If you a person who regularly rides your bike in California, it is important that you take the time to learn where you can and cannot legally ride your bike. Keep reading to get the facts. If you have been involved in a bike accident and require the help of a personal injury attorney, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for help right away.
Some Cities Have Their Own Rules
We are going to discuss statewide rules but remember that different cities within California might have their own rules. You will need to follow state laws in any city, but if there are additional city laws, then you should follow those as well. For example, some cities prohibit bike riding on the sidewalk.
You Must Ride as Close as Practicable to the Right Curb or Edge of the Road
If you are riding a bike that is less than the speed of normal traffic (which should be all bikes) and you are moving in the same direction as traffic, then you are required by law to ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or the edge of the road.
In cities that are well developed for bike riders, the right-most edge of the street will be a bike lane. Obviously, this is where you should ride if it exists. Some cities are coming up with unique bike lanes that are separated from the road with a median. If possible, stick to the bike lane for your own safety.
There Are Times When You Do Not Have to Ride All the Way to the Right
As is true of most rules, there are exceptions to the rule that you must ride to the right when possible. They include:
- When you are passing a bike or vehicle that is going the same direction as you
- When you are getting ready to turn left at an intersection, private road, or driveway
- To avoid conditions that make it unsafe to stay on the right-hand side of the road
- When coming upon an area in which a right turn is authorized
- If riding on a one-way road with more than one marked traffic lane, you can ride on the left-hand curb or edge if practicable
While following bike laws will not necessarily keep you from being involved in a bike accident, it can help assure that you are not at fault if you are in an accident.
Work with an Experienced Bike Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in a bike accident in California, we urge you to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. You can reach Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
