CALIFORNIA BIKE ATTORNEY
A personal injury lawyer providing information on cycling, cyclist rights, and everything in between
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Cycling Laws

CYCLING LAWS

CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE (CVC)

  • WHERE YOU CAN RIDE

    If you're moving as fast as traffic, you can ride wherever you want.

    If you're moving slower than traffic, you can still "take the lane." The law says that people who ride bikes 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. CVC 21202.  Unfortunately, some motorists and even police don't understand cyclists' right to "take the lane." If you have a legal problem based on this understanding, consider calling a bike accident lawyer.

    Use the bicycle lane. On a roadway with a bike lane, bicyclists 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. CVC 21208

    Ride with traffic. Bicyclists 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. CVC 21650

    Mopeds and high-speed electric bikes are not like regular bikes. Gas-powered bicycles and type 3 electric bicycles (with top assisted speeds of 28 mph) may not be used on trails or bike paths or lanes unless allowed by local authorities. They may be used in bike lanes or separated bikeways adjacent to the roadway. CVC 21207.5  They require helmets and may not be operated by people under age 16.

    Low-speed electric bicycles are almost like regular bikes. Type 1 and 2 electric bicycles (with top assisted speeds of 20 mph) are allowed wherever regular bikes are allowed unless a sign specifically prohibits electric bicycles.

    Bike path obstruction: No one may stop on or park a bicycle on a bicycle path. CVC 21211

    Sidewalks: Individual cities and counties control whether bicyclists may ride on sidewalks.  CVC 21206

    Freeways: Bicycles (including motorized bicycles) may not be ridden on freeways and expressways where doing so is prohibited by the California Department of Transportation and local authorities. CVC 21960

    Toll bridges: Bicyclists may not cross a toll bridge unless permitted to do so by the California Department of Transportation. CVC 23330

  • EQUIPPING YOUR BIKE

    Brakes: Bicycles must be equipped with a brake that allows an operator to execute a one-braked-wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement. CVC 21201(a)

    Handlebars: Handlebars must not be higher than the rider's shoulders. CVC 21201(b)

    Bicycle size: Bicycles must be small enough for the rider to stop, support it with one foot on the ground, and start safely. CVC 21201(c)

    Lights: At night a white headlight visible from the front must be attached to the bicycle or the bicyclist. CVC 21201(d) and CVC 21201(e)

    Reflectors: At night bicycles must have the following reflectors:

    • Visible from the back: red reflector. You may attach a solid or flashing red rear light in addition to the reflector.

    • Visible from the front & back: white or yellow reflector on each pedal or on the bicyclist's shoes or ankles

    • Visible from the side: 1) white or yellow reflector on the front half of the bicycle and 2) a red or white reflector on each side of the back half of the bike. These reflectors are not required if the bike has reflectorized front and back tires. CVC 21201(d)

    Seats: All riders must have a permanent, regular seat, unless the bicycle is designed by the manufacturer to be ridden without a seat. Bicycle passengers weighing less than 40 lbs. must have a seat which retains them in place and protects them from moving parts. CVC 21204

  • OPERATING YOUR BIKE

    Helmet Law for Bikes: Bicyclists and bicycle passengers under age 18 must wear an approved helmet when riding on a bicycle. CVC 21212

    Using Head Phones Riding Bike: Bicyclists may not wear earplugs in both ears or a headset covering both ears. Hearing aids are allowed. CVC 27400

    Using Cell Phone Riding Bike: Unlike motorists, cyclists are permitted to use a handheld cell phone while riding. Be careful!

