California Cycling Safety: Laws the Protect Riders

Do you enjoy bicycle riding? Many people around here do. The Golden State took 4th Place in the annual ranking of Bicycle Friendly States by the League of American Bicyclists in 2024 and 2022.

Bicycle riding is fun, a popular mode of transportation and good exercise for folks of all ages. However, there are important cycling laws to protect yourself and others while riding.

According to statistics, approximately 741 bicyclists were killed in California from 2019 to 2023.

Bike Helmets Safeguard Younger Riders

California bicycle helmet laws are designed to protect cyclists, especially its younger riders, from head injuries in the event of an accident. The Golden State mandates that anyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet while riding a bicycle on a public road, bike path or trail. This law applies to standard bicycles, e-bikes, scooters and skateboards. Be sure to find a helmet that fits properly and inspect it for any loose foam or cracks.

The Three-Feet Rule Is for Safe Passing

Cars must follow the 3-feet rule in California, also known as the 3-Feet Safety Act. California Vehicle Code 21760 was created to protect bicyclists by mandating a safe passing distance when vehicles overtake or pass them. This act provides a legal basis for bicyclists to seek recourse if there is a collision or a close call resulting from a car’s failure to obey the three-foot rule.

The driver cannot overtake and pass the bicycle in a manner that compromises the bicycle’s safe operation. Factors for safe passing include the size and speed of the motor vehicle and bicycle, the width and layout of the highway surface, traffic conditions and weather and visibility conditions.

The 3-feet safety rule also states that if another lane proceeding in the same direction is safe and available, the driver must change lanes to pass the bicycle. This should be done only concerning safety and traffic conditions, and only if such a lane change is practical and legal.

Drivers who violate the 3-feet rule can be fined to discourage unsafe passing practices. The penalty will be $220 if the driver violates the Three Feet for Safety Act, which causes bodily injury to the cyclist.

The OmniBike Bill Offers More Improvements

The California Omnibus Bicycle Bill (AB1909) introduced notable improvements for bicyclists in California and became law in 2024. These laws include making it legal for Class 3 electric bikes (e-bikes) to access most California bikeways while allowing communities to restrict them from equestrian and hiking trails.

Also, bikes can legally cross on “Walk” signals. The OmniBike Bill legalized crossing at intersections during the pedestrian walk signal phase to improve intersection safety for cyclists.

California Roadways Are Shared Spaces

In the Golden State, a bicycle is considered a vehicle, and bicyclists have equal rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles under California Vehicle Code Section 21200. However, not every motorist respects this right, and this can lead to dangerous circumstances. You should always be aware of your surroundings, obey all road rules and use hand signals when turning.

Cyclists have the right-of-way at intersections. Also, drivers making left turns must yield to oncoming cyclists proceeding straight.

Another law concerns bike lanes and drivers who try to use these lanes as a shortcut to bypass traffic. Drivers cannot access a bike lane, except to park where permitted, enter or leave the roadway, or to prepare for a turn within 200 feet of an intersection. When crossing a bike lane to make a turn, drivers must yield to any cyclist in the bike lane.

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident or have questions about your rights as a cyclist on California roads, contact a California bicycle accident lawyer today.