Sharing the road
A bicycle ridden on a public highway in New York must have a horn or bell. From how far away must that horn or bell be heard?
- At least 100 feet. Correct answer
- At least 200 feet.
- At least 500 feet.
Why
Besides working brakes, a bicycle on a public highway needs a horn or bell that can be heard from at least 100 feet away. It is the shortest distance in the bicycle equipment rules. 200 feet and 500 feet are both real bicycle numbers, but they are about lights used at night: one light must be seen from 200 feet on each side, and the headlight from 500 feet ahead. Bicycles sold by a dealer also come with reflectors on the wheels, the rear and the pedals. Of all the bicycle equipment distances, the horn or bell has the shortest reach, 100 feet, and every light has to be seen from farther than that.
Where this comes from
New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), April 2026 version. The correct answer is At least 100 feet.
More on sharing the road
- A bicycle crash causes a serious injury. Under New York's rules for bicyclists, within how many days must it be reported to the DMV?
- Which statement about the blind spots of large trucks is correct?
- You are about to pass a motorcycle that is riding near the right edge of a wide lane. How much room must you give it?
- Outside New York City, you want to turn right on a red light where turning is allowed. What should you do to avoid hitting a bicyclist coming up from your right rear?