As a bike rider, it is your responsibility to know the rules of the road. California’s bicycle laws are extensive but aim to facilitate a space in which people riding bikes and those in vehicles can do so in a safe manner. Many times bicycle accidents happen because drivers do not know the rights of bike riders, and that can create serious concerns. Talk to a Santa Monica bicycle accident lawyer from Borna Houman Law today.
Common Bicycle Laws in California
The following are some of the most important California bicycle laws you should know as a rider or a driver.
- Bikes follow vehicle code. This law (CVC 21200) states that adult bike riders have the same expectation of maintained responsibilities as vehicle drivers, including stopping at both red lights and stop signs.
- Riding with traffic. Under CVC 21650, bicycle riders must ride their bike in the same direction as traffic is moving. In situations where you are riding in the opposite direction of traffic on a one-way street, bike riders must disembark from their bike and walk with it along the sidewalk.
- Ride on the right side of the road. Most of the time, riders must move to the right side of the roadway to allow traffic to move beyond them. The only exception to this is in situations where the bike rider is moving as fast as traffic is allowed, which means you can ride within the traffic lane. There are other exceptions, such as when the rider needs to navigate around an obstacle or pass another bike rider. (CVC 21202).
- When bike lanes exist, use them. Under CVC 21208, bike riders are required to use any bike lane that is present when they are there in any situation in which they are riding their bike slower than traffic is moving. When making a left-hand turn, bike riders must move into the traffic lane to do so.
- Stopping at crosswalks. Under CVC 21455, bike riders are required to stop at a crosswalk if pedestrians are moving through any portion of it. Keep in mind that this means stopping at the crosswalk, not in the crosswalk.
- Night riders need lights or reflectors. Bicycle riders who are traveling after sunset must use lights or reflectors to warn others of their presence. A red reflector or a solid or flashing red light must be visible by at least 500 feet, while a white or yellow reflector should be on each shoe, pedal, or ankle visible so that it can be seen at both the front and rear of the bike by at least 200 feet.
Other important California bike laws include not operating a tall bike on the roadway, keeping one ear uncovered so you can hear what is happening around you, and, if you are under the age of 18, a helmet is required.
Understanding these California bicycle laws is a critical step in ensuring you remain safe on the roadways as a bike rider. If you meet these and other laws but still suffer an injury in a car accident, that driver may be responsible. Injured in a bicycle crash? Call a Santa Monica bicycle accident lawyer from Borna Houman Law for a free consultation today.