New York’s 2025 Bicycle Laws

Whether you’re heading to work across the George Washington Bridge, coasting along the Hudson River, or just exploring Manhattan, there’s one thing all bikers have in common: vulnerability. You don’t have to be an expert to know that biking in New York can feel more like a survival sport than a mode of transportation. The good news is that the new bike laws in New York are catching up to keep cyclists safe.

What Cyclists Need to Know About New York’s Bicycle Laws

In 2025, New York is updating their bicycle laws to focus on safety and lessen conflicts and accidents between cyclists and other drivers. New York has seen a cultural movement towards cycling over the past few years. Many New Yorkers have made the switch post-pandemic, and others have switched because of frustrating traffic and subway delays. This shift has made it more important than ever for New York to update their rules and regulations because everyone has the right to share the road.

In 2025, some of the new laws are coming into play for bikers are:

• Dooring accidents: Dooring is one of the most common causes of injury for bikers in NYC. Drivers and passengers who open car doors into bike lanes now face higher fines.
• Side guards on commercial trucks: These guards prevent cyclists from being pulled under a truck’s wheels.
• More protected bike lanes in high-risk areas: More bike lanes near schools, parks, and major commercial districts. Anywhere where traffic and foot congestion are the heaviest.
• Revised “failure to yield” law: Drivers who fail to yield to cyclists in designated bike lanes can now also face criminal charges as well as civil liability charges.

Common Injuries from New York Bicycle Accidents

Bike accidents can leave victims more injured than in motor vehicle accidents because of how exposed riders are on a bike. Even at low speeds, the impact of being hit by a car or truck can cause permanent, life-changing injuries.

Some of the most common injuries from these accidents are:

• Concussion, head injuries, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Neck, back, and spine injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Fractured bones
• Scars, road rash, and other lacerations
• Dental injuries
• Emotional damages, like PTSD
• In extreme cases, death

No matter the injury, medical bills and other expenses can pile up fast. Especially if you have to take time off work due to injuries, it can quickly become overwhelming and financially stressful. That’s where legal support makes a difference.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in NYC

If you’re involved in a bicycle accident in New York City, the steps you take immediately after can make or break your case. After an accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention, even if you feel okay. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, especially internal trauma or concussions, which are common injuries in these cases. If you are able to take photos of the scene, your bike, and any visible injuries, and get contact info from any witnesses who saw what happened. Next, report the accident to the police and request a copy of the report. It’s important to get a copy of the report to have for your future records. Finally, contact a New York bicycle accident lawyer, also known as a personal injury lawyer, as soon as possible to fight for the justice deserved.

It’s important to contact an experienced bike accident attorney to help you understand your case and get ahead of New York’s statute of limitations. In most personal injury cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, if your accident involved a government vehicle or if the accident occurred because of things like poor infrastructure or street maintenance by the city (like a pothole or missing bike lane markings), you may have as little as 90 days to file a notice of claim. If you miss these deadlines, you could lose your right to seek compensation entirely. That’s why speaking with an experienced attorney right away isn’t just helpful, it’s critical.

The Complexity of NY Bicycle Claims

Bicycle accident claims in any state are complex, and New York is no exception. It is important to know your rights before you ride, so if the unexpected does happen, you know what to do.

For example, New York follows a comparative negligence rule. This means if you’re partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. For example, if you ride in the wrong lane or miss a traffic light, the amount of compensation you can receive is reduced by your percentage of fault. So, if a court says you were 40% responsible, and your medical bills total $100,000, you’d only get $60,000. This rule can be exploited by insurance companies to place more blame on the biker and reduce their own payout. A skilled personal injury lawyer will protect your rights by gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses, and analyzing traffic camera footage to counter claims and prove the driver’s negligence.

Additionally, if the accident involves a truck, delivery van, rideshare vehicle, or commercial vehicle, the case becomes even more complex. These claims can involve not only the driver, but also their employers, third-party contractors, and even the vehicle manufacturer could be liable for the accident.

New York is also a no-fault insurance state, so no matter who is at fault in a motor vehicle accident, the injured party will receive compensation for their injuries from their own insurance company, up to a limit. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses caused by the accident. This does not mean you’re automatically covered, and there are exceptions to the rules. A skilled and experienced personal injury attorney will help to explain these complex laws and exhaust every avenue to secure you the justice and compensation you deserve. All while you focus on healing and getting back on the road.

Don’t Ride Alone After a Crash

Even the most experienced and cautious cyclists still end up in accidents because of others’ negligence. If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident in New York, don’t wait. The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the better your chances are of getting full compensation. At Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., we’ve been helping injured cyclists stand up for their rights for over 40 years. We offer compassionate, skilled legal representation to ensure you receive compensation for your losses.

Clients seeking experienced personal injury lawyers in Teaneck, NJ, or the surrounding Bergen County area can contact Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. at 1-800-LAW-2000 or via email at info@dsslaw.com. Our firm offers free, no-obligation consultations and second opinions, and has offices throughout New Jersey and New York City.