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Fresno Cycling Safety – Bike Lanes and Bike Laws

Whether you are completing a ten-mile loop or just riding through a Fresno neighborhood with your children, all cyclists should feel safe when they hop on a bike.

Unfortunately, when bicyclists must ride alongside traffic, or cross busy streets, cyclists are at extreme risk.

Maison Law of Fresno wanted to go over the locations of the safest routes through the city, including the whereabouts of the latest protected bike lanes to be installed.

We also wanted to offer a refresher for local motorists on the state and city laws in place to protect riders.

Where are Fresno's Bike Routes?

KSEE-TV reported in 2023 that there were around 11 miles of protected bicycle lanes across Fresno. The mileage on safe routes continues to grow.

The newest additions are these “separated” bike lanes that line several roads in Fresno. Protected bike lanes are officially called Class IV Bike Lanes. They separate riders from traffic with plastic cones and other barriers.

These are just some of the routes that are home to Fresno bike lanes:

Wishon Avenue – Class IV Protected Bike Lane

Selland Avenue – Class IV Protected Bike Lane

Van Ness Avenue – Class IV Protected Bike Lane

Barstow Avenue – Class IV Protected Bike Lane

Palm Avenue – Class IV Protected Bike Lane

Dewey Avenue – Class IV Protected Bike Lane

  • First Street – Class IV Protected Bike Lane
  • R Street – Class IV Protected Bike Lane
  • Maple Avenue – Class IV Protected Bike Lane
  • Maroa Avenue – Class IV Protected Bike Lane
  • Fulton Avenue – Class IV Protected Bike Lane
  • Belmont Avenue – Class IV Protected Bike Lane
  • Ashlan Avenue – Class II Bike Lanes
  • Fresno Street – Class II Bike Lanes
  • Tulare Avenue — Class II Bike Lanes

Bike Signs - What Are the Bike Signs Seen in Fresno?

Motorists and cyclists should be familiar with the different bike path signs around the city. These can be quick reminders of where bicyclists should ride and the right-of-way motorists should observe.

Here are a few of the signs you’ll see along Fresno streets:

Bike Lane Sign

Bike Route Sign

Share the Road Bicycle Sign

Bikes May Use Full Lane Sign

Turning Vehicles Yield to Bicycle

The Types of Bike Lanes

Fresno has worked to provide all types of bikeways. Some take riders through scenic routes that are away from the rush of traffic. Other bike lanes help riders navigate the busy network of roads around Fresno to get to work, to school, or just to get some exercise.

These are the four different types of bikeways you’ll find around our city: 

Class I Bikeway – Bike paths and trails where cars aren’t allowed. These trails and walkways may be “multi-use” paths that are shared with pedestrians. This would include routes like the Sugar Pine Trail from Nees Avenue and along Shepherd Avenue.

Class II Bike Lanes – Bike lanes along the right sides of streets that are only indicated by white lines on the road surface. These paths should also have the occasional white bike symbol on the lane and bike path street signs above.

Class III Bike Routes – Bike lanes are merged with vehicle lanes when there’s not enough room for separate bike lanes. Riders and motorists share the road. Class III lanes are often on low-speed-limit roads and usually only go short stretches. Riders may see these lanes approaching an intersection when drivers and bicyclists must share a right-hand turn lane. Class III bike lanes will have bike route signs posted. They’ll have bike symbols painted on the traffic lane and arrows on the road to remind motorists they must share the road. The arrows also indicate where cyclists should try to ride while in the lane. These visual reminders are often referred to as “sharrows,” a word formed by combining share & arrows.

Class IV Bike Lanes – Also known as separated bicycle lanes. The lanes will be blocked off from traffic with painted, buffered space and/or physical barriers protecting cyclists. Riders can be separated from traffic by cement barriers, planter boxes, parking spaces, and plastic pylons/bollards. Green and white bollards can be seen lining many Fresno Class IV bike lanes such as those on Barstow Avenue. Some sections also include green paint along the paths.

California Bicycle Laws

California has many vehicle codes written and passed to protect cyclists of all ages. Those codes apply to Fresno roads too. Fresno also adds some guidelines for riders and drivers in our city (see below).

The most important state law is the one that offers the most protection to riders who ride in the street with traffic. It’s the California Vehicle Code that grants riders the same access to the road as any driver.

CVC 21200  Cyclists’ Right to the Road

“(a) (1) A person riding a bicycle or operating a pedicab upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle…”

CVC 21202 Use of Bike Lanes

Cyclists have a right to the full lane, but only if they can keep up with traffic. When they can’t, people on bikes are required to utilize a bike lane if available. If there is no bike lane, they should remain on the far right-hand side of the right lane.

