Sharing the road
A parent wants to carry a child on a bicycle in New York. Which of these children does the law forbid carrying as a passenger?
- An infant under one year old. Correct answer
- A three-year-old in an attached bicycle safety seat, wearing an approved helmet.
- A seven-year-old on a passenger seat, wearing an approved helmet.
Why
New York sets age-based rules for passengers on a bicycle. Carrying a baby under one year old is against the law, with no exception. Children from 1 to 4 must ride in a bicycle safety seat attached to the bike, which is what the second option describes, so that one is allowed. An older child may ride if the bicycle has a passenger seat, and bicyclists and their passengers from age 1 to 13 must wear an approved helmet, which both of the other options include. The ages stack up in order, no passenger under 1, an attached safety seat from 1 to 4, and an approved helmet on every passenger through age 13.
Where this comes from
New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), April 2026 version. The correct answer is An infant under one year old.
More on sharing the road
- In a single traffic lane, what is the most bicyclists that may ride side by side?
- A motorcycle ahead has had its turn signal blinking for several blocks without turning. What should you keep in mind?
- Why is following a motorcycle closely especially risky?
- The car in the lane next to yours has stopped at a crosswalk, but you cannot see anyone crossing. What should you do?