Full Notification

Understanding bicycle laws is essential for riders to know.  From helmet laws to bicycle lane laws, the California Vehicle Code is very specific about what is expected from a cyclist.  Here are some important bicycle laws to know as a rider to improve cycling safety.

California Vehicle Code Bike Laws:

• Bicyclists must follow the rules of the road (CVC 21200)
  • As a general rule, adult bicyclists have the same duties and responsibilities as vehicle drivers.  Thus, stop at a stop sign and red lights just like all other vehicles on the road
• Ride with traffic (CVC 21650)
  • Ride in the same direction as traffic.  If traveling in the opposite direction of a one-way street, walk your bicycle on the sidewalk
• Ride on the right side of the road (CVC 21202)
  • If you are riding as fast as traffic, you can ride in the traffic lane.  In most cases, you will be moving slower than traffic.  Then you must ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway
  • There are several exceptions to this rule.  When passing a vehicle or another bicyclist pass on the left, preparing to make a left-hand turn, and when reasonably necessary, to avoid an unsafe condition.
• Ride with lights and reflectors at night (CVC 21201(d))
  • White front light
  • Red rear reflector or light
  • White or yellow reflector on pedals
  • White or yellow reflector on front wheel and white or red reflector on rear wheel
• No passengers on handlebars or standing on foot pegs (CVC 21204)
  • Passengers must have designated seat attached to bicycle
  • Passengers weighing less than 40 lbs. must have child safety seat
• Use bike lanes (CVC 21208)
• Yield to pedestrians (CVC 21954)
• Stop at, not in the crosswalk (CVC 21455)
• Keep at least one hand on handlebars (CVC 21205)
• Must wear a helmet, under 18 years of age (CVC 21212)
• No wearing of headset or earphones in both ears (CVC 27400)
• Bike must be sized for the rider (CVC 21201(c))
• Bike must have operatable brakes (CVC 21201(a))
• Bicyclists may not hitch ride or be towed by vehicles (CVC 21203)
• Bicyclists may not leave or park bike on sidewalk obstructing pedestrians (CVC 21210)
• Bicyclists may not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs (CVC 21200.5)
• No bicycles with wheels over 20” in diameter on sidewalk (SVMC 4-3.22)

• Vehicles must provide three feet buffer when passing a bicyclists (CVC 21670)
• Drivers shall open vehicle door only when safe (CVC 22517)