AB 1909 Motorist Must Pass in Left Lanes

Passed in California in 2022, this new law offers additional protections to bicyclists who must travel alongside vehicles. It requires Fresno motorists to switch to the left lane if possible when trying to pass a cyclist. You can find more information about the law change here.

CVC 21760 Three Feet for Rider Safety

When the left lane isn’t open, drivers must observe California’s “Three Feet for Safety” Law. It requires motorists to allow at least three feet of space when passing. If there isn’t at least 3 feet of space to be had, motorists shouldn’t try to pass.

The cyclist also gets the right of way when the driver is ready to make a right turn. The driver must yield to any cyclist traveling beside them and in the right lane before turning.

CVC 21212 California’s Bicycle Helmet Law. Riders under 18 years old must wear an approved safety helmet. Adult riders don’t have to wear a helmet, but it’s an incredible safety precaution that all cyclists should consider. More on California’s Bicycle Helmet Laws.

Fresno Bicycle Ordinances

Fresno enforces a few other additions to California law regarding safe bicycle rides in the city. The City Code of Ordinances ARTICLE 17 – REGULATIONS FOR BICYCLES goes over some of the additional responsibilities.

SEC. 14-1703. – RIDING ON SIDEWALKS.

“(a) No person shall operate a bicycle or unicycle on a sidewalk in the central business district, or on any street designated as a mall street by the provisions of this code…”

According to Article 17, Fresno bicyclists should also follow these local ordinances:

  • In areas where riding on the sidewalk is allowed, the city requires people on bicycles to always yield to pedestrians.
  • Cyclists should not use crosswalks to cross intersections.
  • Cyclists should obey any official traffic control device
  • Cyclists should not tow anyone while riding on a city street, a bike path, or a sidewalk
  • Cyclists emerging from an alley, driveway, or building shall yield the right-of-way to any approaching vehicle

Fresno Cyclists Have a Speed Limit

SEC. 14-1704. – SPEED.

“No person shall operate a bicycle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions then existing and in no event at a speed greater than the prima facie speed limit applicable to motor vehicles.”

Proper Fresno Bicycle Equipment According to State Law

California defines a bicycle as a device that any person may ride, and is propelled exclusively by human power through a belt, chain, or gears and having one or more wheels.

CVC 21201 and 21204 – All bicycles in Fresno must be equipped with the following:

  • A brake that allows them to execute to a wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
  • Handlebars that are not higher than your shoulders.
  • Bicycles must be small enough to stop, support with one foot on the ground, and restart safely.
  • A white headlight or white light attached to you, visible from the front when driving at night.
  • A rear red reflector and white or yellow pedal reflectors. On the front of your bike, there must be a white or yellow reflector that’s visible from the side, and a red or white reflector on the rear of the bicycle visible from the side.
  • A permanent, regular seat.
  • A seat that retains them in place and protects them from moving parts when the bicyclist is under 40lbs.

E-Bikes in Fresno

Some riders appreciate an assist when riding the streets of Fresno. E-bikes offer a combination of pedal power and engine thrust to help riders keep up with traffic.

Some cyclists purchase their own e-bikes, but Fresno has also partnered with Clean Shared Mobility Network to provide hundreds of rideshare E-Bikes for use by all residents.

It’s important that anyone who rides an E-bike knows how they differ from regular bikes and the different laws that apply.

Here’s a rundown of the basic laws E-bike riders should be informed of:

  • AB-1096 gives E-bike riders the right to take the lane just like normal cyclists. Drivers must make room for them.
  • E-bike riders don’t need a driver’s license and don’t have to register their bikes by getting a license plate.
  • E-bike riders observe the same right-of-ways that bicyclists do. They are subject to speed limits and must yield to pedestrians. All cyclists must still stop for stop signs and red lights.
  • E-bikes are allowed on most bike paths around Fresno. Class 3 bikes were prohibited on many bike lanes, but a change to the Class 3 Bike Lane law was made in 2023.
  • Class 1 and Class 2 E-bikes don’t have age restrictions. Any rider under 18 years old must wear a helmet.
  • You must be 16 years old or older to ride a Class 3 E-bike. These bikes can reach 28mph. All Class 3 riders must wear helmets.

For more information on the classes of e-bikes and other regulations visit our page on Fresno E-bike accident dangers.

Vision Zero Action Plan in Fresno

Vision Zero is a program used in cities nationwide and in cities across California. The initiative involves a multi-year strategy to reduce the number of traffic accidents and fatalities among motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Cities come together to design a long-term plan to improve safety for anyone who uses streets and highways.

By the end date, the goal is to reduce traffic fatalities and severe injuries to zero. Local government and community leaders, including bicycle coalition members, all contribute to making Vision Zero a reality. The plans can include reducing lanes and closing streets to motorists. The campaign usually involves the addition of safety improvements at intersections and the installation of more bike lanes.

