Bicycle Accidents

Last updated on April 22, 2026

When a car hits a bicycle rider, whether the rider is an adult or a child, the result is often a catastrophic injury. Adult and child head injuries are common, as are back and neck injuries. These accidents often result in wrongful death.

Have you, your child or another person you care about been involved in a serious bicycle accident? Getting in touch with a quality personal injury attorney immediately is a positive first step, because it allows you the opportunity to find out about your rights and to make certain they are protected. At the law office of R. Steve Bowden & Associates, we have decades of experience representing accident victims and their families in bike injury and death cases. We take a team approach and always provide personal attention and individualized service. Contact our North Carolina bicycle accident lawyers for a free initial consultation.

Representation in All Types of Bike Accident Cases

Our lawyers handle all types of bike accident cases, including:

• Bicyclists hit by motor vehicles changing lanes
• Bicyclists hit by motor vehicles turning in front of them
• Bicyclists hit by cars pulling out of driveways and parking lots
• Bicyclists hit by parked cars opening doors in their path

We represent adults and children in bike injury cases, working hard to pursue compensation that will cover all costs, including past, present and future medical care.

In North Carolina, victims have up to three years from the date of an injury to file a personal injury claim. For wrongful death incidents, this is shortened to two years. You need to consult an attorney fast to meet these deadlines.

E-Bike Laws In North Carolina: What Riders Need To Know

Electric bicycles are gaining popularity across North Carolina, and the law has evolved to keep up. Senate Bill 576 outlines how e-bikes are defined and regulated statewide while allowing local governments to impose additional restrictions.

This means riders must follow both state classifications and any city or county-specific rules. These laws impact where e-bikes can be ridden, how fast they can travel and what safety standards apply.

E-bikes are divided into three classes based on motor function and speed. These classifications determine access and usage across public spaces. The three classes include:

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, with no throttle. The motor stops assisting at 20 mph. These bikes are generally permitted on bike lanes, greenways and multi-use paths unless a local ordinance restricts access.
• Class 2: Equipped with a throttle that can propel the bike without pedaling. The maximum assisted speed is 20 mph. These are often treated similarly to Class 1, though some jurisdictions limit their use on certain paths.
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only, with assistance up to 28 mph. These are restricted to roadways and bike lanes and are not commonly allowed on shared-use paths or recreational trails.

State law also outlines operational rules that riders must follow. E-bike users are generally subject to the same traffic laws as traditional cyclists, including obeying signals, yielding when required and riding in the correct direction of traffic.

However, additional rules apply depending on the class and location. Key legal requirements include:

• Speed compliance: Riders must not exceed the maximum speed tied to their e-bike class and must follow posted limits.
• Age restrictions: Class 3 e-bikes cannot be operated by riders under 16 years old.
• Helmet use: Helmets are required for Class 3 riders and encouraged for all others for safety.
• Path and roadway access: E-bikes are allowed on public roads and bike lanes, but local governments may prohibit or limit use on sidewalks, greenways or parks.
• Equipment and labeling: Manufacturers must label e-bikes with their classification, top assisted speed, and motor wattage.

Following these rules helps reduce conflicts with pedestrians and drivers while making sure riders remain within the boundaries of both state and local law. When an e-bike accident happens, R. Steve Bowden & Associates helps clients navigate liability issues, especially when local regulations or classification rules are part of the incident.

Complying With North Carolina Bicycle Laws

A bicycle is a vehicle according to North Carolina traffic laws. Therefore, as a cyclist, you can travel on most roads legally. Drivers should share the road with you.

Every traffic statute that can reasonably apply to a bicycle is enforceable. Cyclists can receive tickets for rolling through stop signs, for example. Cyclists should comply with all relevant traffic statutes and conform to guidance provided by traffic lights or signs.

The most important North Carolina bicycle traffic laws include:

• G.S. 20-129(e)​: Establishes the requirement to have a lighted lamp on the front of a bicycle and a red rear lamp or brightly-colored, reflective clothing, such as a vest, that is visible from 300 feet when riding during transitional times or after the sun sets.
• G.S. 20-138.1​: Affirms that people riding bicycles, but not horses, are subject to impaired driving laws.
• G.S. 20-146: Clarifies that cyclists can travel on all public roads lawfully, with exceptions for limited-access highways, and validates that a cyclist can fully occupy a lane of traffic.
• G.S. 20-150e: Expands the typical two-foot passing distance to four feet when a driver passes a cyclist in a no-passing zone.
• G.S. 20-154: Describes the hand signals used for communicating with vehicles, such as holding the left arm horizontal to indicate a turn.
• G.S. 20-171.2​: Prohibits bicycle racing on public roads without prior approval from local authorities.
• G.S. 20-173: Grants the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks, while G.S. 20-174 affirms that pedestrians should yield to vehicles, including bicycles, at unmarked crossing locations.

Cyclists should generally remain on the right side of the road except when preparing to pass another vehicle, circumvent an obstruction or perform a left turn. If there is a designated bicycle lane on the road, then the cyclist should occupy that lane.

North Carolina bicycle laws do not mandate that adults wear helmets. However, cyclists under the age of 16 must wear a helmet on public roads. Parents transporting children under 40 inches or 40 pounds must use restraining seats or a trailer for safety.

Careful adherence to the law is critical for your safety as a cyclist and protects your right to compensation after a crash. Under North Carolina’s strict contributory negligence rule, even minor traffic violations can make you ineligible for compensation after a crash.

Bike Riders Have Rights

It is important that you know that just because you were on a bike, your right to compensation does not change if you were injured because of a driver’s negligence. However, do not expect the driver’s insurance company to treat you with respect or offer you fair compensation. Insurance adjusters want to minimize compensation. We want to get you every penny that you deserve.

The Insurance Company Is NOT On Your Side®, But We Are

At the law office of R. Steve Bowden & Associates, our goal is simple: to meet your needs and get you fair compensation. You will have us on your side from start to finish. Contact our Greensboro bicycle accident lawyers for a free initial consultation.

Home and hospital appointments are available.

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