What are bicyclists considered when they are on roadways?

Bicyclists are considered vehicles when they are on roadways. This classification means that cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicle operators, including obeying traffic signs, signals, and rules of the road. As vehicles, bicyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic and may use the full lane if conditions require it. This acknowledgment of bicyclists as vehicle operators aims to enhance their safety and integration into the traffic system.

While pedestrians are any individuals on foot, they are granted different rights and protections compared to vehicles. Motorcycle operators, though similar in some ways, fall under a different category and have their own specific laws and regulations. Non-motorized vehicles could refer to a broader range of transportation options, but the specific classification of bicyclists as vehicles is what governs their operation on roadways.