[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Passing laws: California requires that in the event a motor vehicle passes a bicycle it shall leave a safe distance, not less than 3 feet, when passing the bicycle. If it is not possible to allow 3 feet when passing, then the vehicle will be allowed to slow down and pass when safe.
Helmet law: In California the operator or passenger of a bicycle under 18 years of age is required to wear a helmet.
Laws to Protect the Bicyclist: There are certain laws entitled “vulnerable user laws”. These laws, in essence, require the vehicle least at risk to yield to the vehicle most at risk. For example, a motor vehicle would have to yield to a bicycle and a bicycle would have to yield to a pedestrian. California does not have any specific vulnerable user laws, but does have laws that protect bicyclists.
Distracted Driving Laws: As almost every bicyclist knows, distracted driving creates one of the most dangerous risks to a bicycle on a public road way. Every state has varying laws to attempt to reduce the amount of distracted driving that exists. Nonetheless, it still presents a serious problem. In California there have been laws passed to attempt to reduce distracted driving by punishing violators. It is unlawful for any person driving a motor vehicle to use an electronic wireless device to write, send, or read a text based communication. In addition, the driver shall not use a wireless telephone unless the telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands free listening and talking (bluetooth) and is used in that manner. In addition, there are specific restrictions, such as:
- A person under the age of 18 years shall not use a wireless phone, even if is equipped to allow hands free listening and talking; and
- A school bus driver may never operate a school bus while using his/her cell phone.
Lane Position Laws for a Bicyclist: Generally speaking, California law requires bicyclists to be as close to the right hand edge of the road as possible. However, there are some important exceptions that I will outline below:
- When passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction;
- When preparing to take a left turn at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway; or
- When reasonably necessary to avoid unsafe conditions such as riding in a lane that is too narrow; and
- When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized.
Sidewalk Riding: California does not have a law that either prohibits or allows bicycles to ride on the sidewalk.
Mandatory Use of Separate Lanes: California provides that whenever there is a dedicated bike lane, a cyclist is required to use such lane, except under the following circumstances:
- When passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction, if it could not be done safely within the lane;
- When preparing to take a left turn at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway; or
- When reasonably necessary to avoid unsafe conditions such as debris or other hazardous conditions; and
- When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized.
Riding a Bike Under the Influence: In California, there is a law specifically for bicycles that prohibits driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or combination thereof.
Stop Sign Laws: In California bicycles have to follow the same rules as motor vehicles regarding the requirement to come to a complete stop when directed to stop by traffic control devices and does not authorize bicyclists to disobey traffic lights that fail to detect bicyclists. California does require that traffic control signals must be installed and maintained so they detect bicycle traffic.
Important Resources and Links:
- California Department of Transportation Bicycle Codes, Laws, and Regulations
- California Highway Patrol Bicycle Riding, good safety brochure
- Los Angeles Department of Transportation
- Good Overview of California Bicycle Laws: Compilation of laws by California Bicycle
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