California Bike Laws

California has an enormous cycling community thanks to its year-round temperate weather and many bikeable communities. Yet bicycle safety is still something that needs improvement on California roads. 

With crowded traffic lanes, dangerous construction zones and missing bike lanes, cyclists in California are at constant risk of accidents. It is important for motorists and bicyclists alike to know California’s bike laws so that they can prevent serious and fatal collisions.

Cyclists Have the Same Rights as Motorists

In California, bicycles are more akin to motor vehicles than pedestrians in the eyes of the law. They have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers under California Vehicle Code § 21200, including:

• The right to ride on the road with motor vehicle traffic
• The responsibility to travel in the correct direction based on the flow of traffic
• The right-of-way when first at an intersection or given a green light
• The responsibility to obey all traffic signs and signals
• The right to be respected and protected by motor vehicle drivers
• The responsibility to operate their bikes safely and prudently

Unfortunately, bike accident lawyers in LA have seen many motorists ignore cyclists’ rights or drive dangerously around bikes, including following too closely, speeding and honking aggressively. This increases the odds of serious bicycle accidents.

Bicycle Lane Laws

In California, if a bicycle lane is provided, cyclists generally must use it rather than ride on roads laned for motor vehicle traffic (§ 21208). However, there are exceptions if the bicyclist needs to make a left turn, pass another vehicle or leave the bike lane to avoid a hazard. Motor vehicles may only enter bicycle lanes within 200 feet of a right-hand turn (or in driveways). Bicyclists are generally not permitted to ride on sidewalks in California, especially in downtown zones.

Bicycle Helmet Laws (Not Required for Riders 18 and Older)

In California, bicycle riders under the age of 18 are legally required to wear safety-approved helmets at all times. Any cyclist over the age of 18 in California does not legally have to wear a helmet; however, helmets are strongly recommended by safety experts as the most effective way to reduce the risk of serious and fatal traumatic brain injuries in accidents. 

Biking Under the Influence Laws

A subsection of the law that grants bicyclists in California the same rights as motor vehicle drivers prohibits riding a bicycle while intoxicated. Like driving under the influence (DUI), cycling under the influence (CUI) is a misdemeanor charge. However, the fines and penalties are typically reduced for bicyclists – unless an intoxicated cyclist causes an accident, injury or death.

Bicycle Accident Laws

If a bicyclist gets hit by a car or is otherwise involved in an accident in California, the state’s at-fault car insurance laws will apply. These laws permit injured accident victims to bring claims against those at fault rather than only seeking coverage from their own car insurance providers.

After a bicycle accident, an investigation will be done to determine who or what caused the crash. With help from a Los Angeles attorney handling injury claims, this party will then be held liable or financially responsible for the cyclist’s medical bills, bicycle repairs or replacement, lost wages, and additional damages.

Coverage Available for Bicycle Accidents

All motor vehicle drivers are required to purchase minimum amounts of liability insurance to cover the bodily injuries and property damage of others after an accident. Injured cyclists can seek compensation from this coverage, but may have to prove fault.If you get involved in a bicycle accident in California, you have the right to hire an attorney to help you with the claims process. A personal injury lawyer can investigate the bike accident, collect evidence, inform you of your rights and protect them throughout the insurance claims process to optimize your recovery.