Laws & Advocacy

Know your rights and responsibilities on the road.

3 FEET IT’S THE LAW
Since 2007, Tennessee’s Jeff Roth and Brian Brown Bicycle Protection Act has required drivers to give cyclists at least three feet when passing. In 2025, club members bought signs just like this one, and the city put them up around Tullahoma. See the Mayor’s proclamation →

Know the Law

  • Tennessee Bicycle Laws

    The state’s plain-English summary from TDOT: where to ride, the 3-foot passing rule, lights, helmets for riders under 16, and e-bikes.

  • Electric Bicycles (E-Bikes)

    Tennessee’s three e-bike classes: Class 1 pedal-assist to 20 mph, Class 2 throttle to 20 mph, and Class 3 pedal-assist to 28 mph (Tennessee Code § 55-8-301).

  • Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety

    The Tennessee Highway Safety Office on helmets, lights, the 3-foot rule and crosswalks. As they put it, bicycles in Tennessee have a right to ride in the road, just like a car.

  • Bike Law University

    Plain-language guides from the League of American Bicyclists to how bike laws work: safe passing, where to ride, dooring, sidewalks and more.

Advocacy

Groups working for safer roads and a stronger voice for cyclists, in Tennessee and across the country.

  • League of American Bicyclists

    The League's mission is "to promote bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation and work through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America." With over 300,000 affiliated cyclists, key programs include the Bicycle Friendly America Program, Bicycle Safety and Education, National/State/Local Bicycle Advocacy, and National Bike Month™.

    Visit bikeleague.org →

  • Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation

    Named after a father of three girls killed by a pickup truck driver in Maryville, TN in 2006. Through the grass-roots efforts of concerned cyclists, a bill was drafted, unanimously passed, and signed into Tennessee law in 2007 as the Jeff Roth and Brian Brown Protection Act. The foundation's purpose is to increase awareness of the act and promote cycling as a safe, healthy form of transportation.

    Visit jeffrothcyclingfoundation.org →

  • BicycleLaw.com

    Bob Mionske's law practice is exclusively focused on representing cyclists injured by motorists, unsafe road conditions, or defective cycling products. He welcomes calls for a free consultation.

    Visit bicyclelaw.com →

  • Knoxville Regional Bicycle Program

    Cycling safety, planning and related activities from the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization.

    Visit knoxtpo.org →

  • Bike Walk TN

    Bike Walk Tennessee is a network of individuals and groups creating a unified statewide voice for bicycling and walking, working toward safer streets across Tennessee.

    Visit bikewalktn.org →

The 6 Rules for Cycling Safety

  1. Stop at lights and signs

    A bicycle follows the same traffic laws as a car: stop at stop signs and red lights, and yield before pulling out of a driveway or off a sidewalk.

  2. Be predictable and visible

    Keep to the right so traffic can pass, ride a straight, steady line, and stay where drivers can see you.

  3. Ride with traffic

    Always ride the same direction as the cars on your side of the road. Riding against traffic makes a crash far more likely.

  4. Signal

    Use hand signals before you turn or merge, so drivers know what you’re about to do.

  5. Wear a helmet

    Think of it like a seat belt: wear it on every ride, then ride so you never need it. Tennessee requires one for riders under 16.

  6. Lights on at dusk

    From dusk on, run a white light in front and a red light in back. Reflectors alone aren’t enough.

Adapted from the Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation.