equip their bike with a white light on the front, and either a red light on the rear or at least 20 square inches of rear-facing reflective material.
• Bikes must have functional brakes.

Hand Signals for bicyclists and drivers

• Left turn: left hand and arm extended horizontally.
• Right turn: left hand and arm extended upward, or (just for bicyclists) right hand and arm extended horizontally.
• Stop or decrease speed: left hand and arm extended downward.

Opening and closing vehicle doors

• Do not open the door of a motor vehicle on the side next to moving traffic unless it is safe to do so - look for traffic and vulnerable road users.

Putting glass, other items, on highway prohibited

• It is prohibited to drop glass, nails, tacks, wires, cans, or anything else likely to injure a person, animal, or vehicle on the road.

Driving on the sidewalk

• It is prohibited to drive on a sidewalk or area exclusively for pedestrians, except while crossing a driveway.
• Electric personal assistive mobility devices may be used on sidewalks, not exceeding eight miles per hour.

Review Full List of Vermont Statutes Online

Local Motion offers a summary of the rights and responsibilities of bicyclists in Vermont.

Local Motion Pedestrian Rights & Responsibilities Document

Trail Etiquette

Vermont has many different types of trails - hiking, mountain biking, equestrian, and shared-use. Keep these trails safe and respectful places by following the etiquette below.

• Ride, walk, and roll on the right side of the path (unless otherwise posted)
• Ring a bell, or say "passing on your left" when passing other trail users, except horses*
• 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
• *All trail traffic yields to horses. Stop or slow down, say "hello", and ask the rider what to do and if you may pass. Horses have different personalities - their riders know best! Give plenty of space, especially when approaching a horse from behind. Be aware that the loud ticking of a bike hub may spook a horse.

Driver Safety

Give Some Love, Get Some Love: Safety is a Two-Way Street. That's the motto of the Safe Streets Network.

We've been working since 2008 to build a culture of respect on Vermont's streets and roads. Our brochure lays out the rules of the road for people walking, biking, and driving in clear, straightforward language - making it easy to do the right thing!

Download "Give Some Love" brochure