A bicyclist may use a full marked lane. “Bicyclists usually ride on the right side of the lane, but are entitled to use the full lane…. Drivers wishing to pass a bicyclist may do so only when there is abundant clearance and no oncoming traffic is in the opposing lane. When passing a bicyclist, always remember the bicyclist is entitled to use of the full lane.” – for important details, see this resource: North Carolina Driver’s Handbook, p.95.
As of October 01st, 2016, and only if it is safe to pass, vehicles may legally cross over a solid yellow or white center line to pass cyclists. Drivers must allow 4 feet between their vehicle and the cyclist(s). Failure to do so will be considered to be an act of reckless driving, a serious chargeable offense under North Carolina Law.
Bicyclists are Drivers of Vehicles
§ 20-4.01(49) Vehicle. – …for the purposes of this Chapter bicycles shall be deemed vehicles and every rider of a bicycle upon a highway shall be subject to the provisions of this Chapter applicable to the driver of a vehicle except those which by their nature can have no application.
As drivers of vehicles, bicyclists are allowed to travel on all public roadways except fully controlled access highways (freeways) such as interstates. NCAC 19A.2E.0409 OPERATING NONMOTORIZED VEHICLES: It is unlawful for any person to ride any animal, or to operate a bicycle or horse drawn wagon or any nonmotorized vehicle or moped on any interstate or other fully controlled access highway.
