California Bicycle Road Laws

There are rules of the road for bicyclists and every rider should know the California Bicycle Road Laws. Not only should bicycle riders know them, but motorist should as well. People ride bicycles for many reasons including recreational use, fitness, training, health, or it’s their general mode of transportation. Regardless of your reasons for riding a bicycle, there are laws that apply to bicycle riders just like motor vehicles. In California, bicycle riders usually have the same rights as drivers of motor vehicles, with some exceptions of course.

For example, when there is an established bike lane, the obvious thing to do is ride in the bike lane. However, when there is no bike lane, what is the proper way to ride a bike on the road? In California, a bicyclist must ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway in the direction of traffic. (CVC 21650.1) The exceptions are when you are passing,  preparing to make a left turn, when the right half of the road is closed to traffic under construction or repair, or one-way traffic. (CVC 21650) Additionally, there are no passengers allowed unless there is a separate seat for the passenger (CVC 21204) Also, it is important to remember you must ride with traffic. In some instances, you are required to ride on the road, rather than on the sidewalk. If you want to learn more about whether or not you can ride on the sidewalk, click here. It is illegal to ride a bicycle under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. (CVC 21200.5) This is a misdemeanor and can result in a fine. Last, you can’t leave your bicycle on its side on any sidewalk or park on the sidewalk where you are blocking a path for pedestrian traffic. (CVC 21210)

Recently enacted is AB 1755, which went into effect on January 1, 2019, requires that anybody riding a bicycle in a designated bike path or shared use path that is involved in an accident with another person resulting in injury or death is required to stop at the scene. This extends the current hit-and-run laws to bicycles. Thus, failure to stop will now be considered a hit-and-run.

We have represented many bicyclists injured as a result of a negligent driver. If you’ve been hurt while riding your bicycle, call us. We can help you get the compensation you deserve. If You’re Injured in a Traffic Jam, Call R. Sam. Nothing Recovered, Nothing Owed.