HB393: HB393 Safer Cycling in Georgia Act; enact

Current Georgia law lets bicyclists signal turns but does not require it. This bill, called the Safer Cycling in Georgia Act, changes that by making hand signals mandatory when a cyclist turns right or left, unless signaling would be unsafe. The bill also adds a new rule for bicyclists approaching a stop sign at an intersection with a road that has two or fewer lanes. Instead of always coming to a full stop, the cyclist must slow to a reasonable speed and yield to any pedestrian or vehicle that is an immediate hazard. If no one else is approaching closely enough to be a hazard, the cyclist may turn or continue through the intersection without stopping completely. The bill repeals any conflicting laws and does not list a separate effective date beyond the standard process for new Georgia laws.

• Requires bicyclists to signal right or left turns with their arm and hand at least 50 feet before turning, removing the old optional language.
• Creates an exception so no hand signal is required when giving one would create an unsafe condition.
• Adds a new rule letting bicyclists slow down (instead of fully stopping) at stop signs on two-lane or smaller roads if no one else is an immediate hazard.
• Requires bicyclists at those intersections to yield to any pedestrian or vehicle that is an immediate hazard while crossing.
• Names the bill the 'Safer Cycling in Georgia Act' as its official short title.
• Repeals any existing Georgia laws that conflict with these new bicycle rules.

The bill directly affects bicyclists riding on Georgia roads, since it changes what they must do when turning and when approaching stop signs. It also affects drivers and pedestrians who share intersections with cyclists, and law enforcement officers who enforce traffic laws.

Cyclists would face a clearer legal duty to signal turns, with a built-in safety exception, and would get more flexibility at certain stop signs, similar to rules some other states use. Drivers and pedestrians would need to expect cyclists to slow rather than fully stop at some intersections.

• Section 1 names the bill the 'Safer Cycling in Georgia Act.'
• Section 2 revises O.C.G.A. § 40-6-291(c) to make arm and hand turn signals mandatory rather than optional, except when unsafe.
• Section 2 adds a new subsection (d) allowing bicyclists at stop signs on two-lane-or-smaller roads to slow down instead of stopping if no hazard is present, but requiring a stop when needed for safety.
• Section 2 requires cyclists to yield to any pedestrian or vehicle that constitutes an immediate hazard while crossing such an intersection.
• Section 3 repeals any conflicting laws.

1. 2025-04-04House Withdrawn, Recommitted (House)
2. 2025-02-21House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (House)
3. 2025-02-13House Second Readers (House)
4. 2025-02-12House First Readers (House)
5. 2025-02-11House Hopper (House)

• Sharon Cooper (R, HD-045)Primary sponsor
• Steven Sainz (R, HD-180)
• Omari Crawford (D, HD-089)
• Mark Newton (R, HD-127)
• Carmen Rice (R, HD-139)

• bicycle safety
• traffic laws
• stop sign rules
• road rules for cyclists