New Rules for Commercial Cyclists

The city has new laws and rules governing commercial cycling that will take effect next month. Businesses that use commercial cyclists for deliveries can be fined for failing to obey these laws.

A business must post a Commercial Bicyclist Safety poster, in languages cyclists can read, in a prominent place.

Download the poster in English, Chinese (中文版), Haitian Creole (Kreyòl Ayisyen), Italian, Korean (한국어), Russian (русском языке), or Spanish (español) .

A business must provide each cyclist with:

• A unique 3-digit ID number;
• Retro-reflective upper-body apparel with the business' name and bicyclist's 3-digit ID number on the back;
• A bicycle helmet in good condition;
• An ID card identifying the business.

A business must keep a roster that includes each cyclist’s: name, residence address, date of employment, and discharge, the cyclist’s unique 3-digit ID number, and confirmation that cyclists have read the DOT Commercial Bicyclist Safety course.

A business must equip cyclists with:

• A bell or other audible device;
• White front headlight and red taillight from dusk to dawn;
• Reflectors on each wheel and front and back of bicycle;
• Brakes;
• A metal or plastic sign at least 3X5 inches with the business name attached to the rear of each bicycle or seat, or both sides of the delivery basket. 
• A unique 3-digit number different from the bicyclist’s ID number. 

Commercial cyclists must wear their helmets, retro-reflective upper-body apparel printed with the name of the business and their ID number, and carry their IDs on the job.

Download templates for ID cards, vests, bike signs and roster:

• Commercial Bicyclist ID Card (pdf)
• Vest/Upper Body Apparel ID (pdf)
• Metal or Plastic Bicycle Sign (pdf)
• Roster (pdf)

Commercial cyclists must obey all traffic laws, including:

• Yield to pedestrians;
• Stop at red lights and stop signs;
• Stay off the sidewalk;
• Use a white headlight, and red taillight at night;
• Use a bell to signal presence;
• Not wear more than one earphone; 
• Signal when turning.

Download DOT guidebooks and brochures: 

• Brochure: Do You Deliver? (pdf);
• Guidebook in English, Spanish, Chinese or Greek (pdf).

For more information, visit the DOT website.