Each year in California, there are nearly 10,000 collisions between bicyclists and motorists., resulting in more than 100 bicyclists fatalities. Bicyclists and motorists may have equal rights and responsibilities on the road, but it’s essential to understand the regulations when riding your bike in California.
Where To Ride Your Bike
- You must ride as far to the right of the road as possible when traveling slower than traffic.
- You may use a full lane when there isn’t motor vehicle traffic, when preparing to turn, or to avoid hazards. This rule applies when passing, riding in a lane that’s too narrow to share, and avoiding mandatory turn lanes.
- On a one-way road with two or more lanes, you may ride as close to the left-hand curb as possible.
- When riding at less than the posted speed, you should ride in the bike lane unless you’re passing, preparing to make a turn, or avoiding an unsafe road condition or hazard.
- Riding on a sidewalk is usually allowed. However, you must be aware of local ordinances and yield to pedestrians.
Road Rules For Bicyclists and Drivers
- Bicyclists can ride two abreast at normal traffic speeds when the lane is too narrow for cars, or they don’t impede traffic.
- When not riding at a normal speed or when five or more vehicles are behind you, you’re required to ride single file.
- You must come to a full stop at red traffic signals and stop signs.
- You must signal when turning or coming to a full stop.
- Drivers in motor vehicles may overtake a bicyclist by passing no closer than three feet of the rider.
Necessary Equipment
- In California, if you’re under the age of 19, you’re required to wear a helmet that’s fastened properly., failure to do so, could result in a $25 fine.
- When riding at night, a bicycle must be equipped with a white light that’s visible from the front and a red rear reflector. You may also use a flashing or solid light on the rear of your bicycle.
- White or yellow reflectors on the bike’s pedals, or your shoes or ankles, must be visible to oncoming traffic.
Prohibitions For Bicyclists
- You aren’t allowed to stop or park your bicycle on a sidewalk or bike path.
- Bicyclists, including those riding electric bikes, aren’t allowed to cross expressways, freeways, or toll bridges without permission from the CA DOT.
- A bicycle may only carry the number of persons for which it’s designed.
- One hand must be on the handlebars at all times, and the handlebars may not extend higher than the shoulders.
- The bicycle must have a permanent seat, unless the manufacturer designed it without one.
- If you ride your bicycle with a passenger who weighs less than 40 lbs., they must be in a seat that restrains them and keeps them from any moving parts.
- A bicycle may not be operated without brakes or with fixed gears.
- The bicycle must be a size that the rider can start safely and support with one foot.
- Hearing aids are allowed. However, bicyclists may not wear a headset or earplugs in both ears.
- Holding onto a motor vehicle while riding a bicycle is strictly prohibited.
- One hand must always be on the handlebars.
No one may ride a bicycle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.