An overview of West Virginia's bicycle laws, reviewed and cited to primary sources. Use the sections below to jump to a specific rule, or the Sources block at the end for the full citation list.
This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with your state DOT or a licensed attorney before relying on this for any legal matter. Read full disclaimer.
Helmet rules
Required under age
Required under age 15
Applies to passengers
Yes
Standard
CPSC
Penalty
WV Code § 17C-11A-3 requires every person under 15 to wear a protective helmet meeting the standards of the American National Standards Institute, the Snell Memorial Foundation, or the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission whenever operating or riding as a passenger on a bicycle, including in a child trailer. The first violation may be dismissed by the court on proof of helmet purchase; subsequent offenses carry a fine of $5 to $25.
WV Code § 17C-11-9 permits sidewalk cycling unless prohibited by official traffic-control device or local ordinance. Riders must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before overtaking and passing. Charleston, Huntington, and Morgantown each restrict sidewalk riding in their designated downtown business districts.
West Virginia's DUI statute (WV Code § 17C-5-2) applies to anyone who drives a 'vehicle' under the influence, but the general vehicle definition in WV Code § 17C-1-2 excludes devices moved exclusively by human power. As a result, the standard DUI statute does not reach bicycle riders. An impaired cyclist who endangers others may instead face charges under reckless-operation or public-intoxication statutes.
Lamp on the front emitting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front.
Rear requirement
Rear reflector or light
Rear spec
Red reflector on the rear of a type approved by the Division of Motor Vehicles, visible from 100 to 600 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper-beam headlamps. A red rear lamp visible from 500 feet to the rear may be used in addition to the reflector.
WV Code § 17C-11-6 permits riding no more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Riders shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.
Bicycles are prohibited on Interstate and other controlled-access highways in West Virginia under WVDOH policy and the limited-access framework in WV Code Chapter 17. I-64, I-68, I-70, I-77, I-79 and I-81 are signed closed; cyclists must route on parallel US and state routes.