Biking is a popular way to commute in Taiwan, but safety comes first. This guide covers essential bike safety rules and common violations to help you ride legally and confidently.
Why Bike Safety Rules Matter in Taiwan
In Taiwan, bicycles are not just recreational tools — they are legally recognized as a form of transportation. According to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, cyclists must obey the same traffic rules that apply to other vehicles.
Many people mistakenly believe that because riding a bike doesn’t require a license, they can ride however they want. In reality, once you’re on the road, you’re subject to the Bike Safety Rules and Law.
Violations such as riding against traffic, running red lights, or riding without lights at night can result in fines ranging from NT$300 to NT$1,200. In more serious cases, they may even lead to accidents that endanger both the rider and others.
According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation, many bicycle-related incidents happen simply because riders are unaware of the rules.
Whether you’re a daily commuter or a casual weekend rider, knowing and following Taiwan’s bike safety rules is not only about avoiding tickets — it’s about being responsible for your own life and the safety of others.
This guide will walk you through the most common violations to help you ride safer and smarter in Taiwan.
Riding Zones and Basic Bike Safety Rules in Taiwan
Bike Safety Rule #1: Where Are Bikes Allowed?
Before you start cycling in Taiwan, it’s important to know where bicycles are allowed.
According to Taiwan’s traffic regulations & Bike Safety Rules, bicycle riding is permitted or prohibited in the following areas:
✅ Bike Lanes – Allowed
You are allowed to ride on designated bike lanes, which are specially designed paths for bicycle use. These are the safest and most legally compliant areas for cyclists.
According to Taiwan’s traffic regulations, bicycles must ride on designated bike lanes when available. If no bike lane is provided, cyclists may use the slow vehicle lane and must keep to the right side of the road.
Many cities in Taiwan have been expanding their cycling infrastructure, such as the riverside bike paths in Taipei or Kaohsiung’s citywide bike lane system.
🚫 Sidewalks – Not Allowed
Bikes are not allowed on standard sidewalks, unless there are clear signs or markings from local authorities permitting shared use.
Violating this rule may result in fines ranging from NT$300 to NT$1,200.
Related rule: Bicycles are not permitted on pedestrian walkways or under covered walkways unless specifically marked.
🚫 Car Lanes – Not Allowed
Bicycles are not allowed to ride in car lanes. Cyclists should avoid entering fast lanes or lanes designated exclusively for motor vehicles.
🚫 Covered Walkways (Arcades) – Not Allowed
In principle, riding under covered walkways (騎樓) is not permitted, unless signs indicate otherwise. Violations may also result in fines of NT$300 to NT$1,200.
Additionally, in Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan, the YouBike violation point system is in effect. For example, riding a YouBike in an arcade zone will result in a violation point. Accumulated points may lead to a temporary suspension of your rental privileges.
Bike Safety Rule #2: Basic Riding Regulations
1. Keep to the Right:
Always ride on the slow vehicle lane (if available), or keep to the far right side of the road. Stay alert for vehicles approaching from behind.Riding on the right helps others predict your movement and reduces accident risk.
2. Obey Traffic Signals:
Red means stop, green means go — this applies to bikes too. Cyclists must follow all traffic signs, road markings, and signals. At intersections with traffic lights, you must stop at red lights and never run through intersections illegally.
3. Signal Before Turning:
Always use hand signals before turning or changing lanes to inform drivers and other cyclists. (See the section below for signaling tips.)
Bike Safety Rule #3: Night Riding Tips
Cycling at night comes with additional risks. Here are some key things to remember:
1. Equipment Check
Before riding, check your bike’s brakes, tire pressure, and lights to ensure everything is working properly.
2. Required Equipment
You must turn on your front and rear lights, and install reflectors. It’s also highly recommended to wear bright or reflective clothing to improve visibility.
3. Slow Down
Visibility is lower at night. Ride more slowly and avoid poorly lit or uneven road surfaces.
Top 10 Bike Traffic Violations in Taiwan (Updated as of April 2025)
The following bicycle traffic violations are based on the regulations reviewed in April 2025. Please note that Taiwanese traffic fines may change yearly, and if there are discrepancies, the latest version of the central government’s official traffic laws shall prevail.
1. Running Red Lights
Many cyclists rush through empty intersections without noticing that bicycles must also obey traffic lights. Running a red light or ignoring signals is a traffic violation.
📌 Penalty: Up to NT$700
✅ Tip: Even if no cars are around, always follow traffic lights to stay safe.
2. Riding on Sidewalks
By law, bicycles should ride on the road or on designated bike lanes. Sidewalk riding is only permitted when officially marked as shared-use by local authorities.
📌 Penalty: NT$300–600
✅ Tip: In crowded areas, dismount and walk your bike to avoid collisions or fines.
3. Riding Against Traffic
To save time, some cyclists ride against the flow on one-way or two-way streets. This behavior is dangerous and illegal.
📌 Penalty: NT$300 or more
✅ Tip: Always keep to the right and follow the direction of traffic.
