Frequently Asked Questions

Individuals are allowed to ride a bicycle on sidewalks in Wichita, except in the Central Business District (unless designated for bicycle use) per City Code Section 11.48.160. Please remember that an individual riding a bicycle is required to yield the right of way to any pedestrian and to provide an audible signal before passing a pedestrian. For the purposes of the bicycling on sidewalks, the City has referred to the "congested area" definition in Section 11.04.060 for the Central Business District boundaries.

City Code Section 11.48.160 City Code Section 11.04.060 

The City of Wichita does not have an ordinance that requires individuals to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle.

Yes, you can ride your bicycle on the street. Per the Wichita Municipal Code Section 11.48.100, every person riding a bicycle upon a street is granted the same rights and duties applicable to a person driving a motor vehicle. However, additional special regulations apply. The special regulations include those described in the Wichita Municipal Code Section 11.48.120 which describes where and when cyclists should ride on the street.

City Code Section 11.48.100 City Code Section 11.48.120 

It is recommended that you utilize a u-lock to lock your bicycle's rear wheel to the bike rack. The lock should be positioned inside the rear triangle of the bicycle frame.

The City does not require a bicycle license. Staff presented a recommendation to remove the requirement for a bicycle license from the Municipal Code was presented to the City Council at their May 4, 2010 meeting. The Wichita City Council approved the Municipal Code changes at their June 15, 2010 meeting. You can find links to the meeting minutes and videos on the City Council website​.

City Council

Contact the Wichita Police Department with the serial number, usually found at the bottom of the frame.

Wichita Police Department

Every bicycle, when ridden at nighttime (a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise) must be equipped with a lamp on the front that emits a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and with a red reflector on the rear. A red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear may be used in addition to the red reflector. See the Wichita Municipal Code Sec. 11.48.090 for more information.​

City Code Section 11.48.090