State has a Far Right as Practicable Requirement

A bicyclist traveling slower than traffic must ride as close as practicable to the right side of the roadway. Exceptions include passing, preparing for a turn, avoiding hazards, and when the lane is too narrow to safely share.

Allows Two Abreast Riding

Idaho expressly allows bicyclists to ride two abreast, provided they do not impede the normal movement of traffic and stay within a single lane on laned roadways.

Single File is Required

Idaho allows bicyclists to ride two abreast. Riders may not ride more than two abreast except on paths or highway sections set aside exclusively for bicycles.

Has a Safe Passing Law

Idaho's statewide law requires only a general "safe distance" when overtaking a bicyclist, with no specific footage. Idaho has no statewide 3-foot passing law. The City of Boise adopted a local ordinance in 2022 requiring at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist.

Helmets are required on the road

Idaho has no statewide bicycle helmet requirement for riders of any age. Some local governments may adopt their own helmet ordinances.

If Bike Lanes are present, they are required ( except when unsafe )

Idaho has no statewide law requiring bicyclists to use a bicycle lane or path where one is provided; § 49-717 only requires riding near the right side of the roadway generally. Some local ordinances (for example, in Boise) may require the use of specific bicycle facilities.

Riders may use the sidewalks

Sidewalk riding is generally allowed unless prohibited by local ordinance or posted signage. A bicyclist on a sidewalk has a pedestrian's rights and duties, must yield to pedestrians, and must give an audible signal before passing.

Does the Impeding Statute Apply to Bikes

Idaho requires a slower bicyclist to ride near the right edge of the roadway, but expressly allows taking the full lane when it is too narrow to share safely or to avoid hazards. Riders two abreast may not impede the normal movement of traffic.

Whether cyclists may treat stop signs as yield signs (the "Idaho stop").

Idaho pioneered the "Idaho Stop." A bicyclist approaching a stop sign may slow and yield rather than come to a complete stop, and may proceed through the intersection without stopping if it is safe. At a red light, a bicyclist must first come to a complete stop, then may proceed through with caution once yielding to other traffic.

Restrictions exist on e-bikes and usage

Idaho classifies electric-assisted bicycles into three classes by motor wattage (under 750 watts) and top assisted speed (20 mph for Class 1/2, 28 mph for Class 3). Riders have the same rights and duties as bicycle riders, and local governments may exclude e-bikes from specific facilities by ordinance or signage.

Allows the concept of Contributory Negligence that allows any contributory fault resuls in 'no fault'

Idaho does not follow contributory negligence. Idaho uses a modified comparative negligence system: a bicyclist's damages are reduced by their percentage of fault, and recovery is barred once their fault equals or exceeds the fault of the party or parties they are suing.