Sharing with bicycles — Georgia Permit Test

Bicyclists in Georgia may use every road in the state except the interstates and the highways built like them.

A rider on a county road is where the law puts them, so the road is theirs as much as yours.

Bicyclists are legally entitled to use every road in Georgia except the interstate and interstate-like highways (limited access highways).

Georgia law lets a bicyclist use the full lane, and does not require them to ride in a bicycle lane even where one has been painted.

A rider takes the lane to be seen, or to get around glass and potholes you never notice.

The law allows bicyclists use of the full lane. They are not required to be in a bike lane even when one is present.

The minimum legal space for a Georgia motorist to leave when passing a bicyclist is 3 feet.

A rider may have to swerve around a pothole you can see and they cannot, and the space is for that.

The minimum legal space for a motorist to pass a bicyclist is 3 feet.

Where a Georgia motorist cannot change into a lane away from a bicycle, they slow to at least 10 miles per hour below the posted limit or to 25 miles per hour, whichever is more, and pass with at least three feet of space.

Passing slowly is what gives the rider time to react if your mirror comes closer than you meant.

If a lane change is impossible, prohibited by law, or unsafe, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the traffic conditions, which speed shall be at least ten miles per hour less than the posted speed limit or 25 miles per hour, whichever is more and proceed around the bicycle with at least three feet between the vehicle and the bicycle at all times.

Georgia says a bicyclist riding at night may have no lights and may not even have reflectors, and asks a driver meeting one to dim their headlights.

A rider dazzled by your high beams cannot see the edge of the road they are riding on.

Night time bicyclists will not always have lights, and some may not even have reflectors. If you meet an oncoming bicyclist, please dim your lights to avoid blinding the bicyclist.

A bicyclist in Georgia may pass on the right side of motor traffic where there is a lane for it or room in a shared lane and it is safe to do.

A rider coming up your right side is doing what the law allows, and your mirror does not show it.

Bicyclists are able to pass on the right side of motorists if there is a dedicated lane or sufficient room in a shared lane, and it is safe to do so.

Which Georgia roads may a bicyclist not use?

The interstates and roads built like them. A rider on a county road is where the law puts them, so the road is theirs as much as yours. Georgia Driver's Manual, p.119: “Bicyclists are legally entitled to use every road in Georgia except the interstate and interstate-like highways (limited access highways).”