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Cyclists

Cyclists share the road with motor vehicles but are more vulnerable. You must make yourself visible, obey the rules of the road, and ride with caution.

  • You must obey all traffic lights, signs, and road markings. [2]
  • You must ride on the left-hand side of the road, in the same direction as traffic.
  • You must use a front white light and rear red light when riding at night. [1]
  • Your bicycle must have a working bell or horn. [1]
  • You must not carry passengers unless the bicycle is designed to do so.

Good Practice

These are steps you should follow:

  • Visibility: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night or in poor weather. See Low Visibility.
  • Signals: Give clear hand signals before turning or changing lanes.
  • Lane position: Keep a steady line and avoid weaving between vehicles. Stay out of drivers’ blind spots. See Lane Discipline.
  • Control: Always keep at least one hand on the handlebars.
  • Awareness: Watch for opening car doors, potholes, or loose gravel.

Special Considerations

  • Children should not cycle on busy roads until they are confident and supervised.
  • Cyclists should ride single file on busy or narrow roads. See Hills & Narrow Roads.
  • Helmets are strongly recommended for safety, even if not legally required.

Exam Pointers

  • You must know: front white light, rear red light, and a bell or horn are required by law. [1]
  • You must ride with the flow of traffic, not against it.
  • Expect questions like: “What signals should a cyclist use when turning?” → clear hand signals.
  • You should know: reflective clothing and helmets improve safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment must a bicycle have by law?
At minimum: a front white light, a rear red light, and a working bell or horn. [1]
Which side of the road must cyclists ride on in The Bahamas?
Cyclists must ride on the left-hand side of the road, in the same direction as traffic. [2]
Do cyclists have to obey traffic lights and signs?
Yes. Cyclists must follow the same traffic rules as drivers. [2]
Is it legal to carry passengers on a bicycle?
No, unless the bicycle is designed for passengers, such as with a proper seat. [1]
Are helmets required for cyclists in The Bahamas?
Helmets are strongly recommended for safety, especially for children, but not legally required.
  1. Road Traffic Act (Ch. 220), s. 83 — Requires bicycles to be equipped with a bell or horn, and lamps when ridden at night. ↩
  2. Bahamas Highway Code, Section 13 — Cyclists must obey traffic signs and signals, ride with care, and use proper lights at night. ↩
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