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California bike laws can be tricky to understand and can feel overwhelming when trying to figure out what you legally can and cannot do on two wheels. For avid Californian bike riders, this may seem like a silly topic to discuss, but for anyone who does not know the laws, this is important for your safety and the safety of others!
Here we will discuss what the California bike laws are and all the branches that break off of the main rules. Read on and we will have you understand what you are allowed to do in no time!
What are California Bike Laws?
Riding on Public Roadways
There are two rules that you need to know when bike riding on public roadways in California. If you are biking as fast as traffic and can stay at that pace with traffic, you can ride your bike wherever you want! Please be careful not to get in the way of any vehicles because sometimes the drivers cannot see bike riders or are not expecting someone to be on the road.
The second rule is if you are riding your bike slower than the flow of traffic, you need to be as close to the right side of the road as possible. This allows the vehicles in the road to pass you as well as other bike riders who are biking a bit faster!
Once again, please make sure to be aware of your surroundings and signal if you are moving into the flow of traffic to let oncoming cars and bikers know where you will be.
Biking in Bike Lanes
Some California roadways have bike lanes designed to keep vehicles and bike riders separate from each other to reduce the chance of an accident or injury. On California roads with bike lanes, bike riders who are biking slower than the speed of vehicle traffic must use the bike lane.
The only exceptions to this law are when you are making a left turn, passing another bike rider, avoiding a hazard in the bike lane, or nearing an authorized right turn. When you are making a left turn and crossing the road, you must signal your turn to oncoming traffic and other bikers to avoid collisions or accidents. This is very important for your safety and the safety of other bikers and drivers.
It is also important to note that once or if the bike lane separates from the moving vehicular traffic with posts, car parking, or anything else, it is not considered a “bike lane” anymore. Now it would be considered a “separated bikeway.”
A separated bikeway means that you can ride your bike outside of the separated bikeway for any reason, at any time. Please be sure that you are aware of your surroundings and signal that you are moving about or leaving the separated bikeway.
Mopeds and High-Speed Electric Bikes
The state of California is very particular about what types of bikes, gas-powered bikes, and electric bikes can be used in certain locations. Gas-powered bicycles and type 3 electric bicycles that have top-assisted speeds of 28 miles per hour cannot be used on any trails, bike paths, or bike lanes unless given explicit permission from local authorities.
However, gas-powered bikes and type 3 electric bikes can be used on separated bikeways that are next to the roadway.
California state law says that no one under the age of 16 can operate a gas-powered bike or a type 3 electric bike. If you ride one of these bikes, you are required by law to wear a helmet.
Low-Speed Electric Bikes
In the state of California electric bikes with top assisted speeds of 20 miles per hour or under are allowed wherever regular bikes are allowed, so you may see electric bikes in bike lanes or on trails.
However, there are some trails, bike lanes, and bikeways that do not allow any electric bikes. Those trails, lanes, and bikeways will typically have a sign posted that tells you that electric bikes are not allowed, but some trail websites will have that notice posted on their website. Make sure to check if electric bikes are allowed where you plan on riding.
Sidewalks
In California, the cities and counties decide whether bike riders are allowed to bike on the sidewalks. So in one city, it may be perfectly fine to ride on the sidewalk, in another city, you might get into some trouble!
For example, in Los Angeles, it is legal for anyone of any age to ride a bike on the sidewalk as long as they do not show recklessness or “willful and wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” So basically, if you are riding your bike safely, with a helmet, and not crashing into anyone, you are totally fine.
However, in San Francisco, it is illegal for anyone 13 years and older to ride their bike on the sidewalk. Sec. 1007 states that “children under the age of 13 may ride a bicycle on any sidewalk except as otherwise posted”. So if you are 12 or younger and you do not see a sign that says “no biking,” you are perfectly fine to bike away!
Biking on the Freeway
You are not allowed to ride any bicycle, including motorized bicycles, on any freeway or expressway where the California Department of Transportation or local authorities have prohibited it, which is every freeway and expressway in the state of California.
Toll Bridges
You are not allowed to cross toll bridges on a bike in California unless the California Department of Transportation permits it and they rarely ever permit it. It is best to avoid all freeways, expressways, and toll bridges on your bike ride because they are dangerous, and riding on them is probably illegal, to begin with.
Biking Equipment
In the state of California, there are certain biking equipment requirements and they are as follows:
Brakes
All bikes must have a brake that allows the bike rider to be able to do a one-braked-wheel skid on their bike on clean, level, dry pavement. This is crucial for your safety as the bike rider, and anyone else who is biking, walking, running, or driving near you. Safety first, safety always!
Handlebars
The handlebars on your bike must not be higher than your shoulders.
Bike Size
California law states that all bikes must be small enough that the rider can stop and support the bike with one foot on the ground. Law also requires that the rider can safely start biking from the position of one foot on the ground supporting the bike.
Bike Lights
California state law requires that all bike riders must use a visible white headlight that can be attached to the front of the bike or the bike rider. The light only has to be used when it is dark out, but it must be on once it is dark.
This law is incredibly important for bike riders and vehicle drivers’ safety. This law saves lives because sometimes drivers cannot see bikers when they do not have a light indicating where they are, and crashes can happen.
Reflectors
During bike rides at night, you must have reflectors in the following places:
● Visible from the back of the bike:
○ A red reflector (this reflector can be solid or flashing rear light in addition to the reflector)
● Visible from the front and back:
○ A white or yellow reflector on each pedal or reflector on your shoes or ankles. They must be visible.
● Visible from the side:
○ White or yellow reflectors on the front half of the bike
○ A red or white reflector on each side of the back half of the bike
Seats
This may seem like a weird thing to make a law about, but the seat of bicycles has laws in California! You must have a permanent and regular bike seat on your bicycle unless the manufacturer designs their bikes to be ridden without a seat.
Additionally, bike passengers who weigh less than 40 pounds must have a seat that holds them in place, like a kiddie seat, and protects them from the moving parts of the bike.
Rules While Operating a Bike
Helmets
Bike riders and bike passengers under the age of 18 must wear an approved helmet by law when on the bike.
Headphones
You may not wear earplugs, headphones, or earbuds in both ears while biking. Hearing aids are fine.
Cell phones
You are allowed to use handheld cell phones while biking in California.
Alcohol and Drugs
You may not ride a bike under the influence of drugs or alcohol in California.
Hitching Rides
You may not hitch a ride on a vehicle while biking in California.
Carrying Items
Bikers may not carry anything that prohibits them from having at least one hand on the handlebars while riding in California.
Pedestrians and Bicycles
Bike riders must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks or unmarked crosswalks. Bicyclists must also yield to totally or partially blind pedestrians carrying a white cane or using a guide dog.
Parking
Bikers cannot leave their bikes on the sides of the sidewalk or park their bikes in a way that obstructs others on the sidewalk or road.
