Bicycle Rules of the Road

This is a summary of the bicycle provisions of the California Vehicle Code. Cyclists should check the Vehicle Code for more detailed information. The complete Vehicle Code is available through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or online at www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/pubs.htm

Bicyclists have all the rights and responsibilities of mostorist.21200(a)       All persons under the age of 18 years must wear a properly fited and fastened helmet meeting ANSI, Snell or ASTM F-1447 standards while rideing a bicycle 21212 (All persons over the age of 18 years are strongly recommended likewise).       Bicyclists in a bike lane, on a roadway, or on the shoulder of a highway must ride in the same direction as traffic on the roadway.21650.1       When traveling more slowly than the normal speed of traffic, bicyclists must ride in the bike lane (where present) or ride as close to the right as practicable on roadways without bike lanes, except:         when passing another bicycle or vehicle       when preparing to make a left turn       to avoid hazards that make it unsafe to stay this far right.       when approaching a place where a right turn is authorized (for example, at a free right turn lane) 21208(a), 21202(a)

Bicyclists may ride on the shoulder of a roaway where it is not otherwise prohibited.21650(g)       On one-way streets with two or more traffic lanes, bicyclists may ride as near to the left as practicable.21202(b)       Every bicycle ridden at night must have the following equipment:         a white headlight, or a white light attached to the rider illuminating the roadway in front of the bicyclist, visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the rider.       a red rear reflectorvisible from 500 feet to the rear.       white or yellow pedal reflectors.       white or yellow side reflectors on the front portion of the bicycle and white or red side reflectors on the rear portion of the bicycle, or reflectorized front and rear tires.21201.d