California Bicycle Laws You Need To Know

In 2022, the League of American Bicyclists named California the country’s 4th most bicycle-friendly state. Californians enjoy bicycling recreationally and also use their bicycles for commuting and shopping. Despite Californians’ love of cycling, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, each year in our state, more than 100 bicyclists are killed and over 10,000 are injured in bicycle accidents. 

For the most part, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists, and it is important to pay attention to traffic signs and signals to reduce the risk of collisions while on the road. The following is a summary of some important features of California’s laws on where and how bicyclists must operate. 

Where You Can Ride

• According to the California Vehicle Code, if you’re moving as fast as traffic, you can ride wherever you want. However, if you’re moving slower than traffic, and the lane you are in is not wide enough for a bike and a motorized vehicle to safely share it side-by-side, you can “take the lane.” Unfortunately, not everyone understands this right of cyclists, so always be attentive to the driving patterns of motorized vehicles near you. 
• Stay as close to the right side of the road as you can, except when avoiding hazards, when passing, or when getting ready to make a left-hand turn.
• If there is a bicycle lane and you’re moving slower than traffic, use the bike lane except when making a left turn, passing, or avoiding hazardous conditions. 
• Cyclists must go in the direction of traffic with limited exceptions. 
• If you’re traveling by a gas-powered bicycle or a type 3 electric bicycle (with top assisted speeds of 28 mph), you may not use trails, bike paths, or bike lanes unless allowed by local authorities. Type 1 and 2 electric bicycles (with top assisted speeds of 20 mph) are allowed wherever regular bikes are permitted, unless a sign specifically prohibits them.
• Do not stop or park a bicycle on a bicycle path.
• Individual municipalities determine whether bicyclists are allowed to ride on sidewalks.  
• Bicycles, including motorized bicycles, are not allowed to be ridden on freeways and expressways where it is prohibited by the California Department of Transportation and local authorities. 

Equipment Requirements and Prohibitions

California law requires the following in terms of equipment:

• Bicycles must be equipped with a brake that allows an operator to execute a one-braked-wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement. 
• Handlebars must not place the hands higher than the rider’s shoulders. 
• Bicycles must be small and/or large enough for the rider to stop, support the bike with one foot on the ground, and start safely. 
• Four reflectors are required when cycling at night.
• All riders must have a permanent, regular seat, unless the bicycle is designed by the manufacturer to be ridden without one. Bicycle passengers weighing less than 40 lbs. must have a seat that retains them in place and protects them from moving parts. 
• Bicyclists and bicycle passengers under 18 must wear an approved helmet.
• Do not wear earplugs in both ears or a headset covering both ears.
• Cyclists may carry a handheld phone.
• If you’re carrying articles, you must be able to keep at least one hand on the handlebars.

Other Important Bicycling Rules

It’s important to note that cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal. This is a misdemeanor and is subject to a $250 fine. Even though no jail time is involved, cycling under the influence is extremely dangerous and should be avoided.

Always keep your eyes on the road ahead. Avoid potholes, gravel, broken glass, drainage grates, or other unsafe road conditions. Signal before changing lanes, and slow down when approaching an intersection to ensure there is no oncoming traffic that may not see you. And be sure to ride far enough away from parked cars to avoid being hit by an opening door.

Note that California has a Three Feet for Safety Act that requires all drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing them in traffic. If a driver in a motorized vehicle is unable to maintain that three-foot buffer, they must slow down and pass only when doing so would not endanger the bicyclist.

What To Know If You’re Injured In A Bicycle Accident

Despite the clear rules of the road that are prescribed for cyclists and motorized vehicles, accidents and fatalities still occur. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, it’s important to pull off the road, call the police, and seek medical attention. It’s also important to get statements from witnesses and take pictures if possible. 

Over 90% of bicycle accidents are caused by the negligence of the drivers of motorized vehicles. To make a personal injury legal claim in the case of a bicycle accident, you must show that the other party:

• Owed you a duty of care, 
• Beached that duty of care, 
• The breach was the proximate cause of your injuries, and
• The injury is compensable

If you can prove these legal elements, you are entitled to compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include your medical costs, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering and emotional distress. 

In most cases, you have two years to bring a lawsuit if you’ve been injured in an accident. So don’t delay in contacting a Santa Ana bicycle accident lawyer to more fully understand your rights. 

Contact The Law Offices of Benjamin Arsenian

If you believe that your bicycle accident was caused by the negligence of another party, contact the Law Offices of Benjamin Arsenian as soon as possible. Our experienced and knowledgeable legal team is dedicated to helping you build your case and get the maximum compensation for the injuries you have incurred. We have secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts, helping people move on with their lives after accidents and injuries.