Bicycle law in California
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Bicycle law in California is the parts of the California Vehicle Code that set out the law for persons cycling in California, and a subset of bicycle law in the United States.
Contents
[hide]General applicability of road rules[edit]
CVC 21200 states that the rules of the road, set out in Division 11 of the California Vehicle Code, that do not specifically apply only to motor vehicles are applicable to cyclists. Police officers riding bicycles are exempt from the provisions when they are responding to an emergency call, engaged in rescue operations, or in immediate pursuit of a suspect.
Locations of cycling[edit]
On-road[edit]
CVC 21650 sets the on-road position for all vehicles, including bicycles.
Cyclists are allowed but never required to ride on the shoulder.[3] CVC 530 defines the "roadway" as "that portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel".[4] The on-road position of cyclists is narrowed by CVC 21202, which requires riding "as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway" except in certain circumstances.
The wording shall ride as close as practicable to the right is sometimes misunderstood by police officers as well as cyclists.[6]
CVC 21650.1 clarifies that cyclists, unlike drivers of vehicles, are generally not prohibited from riding on the shoulder of the road.
CVC Section 21960 authorizes local authorities to prohibit or restrict the use of bicycles on freeways.
Where bike lanes exist on roadways, CVC 21208 requires cyclists to use them, except under certain conditions. There is no requirement to ride in a bike lane or path that is not on the roadway.[3]
There is no requirement in the California Vehicle Code for riding single-file,[10] but side-by-side riding may be regulated by local ordinance.[a]
Off-road[edit]
CVC 21100 sets out that "Local authorities may adopt rules and regulations... regarding the ... Operation of bicycles, and, as specified in Section 21114.5, electric carts by physically disabled persons, or persons 50 years of age or older, on the public sidewalks."[12] Under this provision, many California cities have banned sidewalk cycling in business districts.[13]
Movement[edit]
CVC 22107 requires cyclists to yield and signal before moving left or right.
CVC 21656 specifies that slow-moving vehicles causing a queue of five or more vehicles behind them must turn off the roadway in order to allow the vehicles behind to pass them. Section 21202 explicitly states that cyclists are "subject to the provisions of Section 21656".
CVC 21760 requires motor vehicles to leave a 3-foot margin while passing a cyclist if possible.
Racing and drafting[edit]
As regulations CVC 21703, prohibiting unreasonably close following, and CVC 23109, prohibiting speed contests, apply only to motor vehicles,[17][18] it is legal for cyclists to draftand race each other on open public roads in California.[19]
Miscellaneous[edit]
Equipment requirements[edit]
A bicycle ridden on public roads must have a brake on at least one wheel which can make the wheel skid on dry pavement.[20]
Bicycles ridden at night must have the following equipment:[20]
- A white front lamp (either attached to the bike or to the rider) which can be seen from 300 feet (91 m) away.
- A red rear safety reflector visible from 500 feet (150 m) away when illuminated by automobile headlights.
- White or yellow reflectors visible from on the bike's pedals or the cyclist's feet or ankles.
- A white or yellow reflector on each side of the bike's front half.
- A white or red reflector on each side of the bike's back half.
Bicycle helmets for minors[edit]
CVC 21212 requires cyclists under the age of 18 to wear helmets.
Under CVC 21100(a) local authorities may adopt ordinances for the purpose of "Regulating or prohibiting processions or assemblages on the highways."
Possibility of licensing[edit]
CVC 39002 allows local authorities to implement mandatory licensing for bicycles and prohibit unlicensed riding.[b]