    Using Alcohol and Drugs Riding Bike: Bicyclists may not ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. CVC 21200.5

    Hitching Rides While Riding Bike: Bicyclists may not hitch rides on vehicles. CVC 21203

    Carrying Something While Riding Bike: Bicyclists may not carry items which keep them from using at least one hand upon the handlebars. CVC 21205

    Bikes Must Yield to Pedestrians: Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Bicyclists must also yield the right-of-way to totally or partially blind pedestrians carrying a predominantly white cane or using a guide dog. CVC 21950 and CVC 21963

    Parking Your Bike: Bicyclists may not leave bicycles on their sides on the sidewalk or park bicycles in a manner which obstructs pedestrians. CVC 21210  

Local Municipality Codes

  • SAN DIEGO LOCAL LAWS FOR BIKES

  • Each city in San Diego County regulates sidewalk riding slightly differently. Please see the below breakdown for further details:

    • Bicycle riding is allowed on sidewalks, except in business districts: Oceanside, Encinitas, San Diego, National City, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Santee, and unincorporated San Diego County

    • Bicycle riding on sidewalks forbidden at all times in Carlsbad, El Cajon, Vista, Poway

    • Riding on sidewalks regulated but not forbidden: Escondido, San Marcos

    • Not regulated: Solana Beach, La Mesa

    • Riding in parks prohibited: Del Mar

  • Local parking regulations apply to bicycles. Basic rule–follow the signs

  • LOS ANGELES LOCAL LAWS FOR BIKES

  • Sidewalk Riding (LAMC 56.15) Prohibits the riding of bicycles (or other human power devices) on sidewalks (bikeways or boardwalks) with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Disallows the riding of bicycles on Ocean Front Walk in Venice

  • Bicyclist Anti-harassment (LAMC 45.96.02) Prohibits physical assault, threats, and intentional distractions against people riding bicycle

  • Bicycle Parking and Shower Facilities (LAMC 12.21 A.16)

  • SAN FRANCISCO LOCAL LAWS FOR BIKES

Pursuant to the SF Municipal Transit Authority (SFMTA) San Francisco bicyclists must:

  • Yield to People Walking. Whether they’re in a crosswalk or not, ALWAYS yield to people walking.

  • Stop BEHIND the Crosswalk: Always stop behind the line at traffic signals and stop signs.

  • Stay on the Street: It’s illegal to ride a bike on the sidewalk unless you’re younger than 13 years of age. (SF Transportation Code Sec. 7.2.12)

  • Ride in the Direction of Traffic: If you can’t go with the flow, it’s okay to WALK your bike on the sidewalk!

  • Sometimes people with disabilities need access to the curb. Paratransit carriers (including taxis) may have to enter the bikeway to drop them off. Be a good neighbor and give them room. (SFMTA Policy)

  • SACRAMENTO LOCAL LAWS FOR BIKES

  • Except as authorized under subsection B of this section, no person shall ride a bicycle on a sidewalk except within a residence district or where a sidewalk is designated as part of an established bicycle route. Pedestrians shall have the right-of-way on sidewalks. (Sacramento City Code Section 10.76.010 (A))

  • Any person may ride a bicycle on a sidewalk which is designated by the Director as a part of the County bike route system and which is identified for such use by appropriate signs. (Sacramento County Code 139 § 1, 1973; Ord. 703 § 31, 1960)

  • No person shall ride any bicycle, roller skates, skateboard or other wheeled device within any light rail right-of-way; provided, however, that a person may ride a bicycle across a light rail right-of-way perpendicular to the tracks.  (Sacramento City Code Section 10.72.040)

  • No person, except an employee of the city who is acting within the scope of his or her employment, shall ride a bicycle off-road on any property which is owned or controlled by the city where signs prohibiting the off-road riding of bicycles are posted:

    For the purposes of this section, “off-road” shall mean not on a designated bicycle path or     paved right-of-way. (Sacramento City Code Section 10.76.040)

  • SAN JOSE LOCAL LAWS FOR BIKES

  • Sidewalk riding is legal except where posted.  This is a new (2015) law, and it covers several downtown blocks.  (San Jose Municipal Code 11.72.190)

  • Bicycles may be walked on a roadway subject to all provisions of law applicable to pedestrians. (San Jose Municipal Code 11.72.160)

