Use these laws and also discuss this requirement. Describe state and local laws concerning bicycles. Discuss what is the same and what is different from laws applying to motor vehicles. Explain where and how you should ride on roads and streets to include lane position, changing lanes, making left and right turns, and riding through intersections.

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

If you’re moving slower than traffic, you can “take the lane” if it’s not wide enough for a bike and a vehicle to safely share side-by-side. 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. (VEH 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 one of the bike-friendly lawyers we identify under Legal Resources below.

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. VEH 21208

You don’t have to use the “protected bike lane.” Once a bike lane is separated from moving traffic bywith posts or car parking or anything else, it’s no longer a “bike lane” according to the law; it’s a “separated bikeway.” In this case, VEH 21208 does not apply. You may ride outside of the separated bikeway for any reason. (SHC 890.4d)

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. VEH 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, bike paths, or bike lanes unless allowed by local authorities. They may be used in bike lanes or separated bikeways adjacent to the roadway. VEH 21207.5  They require helmets and may not be operated by people under age 16. VEH 21213

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. VEH 21211

Sidewalks: Individual cities and counties control whether bicyclists may ride on sidewalks.  VEH 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. VEH 21960

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

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

Handlebars: Handlebars must not place the hands higher than the rider’s shoulders. VEH 21201(b)

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

Lights and Reflectors: 

At night, the following must be attached to the bicycle or bicyclist:
a white headlight visible from the front
a red reflector or a red light with a built in reflector (can be solid of flashing) visible from the rear
a white or yellow reflector on each pedal or on the bicyclist’s shoes or ankles that is visible from the front and the rear
a white or yellow reflector on the front half of the bicycle, and a red or white reflector on each side of the back half of the bicycle. These reflectors are not required if the bike has reflectorized front and back tires.
VEH 21201(d) #1-4 and VEH 21201(e)
Although not required, some cyclists like to use flashing front and rear lights during the day to make themselves more visible to vehicles
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 that retains them in place and protects them from moving parts. VEH 21204

Helmets: Bicyclists and bicycle passengers under the age of 18 must wear an approved helmet when riding on a bicycle. VEH 21212

Headphones: Bicyclists may not wear earplugs in both ears or a headset covering both ears. Hearing aids are allowed. VEH 27400

Cell phones: Unlike motorists, cyclists are permitted to use a handheld cell phone while riding. Be careful! VEH 23123

Alcohol and drugs: Bicyclists may not ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. VEH 21200.5

Hitching rides: Bicyclists may not hitch rides or attach themselves to vehicles. VEH 21203

Carrying articles: Bicyclists may not carry items that keep them from using at least one hand on the handlebars. VEH 21205

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. VEH 21950 and VEH 21963

Parking: Bicyclists may not leave bicycles on their sides on the sidewalk or park bicycles in a manner that obstructs pedestrians. VEH 21210

Make sure your bicycle is the right size for you, and properly adjusted to fit you.

A properly-fitted bicycle is more comfortable and easier to control.
Bicycle shops can help you choose the right size bicycle for you and perform any adjustments you need.
Make sure your bicycle is in good working order by inspecting it regularly.
For example, it is against the law to ride a bike that does not have functioning brakes. Show Citation 11

Make sure your helmet is properly fitted, and wear it according to manufacturer directions. Helmets provide protection from potentially life-threatening head injuries.
By law, all bicycle riders under the age of 18 must wear a bicycle helmet while riding on public roads.Show Citation 22

Be prepared to stop for vehicles waiting at stop signs, in driveways, or parking spaces, which may suddenly pull out in front of you.
Be prepared to take evasive action relating to vehicles that have just passed you and may turn right, as well as vehicles coming the opposite way that may turn left in front of you.
Use hand signals before making turns or changing lanes to warn traffic around you. Always have at least one hand on the handlebars to maintain control of the bike.
To signal a left turn, look behind you, over your left shoulder, and then extend your left arm out.
To signal a right turn, hold your left arm up with your elbow bent.
To signal that you are slowing or stopping, extend your left arm down.

Using lights and reflectors at night is the law.Show Citation 33When it is dark outside, bicyclists should avoid wearing dark clothing and must have the following equipment:

A front lamp emitting a white light visible from a distance of 300 feet.
A rear red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector visible from a distance of 500 feet.
A white or yellow reflector on each pedal or on the bicyclist’s shoes or ankles visible from a distance of 200 feet.
A white or yellow reflector on the front wheel, a white or red reflector on the rear wheel, or reflectorized tires.
Use mirrors only as an aid. Always look over your shoulder to make sure the lane is clear before turning or changing lanes.

Ride in the same direction as traffic so you are more visible to drivers entering roads or changing lanes in the following scenarios:

Passing a vehicle or another bicycle in the same direction.
Preparing to make a left turn at an intersection, into a private road, or at a driveway.
When necessary to avoid a hazard or road condition (for example, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards).
When a lane is too narrow for a bicycle and vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
When approaching a right turn.
If the road is one-way with two or more lanes. In this case, a bicyclist may ride as near to the left curb or edge of roadway as possible.

icyclists must obey STOP signs and red signal lights, and follow basic right-of-way rules. Do not cross through an intersection with a yellow signal light if you cannot make it across the intersection before the light changes to red.

Keep your eyes on the road ahead.
Avoid potholes, gravel, broken glass, drainage grates, puddles you can’t see through, or other unsafe road conditions.
When possible, signal before changing lanes.
Slow down when approaching an intersection to ensure there is no oncoming traffic that may not see you.
Ride far enough away from parked cars to avoid being hit by an opening door.
A bicycle lane is a designated traffic lane for bicyclists. However, motorists must merge into a bicycle lane when making right turns. These lanes are marked by a solid white line, which becomes a dotted line ending before it reaches the corner.

Different from a simple white line showing the edge of the road, a bicycle lane follows specific width requirements and is clearly marked as a bike lane with symbols and/or signs.

Bicycle lanes are sometimes painted a bright green color in order to increase visibility. Treat a bicycle lane painted bright green just like any other bicycle lane.
As you approach the intersection, look over your left shoulder for traffic. If clear, signal your turn and move over to the left side of the lane, or into the left or center turn lane. Use the whole turn lane, and position yourself so that vehicles turning the same direction cannot pass you. Yield to oncoming traffic before turning.

If you are riding in a bicycle lane or on a multi-lane road, look and signal every time you change lanes. Never make a left turn from the right side of the road, even if you are in a bicycle lane.

Approach the intersection staying on the right. Stop and cross as a pedestrian in the crosswalk, or make a 90-degree left turn and proceed as if you were coming from the right. If there is a signal light, wait for the green light or WALK signal before crossing. Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.