More: The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles

When you are riding a bicycle on public ways,
state law subjects you to the same basic laws
and regulations that apply to motor vehicle operators.
• You must obey all traffic signs and signals, ride
single file with the flow of traffic, and yield to pedestrians.
• You must ride on the right side of the
roadway, unless you are turning left. To turn
Rules for Pedestrians　left, signal, look, and move into the lane　closest to the center line.
• It is strongly recommended that you avoid
listening to headphones while riding.
• Before entering or crossing a roadway, you
should stop, look left, look right, and look left
again for traffic—even if it is a one-way
street.
• When preparing to merge, stop, or turn, use
hand signals to communicate your intentions
to other roadway users. You may use either
hand to signal.
• Use an audible signal bell, horn, or your
voice to warn pedestrians.
• For nighttime operation, your bike must be
equipped with a white headlight, red taillight,
and/or rear reflector, pedal reflectors, and
side reflectors. In addition, you must wear
reflective ankle bands.
• You may use sidewalks outside business
districts, unless there is a local ordinance
prohibiting it.
• When operating on a sidewalk, you must
yield the right of way to pedestrians.
State law requires that all bicyclists 16 years
of age or younger must wear approved helmets
when bicycling or riding as passengers
on public ways or property. A properly fitted
and fastened helmet sits just above the eyebrows.
As an adult, you can set an important example
for children by always wearing a helmet when cycling.