Understanding where you can ride your bicycle in Merced and other areas of California can keep you safe from harm. Bicyclists have many rights on our roads just as motor vehicle drivers do. However, you may question if your bicycle is ever permitted to enter a highway in Merced or if cyclists are banned from highways in general.
Our attorneys at Maison Law take bicycle accident claims very seriously and protect the rights of injured bicyclists at all costs. As you recover from your bicycle accident, your situation can become incredibly difficult to face financially. We are here for you during these challenging times. Please contact us today for a no-obligation case review to get started.
Riding a Bicycle on a Highway in Merced: Is It Permitted?
In Merced and many other areas of Merced, major highways run through huge portions of the city. This means that a highway could be present right outside your home, making it impossible to avoid as a bicyclist. Luckily, California laws state that you are permitted to access a highway on your bike.
When a bicycle is registered, the owner is permitted to ride upon all streets, bicycle trails, and public highways according to Merced’s Code of Ordinances. As long as a cyclist is obeying all traffic instructions and following the rules of the road, a bicyclist is allowed to travel in these fast-paced areas with other drivers.
Even though riding on highways is permitted in Merced, the same cannot be said of freeways and expressways. The California Department of Transportation’s Vehicle Code 21960 states that bicycles and motorized bicycles are not permitted in these areas.
What if You Are Moving Slower Than Traffic?
If a bicyclist is moving as fast as traffic in Merced, they are allowed to ride wherever they want. However, if they are moving more slowly than traffic, a cyclist should ride as closely to the right side of the road. This applies in every situation aside from situations where they are passing, preparing to make a left turn, or avoiding a hazard on the road.
Under Vehicle Code 21208, the law states that bicyclists who are traveling slower than traffic must use a bike lane when one is present. However, there are many roads where a bike lane cannot be observed, which is why bicyclists should stay to the right as much as possible.
What To Do After a Bicycle Accident in Merced
If you were involved in a Merced bicycle accident on a highway or any other roadway, there are some steps that you should take to protect your well-being and your legal rights. These include the following:
- Check yourself for injuries and make sure that you receive immediate medical attention.
- Call 911 and speak with police so that you can make a report.
- Get a description of the driver’s car, license plate, and any contact information. Also obtain contact information from any witnesses on scene.
- Never tell anybody that you think the accident may have been your fault. Do not apologize, as this could be taken as an admission of fault.
- Take plenty of photographs and videos of the scene.
- Receive any follow-up care as instructed by your doctor.
By following these steps, you can protect your claim from the very start. Maximizing financial recovery in your claim is important, which is why it is crucial that you have legal assistance on your side when you need it.
Contact a Merced Bicycle Accident Lawyer
At Maison Law, our Merced bicycle accident lawyers are here to compassionately assist you as you navigate the legal system after an accident. We understand how difficult it can be to get back on your feet after one of these accidents, which typically lead to life-altering and catastrophic injuries and damages. We take your case seriously and will work directly with you to help you achieve maximum recovery. Please contact us today for a no-obligation consultation to get started.