Unfortunately, Fresno has never undertaken a Vision Zero initiative. However, recent funding has set our city on the path to enact Vision Zero benchmarks.

In 2023, KSEE-TV reported that Fresno had received a $400,000 grant to improve road safety around the city. Fresno’s Public Works Department was tasked with developing a Vision Zero Action Plan.

Progress continues as of late 2024. The first Vision Zero Taskforce Meeting was held on September 23. Additional meetings to inform and get input from the public are expected to start in November and continue into 2025.

You can read our article on the latest developments on Fresno’s Vision Zero project for more information.

Bicycle Safety Advocates in Fresno

As planning ramps up for Vision Zero, some long-term goals will definitely be on the table. Bicycle advocate groups like The Fresno County Bicycle Coalition (FCBC) will play a large role in how Fresno will adapt and change to reduce accidents.

The Chair for the FCBC, Anthony Molina, believes that short-term achievements are also attainable by continuing on with other local initiatives started in the past several years.

“For the short term, to get more people riding bikes, we need to emphasize creating connected networks that bicyclists can depend on to be safe and comfortable, especially on those streets that were designated to be part of a so-called “high priority ATP (Active Transportation Plan) network” that has yet to be built out since it was conceived in 2017.”

“One low cost way to achieve this is through the use of so-called “quick build” projects using non-permanent materials, especially paint and bollards (usually flex posts) that rely on “tactical urbanist” approaches that can be evaluated for success or further modification and even removed.”

Anthony Molina
Chair, Fresno County Bicycle Coalition

Fresno’s Bike Clubs

Bike Clubs are a great place to meet other pedal-minded people just like you. Fresno has several great clubs and coalitions to choose from. You can take safer rides when you partner up with friends or a riding team around the city. After a ride, you can meet up and eat and drink with some great new friends.

You’ll love the annual events these clubs put together and sponsor. You can volunteer to help organize events like the Climb to Kaiser race in the Sierra Nevada Mountains each year. If you’re brave, you can even participate.

Bike clubs also do exceptional work in helping make Fresno’s streets safer for all riders. They work with local government departments to continue the progress on bike lanes and intersection improvements.  

You can get more information about what Bicycle Clubs offer and how to join on our Fresno Bicycle Riding Clubs page.

When to Call a Bike Lawyer

California Law empowers bicycle accident victims to hold reckless drivers responsible. But the support you need won’t be awarded automatically. You’ll have to prove the driver was to blame, and the motorist could falsely claim you were at fault. A giant car insurance company may back up the policyholder’s false claims, simply to get out of having to provide you with financial help.

If you are in a collision and somehow only come out with minor bumps and bruises and/or just bicycle damage, you may not need a lawyer’s help with your case.

But if you suffer a serious injury, like a broken ankle or a head injury, the protection a Fresno Bicycle Accident Lawyer provides may be critical to receiving everything you need to fully recover.

These are just some of the safeguards a bicycle accident attorney provides:

  • Bicycle Accident Case Investigation – Maison Law of Fresno fully investigates your bicycle accident and the driver’s record. We collect the evidence needed to build a strong case. This can include witness testimony, acquiring surveillance video, and accident reconstruction.
  • Filing a Claim – We file an injury claim backed by evidence. This claim also includes a complete list of everything you’ve endured since your accident and could endure in the future. This alerts the insurance company to every factor they’ll be responsible for covering in a bicycle accident settlement check, including physical, emotional, and financial damages.
  • Allowing You Time To Focus on Healing – This claims process will be frustrating and can take a patient’s focus off getting better. Maison Law hopes to handle this entire process for you while providing as little disruption to you and your family as possible during recovery.
  • Negotiating the Maximum in a Settlement – Your Maison Law Lawyer will be skilled in negotiating to secure the most for your injury for you. Your lawyer is ready to fight back when insurance adjusters use tactics to reduce your claim. This can include offering a “lowball” settlement that your lawyer will recognize, help you reject, and then demand more.
  • The Threat of a Lawsuit – When insurance companies refuse to accept full blame for an accident and won’t settle, your lawyer would be ready to file a lawsuit and take the insurer to court. Bicycle accident victims usually don’t have to go to court because car insurance companies will scramble to send you a better settlement deal to satisfy you and avoid a trial. They don’t want to face the cost of a trial or the bad publicity. Your lawyer represents the threat of a trial. This threat can force insurance companies to come back to the negotiating table and settle.

At Maison Law, we are advocates for cyclists across Fresno County. We work with local Bicycle groups to help promote safe rides. We also sponsor local bicycle safety events.  We also rush to the aid of riders when they are hurt by the careless actions of drivers.

Our Fresno Bicycle Accident Lawyers provide free, no-obligation consultations to victims who are seriously hurt in collisions. We also offer free case reviews to families who have lost a loved one in a tragic bicycle accident that could have been prevented.

Maison Law Firm