12 California Bicycle Laws Every Bicyclist Should Know
Alright, let’s bicycle in harmony with California law. As an avid bicyclist myself, I wanted to present 12 California bicycle laws I think every bicyclist should know. Awareness and application of these rules go far in keeping all users of the roadway safe from harm. Moreover, in the legal underworld, these rules are used to establish claims based upon negligence and negligence-per-se as well as establish defenses known as comparative negligence and assumption of the risk. You have been warned. Please review and if you have any questions, you are welcome to contact us. Let’s begin.
1.) Bicyclists On Highways Have the Same Rights and Duties As a Driver of a Vehicle – VEH §21200. As a general rule, adult bicyclists have the same rights and duties as vehicle drivers. Therefore, you must stop at stop signs and red lights just like all other vehicles.
2.) Ride In the Same Direction As Traffic – VEH §21650. Just as the title says, ride your bike in the same direction as traffic. If traveling in the opposite direction of a one way street, walk your bicycle on the sidewalk.
3.) Ride as Close as Practicable to the Right-Hand Curb or Edge of the Roadway – VEH §21202. For good reason, there are some exceptions to this rule. They include: (1) overtaking and passing another bicyclist, (2) preparing to take a left turn, and (3) when “reasonably necessary to avoid conditions . . . that make it unsafe to continue to ride along the right-hand curb or edge,” such as pedestrians walking in the roadway.
4.) Any Person Operating a Bicycle Shall Ride Within the Bicycle Lane – VEH §21208. Examples of when you can leave a bike lane listed in the Vehicle Code include; making a left turn, passing another bicyclist, avoiding a pedestrian or car in the bike lane, and approaching a place where a right turn is authorized.
5.) Pedestrians Have the Right-of-Way So Yield to Them – VEH §21954. Pedestrians should always use marked crosswalks when crossing a roadway. But even if they do not, bicyclists must exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian on a roadway.
6.) Required to Stop at Stop Signs and Crosswalks – VEH §21455. Stop at crosswalks and stop signs, not in them. Crosswalks are for pedestrians, not cars or bicycles.
7.) Night Riding – Required Lights and Reflectors – VEH § 21201(d). When riding at night, you or your bike must be equipped with a white light that is visible from a distance of 300 feet in front of the bike. The bike must also have:
(1) a red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear that is visible from a distance of 500 feet
(2) a white or yellow reflector on each pedal, shoe, or ankle visible from the front and rear of the bicycle from a distance of 200 feet; and
(3) a white or yellow reflector on each side forward of the center of the bicycle, and a white or red reflector on each side to the rear of the center of the bicycle, unless your bike has front and rear reflectorized tires.
8.) Under 18, Wear a Properly Fitted and Fastened Bicycle Helmet – VEH §21212. If you are under age 18, you must wear an approved helmet by either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) when riding. If you are 18 and older, a helmet is not required.
9.) Cannot Wear Headset, Earplugs or Earphones Covering Both Ears – VEH §27400. Just as the title says, you cannot cover both ears with a headset, earplugs, or earphones. But one ear…?
10.) Size of Your Bicycle Cannot Prevent Your Ability To Control Your Bicycle – VEH 21201(c). You must be able to safely stop the bicycle, support it in an upright position with at least one foot on the ground, and restart it in a safe manner. Makes sense.
11.) One Working Brake – VEH §21201(a). Your bike must be equipped with at least one working brake that will enable the you to make a one braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
12.) The Three Feet for Safety Act – VEH §21760. And the best is saved for last. I think every bicyclist is extremely grateful for this law due to the numerous times of being nearly struck by an inattentive or rude driver of a vehicle. The Three Feet for Safety Act requires that:
a) A driver to provide a three feet buffer between his/her vehicle and the bicycle when passing; and
b) A driver who is unable to provide the minimum three-foot passing distance due to traffic or roadway conditions to (1) slow to a reasonable and prudent speed when passing and (2) only pass when doing so would not endanger the safety of the bicyclist. Thank you, California. 🙂
Why You Need An Attorney If You Are Injured In Bicycle Accident
Car insurance companies make money by keeping claims payouts low, or refusing to make any payout. Do not be surprised if the insurance company tries to place the fault for the accident on you and minimize the damages your suffered.
In particular, if you suffered broken ribs, collar bone, or other fracture, a concussion or other head injury, or any other serious injury, you should consult with an experienced injury attorney familiar with California bicycle laws. You’ll never know your rights and remedies under California bicycle laws or the full compensation the law permits for the damages you suffered unless you speak to an experienced bicycle accident attorney.
Conclusion
Well, that’s it. A list of 12 laws that are here to help you stay safe as you ride your bike on our California highways.
The Law Office of Eric J. Rechsteiner represents bicyclists throughout Southern California who suffered fractures, concussions, and other serious injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a bike accident, or simply have questions about California bicycle laws, we urge you to contact us today online or call us at (909) 255-9529. We will review your case for free, promptly and with no obligation on your part. Until then, stay safe.
