6 CA Bike Laws You Probably Didn’t Know

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — With warmer spring weather, many cyclists — of all ages and fitness levels — are taking to roads across California. With the rising popularity of ebikes, some commuters are even ditching their cars and trucks in order to ride.

This means increased road sharing, and law enforcement agencies statewide are urging everyone to "look out for one another" this May, which happens to be National Bicycle Safety Month.

"Bicycling is a great means of transportation and recreation, and everyone deserves to ride to their destination safely,” Sgt. Jeremy Bracey of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department said. “Let’s look out for one another and share the road, share the responsibility.”

To ensure the safety of everyone on local roadways, the sheriff's department is conducting traffic safety operations in various parts of the county throughout the month of May. The efforts are focused on driver behaviors that put bicyclists and pedestrians at risk, such as speeding, making illegal turns, failure to yield right-of-way, and stop-sign/red-light running, according to the agency.

California Vehicle Code contains state laws that specify where and how bikes must operate. For the most part, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. Here are just some of the key sections of the code that relate to cycling:

The law requires motorists to give at least three feet of clearance when passing cyclists. If this is not possible, motorists must "slow to a speed that is reasonable and prudent, and may pass [a cyclist] only when doing so would not endanger the safety of the operator of the bicycle, taking into account the size and speed of the motor vehicle and bicycle, traffic conditions, weather, visibility, and surface and width of the highway." (Vehicle code 21760)

On a road with a bike lane, cyclists 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. (Vehicle code 21208)

However, cyclists can "take a traffic lane" if it’s not wide enough for a bike and a vehicle to safely share side by side. The law says cyclists 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. (Vehicle code 21202)

Cyclists 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. (Vehicle code 21650)

Mopeds and high-speed electric bikes are not like regular bikes. Gas-powered bikes and class 3 ebikes (with top assisted speeds of 28 mph) may not be used on trails, bike paths, equestrian paths, or bike lanes unless allowed by local authorities. They can be used, however, in bike lanes adjacent to the roadway. (Vehicle code 21207.5)

Gas-powered and class 3 ebikes require helmets regardless of rider age and may not be operated by people under age 16. (Vehicle code 21213)

Low-speed ebikes (classes 1 and 2 with top assisted speeds of 20 mph) are allowed wherever regular bikes are allowed unless a sign posted by local authorities specifically prohibits them.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department also has tips for drivers and cyclists.

For drivers:

• Slow down and follow the speed limit. Be careful traveling through intersections.
• Look carefully for bicyclists and pedestrians before making a turn or opening a car door near streets or bike paths.
• Be patient when traveling behind a bicyclist and give them space when passing. California law requires drivers to change a lane, when possible, to pass bicyclists.
• Never drive distracted or impaired.

For cyclists:

• Use lights at night (and daytime for increased visibility), and always wear bright clothing.
• Although not required for riders 18 and older, always wear a properly secured helmet. Helmets are required for anyone riding a class 3 ebike. In all cases, helmets significantly reduce the chance of a head injury in the event of a crash.
• Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.
• Yield to pedestrians, just as a driver would. Pedestrians have the right-of-way within marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections.