California Bicycle Accident Laws

Bicycle riders on public roadways in California are protected and regulated by law.

If you grew up riding a bicycle, you may not have spent much time thinking about how the law applies to cyclists. After all, you don’t need a license to cycle, and you don’t have to register your bike. But in fact, the same regulatory code that governs how people can legally (and safely) operate motor vehicles, (the California Vehicle Code), also applies to cyclists..

While some of the laws written for automobiles cover bicycles as well, there are also regulations that specifically pertain to the operation of bicycles. It’s important to understand your legal rights and obligations as a cyclist, as you could be at risk for legal penalties and civil liability if you fail to adhere to California bicycle laws.

VC 21200, Use of a Bicycle

This portion of the California Vehicle Code essentially classifies a bicycle as a vehicle with regard to traffic laws. As such, bicycle riders must obey the same common laws that apply to motor vehicles. For example, cyclists must obey traffic signs and signals, ride to the right with traffic flow, and obey posted speed limits.

This section also makes it mandatory for all conveyances sharing the road to do so safely and prudently, and places a duty of care on every vehicle operator. For cyclists, this duty of care mandates riding along the far right side of the road when traveling slower than surrounding traffic, unless overtaking another “vehicle,” making a left turn, or avoiding a hazard such as a pothole or parked vehicle.

(On one-way streets with multiple lanes, cyclists can ride near the left or the right curb.)

VC 21200.5, Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs

Our drunk driving laws are tough. But did you know that cycling while intoxicated is also a crime in California? Indeed, California Vehicle Code section 21200.5 makes it unlawful to operate a bicycle on roads or sidewalks under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

If a cyclist is discovered to be under the influence, they could face fines of up to $250 – and while there is no jail time for this offense, it will create a misdemeanor criminal record. If the cyclist is under the age of 21, they can also lose their driving privileges for up to a year.

VC 21201, Requirements for Bicycle Equipment

Much like laws pertaining to the safety of motor vehicles, California bicycle law requires two-wheeled pedal-powered vehicles to meet certain mandatory safety requirements in order to be considered lawful. (Though these regulations only apply to riders on public roads, not private driveways or parking lots.)

These legal requirements include:

The white light at the front must be able to be seen for at least 300 meters. If a red light (instead of a red reflector) is present on the back of the bike, the light must be visible from at least 500 meters.

VC 21203, Hitching a Ride

This one should probably be a “no-brainer”, but it’s unlawful for a cyclist to “hitch” their bicycle to another vehicle and be pulled along behind.

VC 21204, Giving Passengers Rides

Under California law, you can’t have passengers on a single-seat bicycle – so no handlebar-sitting or peg-standing. However, if you do have a permanent and regularly attached second seat, you can carry a passenger. And if you’re planning to take a child for a ride, the law mandates that kids under four (or children under 40 pounds) must ride in an elevated seat specifically designed to protect them from the moving parts of the bicycle.

VC 21205, Carrying Items on a Bike

California bicycle law mandates that all riders operate their bike with at least one hand on the handlebars at all times. That means that if you plan to carry packages on your ride, you have to do so safely.

VC 21208, Using a Bicycle Lane

While there are still roads in California that don’t have dedicated bike lanes, bigger cities like Los Angeles, and especially San Francisco, are adding hundreds of dedicated bicycle lanes per year. In these areas, California bicycle law mandates that cyclists travelling slower than surrounding traffic use these dedicated bike lanes when available. This law is not only designed to protect California cyclists from accidents involving motor vehicles, it’s also designed to decrease congestion in urban areas.

Exceptions to this law exist, and include:

However, whenever a bicyclist chooses to leave a dedicated bike lane, they must first use an appropriate hand signal in order to notify surrounding drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians that they intend to merge into traffic.

VC 21210, Parking a Bicycle

Bike parking is usually enforced by local ordinances. However, the California Vehicle Code does state that bicycles must be parked in an upright position whenever possible, and must not block pedestrian traffic.

VC 21212, Helmet Use

California cyclists aren’t required to wear helmets unless they are under 18 years of age. For young riders, the law regulates what types of helmets must be worn, including setting standards (ANSI or SNELL) for each safety device used. If you are a parent of an underage cyclist caught riding without a helmet, you could face a $25 fine.

VC 22111, Using Hand Signals

This is an important California bicycle accident law that may determine your share of the liability if you’re involved in a bike accident. The vehicle code states that all cyclists must accurately use hand signals in order to notify surrounding cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians of their intention to turn, merge, or exit a bike lane.

Standard signals include: