More people ride bikes in California than in many other states. There are many advantages to doing so, including financial, physical, and environmental advantages. However, anyone who rides a bike does have a series of responsibilities to keep themselves and those around them safe. Today at Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas we will discuss the laws on what safety gear a bike must have. If you are involved in a bike accident, contact us at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
Required Equipment for California Bikes
If you simply grab a bike from a local free store and take off, you could easily be in violation of California law. In order for a bike to be street legal, it must be deemed roadworthy under California’s bike laws. The law offers specifics about various equipment and the state it must be in. For example, the specifies:
- Bikes must have handlebars and they must not be installed higher than the shoulders of the rider. No “ape hangers” are allowed.
- Bikes must have brakes that allow the rider to stop one-handed on level pavement.
- In order for a rider to ride at night, they must have a white headlight that is either attached directly to the bike or to the cyclist.
- Every bike must have a permanent, affixed seat unless the bike was specifically manufactured to be used without one. A passenger that weighs less than 40 pounds must have a seat that holds them in place and offers protection from gears, spokes, and other moving parts.
There are numerous rules regarding reflectors. For example, a biker must have a red reflector on the back, a white or yellow reflector on each pedal or the rider’s feet, a white or yellow reflector on the front of the bike and a red or white reflector on both sides of the back.
There Are Rules About the Size of Bikes
The law also states that a bike must be short enough that a rider can stop and support the bike when they have just one foot on the ground. This is important because a rider is required by law to stop at all stop signs and traffic lights. If they are starting from a stopped position, it can be dangerous to be riding a bike that is too tall.
Have You Been Involved in a Bike Accident?
Have you been involved in a bike accident? Whether you suffered relatively minor injuries or a catastrophic injury, it is worth your while to get a free legal consultation from an experienced personal injury attorney. It is easy to do so by calling Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707. We are happy to provide assistance to ensure you know your rights and options.