Bicycles & Scooters: Rules of the Road
Thank you for using active transportation to get around Tacoma! The City of Tacoma is working on a range of strategies to make it as safe and easy as possible for you to walk and roll, including:
You can help by following the rules of the road (and sidewalk and trail) when you ride a bike or use a motorized foot scooter.
Where to Ride
This chart is intended to serve as a helpful guide to local & state regulations related to where to ride in the City of Tacoma, however additional requirements and nuances may apply. Please see the Revised Code of Washington and Tacoma Municipal Code for additional details.
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Area of Operation
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Bicycles
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E-bikes
Class 1 & 2
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Electric Motorized Foot Scooters & EPAMDs
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E-bikes
Class 3
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Gas Motorized Foot Scooters
(Must be 16+)
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Sidewalks
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Yes, must yield to pedestrians.
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No
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No
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Bike Facilities
(i.e. bike lanes, cycle track)
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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No
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Roads (speed limit ≤25mph)
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Roads (speed limit >25mph)
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Yes, unless prohibited on a limited access highway
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Only in a bike facility
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Yes, unless prohibited on a limited access highway
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No
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Paved Trails
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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No
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No
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Within Parks
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Permitted on roads, sidewalks, paths or trails in any park unless otherwise prohibited and signed for the particular micromobility device(s) being prohibited.
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Only on roads intended for the movement of public vehicular traffic, or on roads specifically designated and signed for such use.
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*See RCW 46.04.169 for definitions of Class 1, 2, and 3 electric-assisted bicycles. See TMC 11.06 for definitions of motorized foot scooters and EPAMDs.
Riding at Night
If you’re riding during the hours of darkness – bicycles and motorized foot scooters must have a front white light and a rear red reflector. A red rear light may be used in addition to the required reflector.
Please Wear a Helmet
The City of Tacoma strongly encourages all people using human-powered and/or motorized bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, scooters, and similar modes to wear a helmet, especially children. However, the City recognizes that helmet laws for these modes are not the most equitable or effective strategy to maximize positive public health outcomes. While helmets are no longer required by law in the City of Tacoma, the City will continue efforts to reduce barriers to accessing helmets and educate the community about why and how to wear helmets. The City also recognizes that helmets are just one strategy to improve active transportation safety; the City will continue to pursue a multi-faceted approach, including engineering, education, and encouragement, to enhance the safety of its transportation system. Washington State helmet laws for motorcycles, mopeds, and motor-driven cycles remain in effect in the City of Tacoma.
Additional Resources
Washington State Bicycle Laws
Washington State Pedestrian Laws