4. Ignoring Bike Lanes
If a bike lane is available, cyclists must use it. Riding in car lanes or on sidewalks instead is a misuse of road space.
📌 Penalty: NT$300–600
✅ Tip: Stick to bike lanes whenever possible—they’re safer and legally required.
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5. Using Phones or Headphones While Riding
According to traffic regulations, using a phone or wearing headphones while cycling is considered unsafe riding behavior, especially in busy urban traffic.
📌 Penalty: NT$300–600
✅ Tip: If you need to make a call, stop in a safe spot before using your phone.
6. Double Riding or Overloading
Most bikes are built for a single rider. Unless properly equipped with a certified child seat, carrying extra passengers or heavy cargo increases accident risk.
📌 Penalty: NT$300–600
✅ Tip: Use proper baskets or racks for transporting goods—never double up illegally.
7. Not Keeping Right
According to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, all vehicles — including bicycles — must keep to the right. Cyclists weaving through traffic or riding in the middle of the road increase the risk of accidents.
📌 Penalty: NT$300 or more
✅ Tip: Stay close to the right-hand side and maintain a safe distance from parked cars.
8. No Lights or Reflectors at Night
Night cycling is more dangerous due to lower visibility. Without proper lighting or reflective gear, cyclists are at high risk of being unseen by drivers.
📌 Penalty: NT$300–600
✅ Tip: Equip your bike with front and rear lights, and wear reflective vests or clothing.
Read More: Stay Safe Biking at Night: 6 Essential Tips for Gear and Preparation
9. Underage Riders or No Helmet on E-Bikes
Riders of electric bicycles (NOT EPAC) must be at least 14 years old and wear a helmet by law.
📌 Penalty: NT$300–600 (for the rider or guardian)
✅ Tip: Always wear a properly fitted helmet that meets safety standards.
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10. Riding Under the Influence
Cycling after drinking is not only dangerous but also explicitly illegal. According to Article 73 of the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, riding a bicycle under the influence may result in fines between NT$600 and NT$1,200.
More importantly, alcohol impairs reaction time and balance, increasing the risk of serious accidents. If an accident occurs, riders may face civil and even criminal liability.
✅ Tip: If you’ve been drinking, don’t ride. Use public transport or ask someone to drive you home.
YouBike Violation Point System Now in Effect
Since July 2024, cities like Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan have implemented a YouBike violation point system to improve law compliance and safe riding behavior among public bike users.
The following infractions will result in 1 point if confirmed by police or related monitoring systems:
Running a red light while riding
Riding on the sidewalk without dismounting
Using a mobile phone or headphones while cycling
Riding against traffic or not keeping to the right
Penalty System:
3 points accumulated: 14-day suspension of YouBike rental access
7 points accumulated: 1-year suspension
This system encourages users to ride more responsibly and contributes to a safer traffic environment for all.
Practical Tips: Essential Bike Safety Rules for Riding in Taiwan
Even if you’re familiar with the laws, don’t overlook real-world riding habits that affect your safety. Here are some practical tips to improve your cycling experience and help you avoid accidents:
✅ Check your bike before every ride: Make sure your brakes are responsive, tires are properly inflated, and all lights and reflectors are functioning.
✅ Wear visible or reflective clothing: Bright or reflective gear is highly recommended, especially when riding at dawn, dusk, or at night.
✅ Use designated bike lanes and crossings: Riding in marked bike lanes is safer. When crossing roads, use pedestrian crossings or bike-specific crossings whenever available.
✅ Maintain a safe speed and distance: Slow down in crowded or high-traffic areas, and always leave enough room to brake safely.
✅ Avoid riding in the rain or poor visibility: If you must ride, go slowly and use anti-slip tires or brake systems suited for wet conditions.
Downloadable Bike Safety Guide & Official Resources
Want to quickly get up to speed on Taiwan’s bicycle laws? Below are official sources and government links for further reading and downloads:
📘 Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act (National Law Database)
🚴 Ministry of Transportation and Communications – Bicycle-Friendly Environment Portal
Feel free to print these out or share them with fellow cyclists. Promoting a culture of safe and law-abiding riding starts with informed riders.
FAQ: Taiwan Bike Safety Rules & Laws
Q1: Can I ride a bike on the sidewalk in Taiwan?
A: Generally, no. Bicycles are not allowed on sidewalks unless clearly marked as shared paths or permitted by local government regulations. Otherwise, it is considered a violation and may result in a fine of NT$300 or more.
Q2: Will I really get fined for running a red light on a bike?
A: Yes! Bicycles are legally classified as vehicles in Taiwan, and riders must follow traffic signals. Running a red light is a violation punishable under local traffic laws.
Q3: Do I need to use bike lights when riding at night?
A: Absolutely. Riding without lights or reflectors at night or in low-visibility conditions significantly increases the risk of accidents and may lead to fines.
Q4: Do foreign visitors have to follow Taiwan’s bike safety Rules & traffic laws when renting bikes?
A: Definitely. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, if you’re riding on Taiwan’s roads, you are required to follow the same bike traffic regulations as everyone else.
