HB 393: Safer Cycling in Georgia Act; enact

Georgia law currently allows bicyclists to signal turns but does not require it. This bill, called the Safer Cycling in Georgia Act, would change that by making hand and arm signals mandatory before turning, with a safety exception if signaling would be dangerous. It also spells out exactly how far ahead of a turn (at least 50 feet) a cyclist must signal. The bill also adds a new rule for bicyclists approaching stop signs at intersections with a highway that has two or fewer lanes. Instead of requiring a full stop in every case, cyclists would have to slow to a reasonable speed and stop only if needed to see approaching traffic safely. If the intersection is clear of other traffic or pedestrians, the cyclist could proceed through or turn without stopping completely. This rewrites part of Georgia's bicycle traffic law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-291).

• Requires bicyclists to signal a right turn with an extended right arm or an upward-bent left arm, and a left turn with an extended left arm, at least 50 feet before turning.
• Removes the current option to skip signaling, making it mandatory unless signaling would create an unsafe condition.
• Creates a new rule letting bicyclists slow down and, if the way is clear, roll through a stop sign at a two-lane-or-fewer intersection instead of always stopping fully.
• Requires bicyclists who do slow or stop at such an intersection to yield to pedestrians or vehicles that pose an immediate hazard.
• Gives the bill a short title, the 'Safer Cycling in Georgia Act.'

The bill mainly affects bicyclists riding on Georgia roads, especially those who ride near intersections with stop signs. It also affects drivers and pedestrians who share the road with cyclists, since it changes when cyclists must yield or stop.

Cyclists would gain a legal option to treat certain stop signs like yield signs, potentially making rides smoother, while also facing a new, enforceable duty to signal turns. Drivers and pedestrians would need to understand that cyclists may lawfully slow rather than 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 for bicyclists, with an exception when signaling would be unsafe, and requires signaling at least 50 feet before completing a turn.
• Section 2 adds a new subsection (d) allowing bicyclists at stop signs on two-lane-or-fewer roads to slow down instead of stopping fully if no hazard is present, while still requiring them to yield right of way when needed.
• 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-45)Primary sponsor
• Steven Sainz (R, HD-180)
• Omari Crawford (D, HD-89)
• Mark Newton (R, HD-127)
• Carmen Rice (R, HD-139)

• bicycle laws
• traffic safety
• road rules
• stop signs
• cycling