  • BERKELEY LOCAL LAWS FOR BIKES

  • No person shall ride or operate a motorized bicycle on any sidewalk in the City. (Berkeley Municipal Code 14.68.120). *An exception is provided for juveniles and peace officers. (Berkeley Municipal Code 14.68.130)

  • A person is prohibited from doing or attempting to do the following: A) Physically assaulting a Bicyclist because of, in whole or in part, the Bicyclist’s status as a Bicyclist; B) Threatening to physically assault or injure a Bicyclist because of, in whole or in part, the Bicyclist’s status as a Bicyclist; C) Intentionally injuring a Bicyclist because of, in whole or in part, the Bicyclist’s status as a Bicyclist; D) Intentionally distracting a Bicyclist because of, in whole or in part, the Bicyclist’s status as a Bicyclist; or E) Intentionally forcing a Bicyclist off a roadway for a purpose unrelated to public safety. (Berkeley Municipal Code 14.26.030)

  • It shall be the duty of the operator of any bicycle or motorized bicycle to make a written report of any accident resulting in death or injury to the Police Department immediately after such accident. (Berkeley Municipal Code 14.68.200)

  • OAKLAND LOCAL LAWS FOR BIKES

  • It is unlawful to operate a bicycle on any trail within the city in an unsafe, reckless, dangerous or negligent manner. No person shall operate a bicycle in excess of fifteen (15) miles per hour, nor in excess of five miles per hour when passing pedestrians or equestrians or when approaching and negotiating a blind turn, nor at a greater speed then is reasonable or prudent. Within city parks, bicyclists can ride on named trails only and are prohibited from operating bicycles off-trail. (Oakland Municipal Code 12.60.020)

  • No person shall ride a bicycle which has wheels of twenty (20) inches or greater in diameter or a frame of fourteen (14) inches or greater in length on any sidewalk within the city. (Oakland Municipal Code 10.16.150)

  • FRESNO LOCAL LAWS FOR BIKES

  • No person shall operate a bicycle or unicycle on a sidewalk in the central business district, or on any street designated as a mall street by the provisions of this Code. Whenever any person is riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk, such person shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian. At the intersection of two or more sidewalks, where the vision of the operator of a bicycle is restricted, the operator of a bicycle shall dismount and walk through the intersection of the sidewalks. (Fresno Municipal Code Sec.14-1703)

  • No operator of a bicycle shall ride in any part of a park or playground other than upon roads or drives provided for such purposes. (Fresno Municipal Code Sec.14-1603)

  • RIVERSIDE LOCAL LAWS FOR BIKES

  • Except for authorized police bicycle patrols, no person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk or parkway unless signs are erected permitting use of such sidewalk or parkway by bicycles. (Riverside Municipal Code 10.64.310)

  • LONG BEACH LOCAL LAWS FOR BIKES

  • Persons operating bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast, except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. (Long Beach Municipal Code 10.48.040)

  • When a usable path for bicycles has been provided adjacent to a roadway, bicycle riders shall use such path and shall not use the roadway. (Long Beach Municipal Code 10.48.060)

  • No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk within any business district; upon the sidewalks of bridges; in pedestrian underpasses; on pedestrian overpasses.  Any person riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian, and when overtaking and passing a pedestrian, shall give an audible signal and shall pass to the left of the pedestrian.  The speed limit for bicycles on a sidewalk is 15 miles per hour unless otherwise posted. The speed limit where pedestrians are present is five miles per hour.  (Long Beach Municipal Code 10.48.070)

  • No person shall operate a bicycle upon a sidewalk unless it is equipped with a bell, horn or other device capable of giving a signal audible for a distance of at least one hundred feet, except that a bicycle shall not be equipped with, nor shall any person use upon a bicycle, any siren or whistle. (Long Beach Municipal Code 10.48.070)