As more cyclists have gotten into bike riding since the COVID-19 Pandemic it's more important than ever to know the rules of the road. Bankrate has written an article on Road safety for cyclists filled with tips for bike riders as well as motorists. To read the article click here.
Ride hard, be safe and have fun! Cycling is an amazingly healthy form of exercise but it does carry risks. Keep yourself safe by educating yourself on bicycle safety including some common bicycle laws you may not know exist.
We’ve got a great article from the folks at Safety.com diving into the trends of cycling accidents related to motorists. They researched and interviewed experts on bicycle safety to uncover reasons behind increased bicyclists fatalities as well as actions that can be taken to prevent them. Information we found valuable for both cyclists and drivers includes:
- Which states are doing well by taking measures to protect cyclists
- Expert recommendations for how to move forward safely
- 5 critical tips to help cyclists protect themselves
To read more
Click Here!The California Vehicle Code contains the state laws that specify where and how bikes must operate. For the most part, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. (CVC 21200).
There are some specific rules. Below, for your benefit, we summarize the key sections of the law that relate to cycling.
WHERE YOU CAN RIDE
If you're moving as fast as traffic, you can ride wherever you want.
If you're moving slower than traffic, you can still "take the lane." The law says that people who ride bikes must ride as close to the right side of the road as practicable except under the following conditions: when passing, preparing for a left turn, avoiding hazards, if the lane is too narrow to share, or if approaching a place where a right turn is authorized. CVC 21202. Unfortunately, some motorists and even police don't understand cyclists' right to "take the lane." If you have a legal problem based on this understanding, consider calling one of the bike-friendly lawyers we identify on our "Crash Help" page.
Use the bicycle lane
On a roadway with a bike lane, bicyclists traveling slower than traffic must use the bike lane except when making a left turn, passing, avoiding hazardous conditions, or approaching a place where a right turn is authorized. CVC 21208
Ride with traffic
Bicyclists must travel on the right side of the roadway in the direction of traffic, except when passing, making a legal left turn, riding on a one-way street, riding on a road that is too narrow, or when the right side of the road is closed due to road construction. CVC 21650
Mopeds and high-speed electric bikes are not like regular bikes
Gas-powered bicycles and type 3 electric bicycles (with top assisted speeds of 28 mph) may not be used on trails or bike paths or lanes unless allowed by local authorities. They may be used in bike lanes or separated bikeways adjacent to the roadway. CVC 21207.5 They require bike helmets and may not be operated by people under age 16.
Low-speed electric bicycles are almost like regular bikes
Type 1 and 2 electric bicycles (with top assisted speeds of 20 mph) are allowed wherever regular bikes are allowed unless a sign specifically prohibits electric bicycles.
Bike path obstruction
No one may stop on or park a bicycle on a bicycle path. CVC 21211
Sidewalks
Individual cities and counties control whether bicyclists may ride on sidewalks. CVC 21206
Freeways
Bicycles (including motorized bicycles) may not be ridden on freeways and expressways where doing so is prohibited by the California Department of Transportation and local authorities. CVC 21960
Toll bridges
Bicyclists may not cross a toll bridge unless permitted to do so by the California Department of Transportation. CVC 23330
Equipping Your Bike
Brakes
Bicycles must be equipped with a brake that allows an operator to execute a one-braked-wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement. CVC 21201(a)
Handlebars
Handlebars must not be higher than the rider's shoulders. CVC 21201(b)
Bicycle size
Bicycles must be small enough for the rider to stop, support it with one foot on the ground, and start safely. CVC 21201(c)
Lights
At night a white headlight visible from the front must be attached to the bicycle or the bicyclist. CVC 21201(d) and CVC 21201(e)
Reflectors
At night bicycles must have the following reflectors:
- Visible from the back: red reflector. You may attach a solid or flashing red rear light in addition to the reflector.
- Visible from the front & back: white or yellow reflector on each pedal or on the bicyclist's shoes or ankles
- Visible from the side: 1) white or yellow reflector on the front half of the bicycle and 2) a red or white reflector on each side of the back half of the bike. These reflectors are not required if the bike has reflectorized front and back tires. CVC 21201(d)
Seats
All riders must have a permanent, regular seat, unless the bicycle is designed by the manufacturer to be ridden without a seat. Bicycle passengers weighing less than 40 lbs. must have a seat which retains them in place and protects them from moving parts. CVC 21204
OPERATING YOUR BIKE
Helmets
Bicyclists and bicycle passengers under age 18 must wear an approved bike helmet when riding on a bicycle. CVC 21212
Head phones
Bicyclists may not wear earplugs in both ears or a headset covering both ears. Hearing aids are allowed. CVC 27400
Cell phones
Unlike motorists, cyclists are permitted to use a handheld cell phone while riding. Be careful!
Alcohol and drugs
Bicyclists may not ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. CVC 21200.5
Hitching rides
Bicyclists may not hitch rides on vehicles. CVC 21203
Carrying articles
Bicyclists may not carry items which keep them from using at least one hand upon the handlebars. CVC 21205
Pedestrians
Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Bicyclists must also yield the right-of-way to totally or partially blind pedestrians carrying a predominantly white cane or using a guide dog. CVC 21950 and CVC 21963
Parking
Bicyclists may not leave bicycles on their sides on the sidewalk or park bicycles in a manner which obstructs pedestrians. CVC 21210
Learn more at the California Bicycle Coalition (click here)
If you're local to Southern California we invite you to visit one of our Bicycle Warehouse retail stores to experience the best selection and service around.
We have a fleet of awesome mountain, road, and hybrid bikes standing by, come by and test ride the bike of your dreams today!
