A recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision clarified a key issue that many drivers in Butler County still get wrong: cyclists are not required to move over every time a car approaches. In fact, under certain conditions, they’re legally allowed to ride in the center of the lane—and now, the state’s highest court has made that clear.
This ruling not only settles confusion around Pennsylvania traffic law, but it could also reshape how fault is assigned in bike crashes and influence personal injury claims statewide.
What the Court Actually Said
In Commonwealth v. Linton1, decided on June 17, 2025, the Court ruled in favor of Brendan Linton, a cyclist cited in Evans City (Butler County) after riding in the travel lane instead of on the shoulder. Police claimed he was impeding traffic, but the Supreme Court disagreed.
The justices held that cyclists are not automatically required to pull over whenever a faster vehicle approaches. Instead, under Section 3364(b)(2) of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, cyclists must make “reasonable efforts” not to impede traffic, but whether they must yield depends on the totality of the circumstances2.
If the road is too narrow to safely share side-by-side, or if the shoulder is unsafe, cyclists may lawfully “take the lane” for their own protection.
In communities like Cranberry Township, Butler, and Slippery Rock, narrow roads, worn-out shoulders, and a lack of bike lanes are common. This ruling sends a clear message: cyclists using the full lane aren’t being reckless, they’re being safe and lawful.
For drivers, that means:
According to the 2023 PennDOT Crash Facts & Statistics Report3:
These stats highlight how important it is for both cyclists and drivers to understand the law, and follow it.
If you were lawfully riding and were hit by a car, you may have a strong personal injury claim. Thanks to this ruling, it’s clearer than ever that cyclists have the right to occupy a travel lane when necessary for safety.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
Even if no one received a ticket, you may still have a case. A local injury attorney can help assess the situation and fight for your rights.
This ruling isn’t just about bikes, it’s about shared responsibility.
If you’re behind the wheel in Butler County or anywhere in PA:
A moment of impatience could turn into a lawsuit, or a tragedy.
At Benjamin Levine Law, we help injured cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers across Butler County and Western Pennsylvania get the justice they deserve. If you or someone you love was injured in a crash, we’re here to help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.
Schedule a free consultation today to talk about your case.
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