Bicycle Laws in Los Angeles

As California’s largest city, Los Angeles has a reputation for beautiful weather, endless sights and tourist attractions, and miles of roads, streets, and trails to traverse on your bicycle. But as one of California and the nation’s largest urban areas, Los Angeles also has the reputation for being dangerous for bicyclists. Still, since 2017, bicycle usage in the city has gone up nearly 22%, according to data from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT).

What this means is that more and more people in the city are relying on bicycles to transport them to and from their destinations. As such, the city has continued to update and configure its laws to respond to this increase in bicycle usage.

Knowledgeable Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Help You

Knowing what the law is in Los Angeles as it pertains to bicycling is only one part of the equation. The other is knowing how to respond if you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident. The team of experienced, resourceful bicycle accident lawyers at Maison Law can help you if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation.

Throughout our years of practice, we have consistently stood with victims of bicycle accidents in Los Angeles, providing them with the support and service they need to get back on the road to recovery. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident or would just like to learn more about your rights under the law as a bicyclist in Los Angeles, contact us for a free consultation.

What Are the Bicycle Laws in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles bicyclists, like all other cities in California, are governed by the California Vehicle Code. The Code outlines the major rights and protections that every person riding a bicycle in California has. Specifically, the Code states as follows for bicyclists in Los Angeles:

• CVC 21200 – This law holds that bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as any other driver on the road in Los Angeles.

 

• CVC 21200.5 – Bicyclists in Los Angeles are prohibited from driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

 

• CVC 21202 and 21204 – In Los Angeles, bicycles 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 and that’s 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 which retains them in place and protects them from moving parts when the bicyclist is under 40lbs.

 

• CVC 21202 – When traveling at slower than the normal speed of traffic, you and other bicyclists must ride as close to the right side of the road as possible except when passing, preparing for a left turn, trying to avoid hazards, or if the lane is too narrow.

 

• CVC 21203 – You and other bicyclists are prohibited from hitching rides with vehicles while on your bike.

 

• CVC 21205 – Bicyclists must have one hand on the handlebars at all times. Thus, it is illegal to carry anything that prevents you from keeping at least one hand on your handlebars.

 

• CVC 21207.5 – Motorized bicycles can’t be used on bike lanes, paths, or other trailways.

 

• CVC 21208 – Those bicyclists that are traveling slower than traffic must use bike lanes except when making a left turn, trying to pass a slower or stopped vehicle, or avoiding hazardous conditions.

 

• CVC 21210 – Bicyclists may not leave their bicycles on their sides on the sidewalk or park them in a way that blocks or obstructs pedestrians.

 

• CVC 21211 – No one can stop or park on a bike path.

 

• CVC 21212 – All bicyclists and passengers under age 18 must wear an ANSI or Snell approved helmet when a passenger or riding a bicycle.

 

• CVC 21650 – All bicyclists must travel on the right side of the road, in the same direction as other traffic.

 

• CVC 21960 – Riding a bicycle on the freeway is prohibited, except in certain areas and conditions.

 

• CVC 23330 – Unless there is a sign that permits it, bicyclists cannot cross a toll bridge.

 

• CVC 27400 – Bicyclists are not allowed to wear headphones that cover both ears, ear plugs, or ear buds unless these devices are hearing aids.

Additionally, the Los Angeles County Code prohibits riding bicycles on sidewalks, unless otherwise specified.

Bicycle Safety Tips in Los Angeles

The law is not the only means of protection for bicyclists in Los Angeles. There are a wide range of different actions you can take and equipment you can use to keep yourself safe while riding your bike in the city:

• Educate yourself on rules of the road, especially right of way and how the law applies to you specifically while riding your bike.
• Wear reflective gear or accessories to increase your visibility for other drivers and cyclists. This can include fluorescent clothing and lights that attach to both you and your bike.
• Use a bike light at all times for better visibility.
• If you see a dangerous pothole or other hazard, notify StreetsLA or Caltrans.
• Pay close attention to other drivers on the road and stay alert. If you notice a driver acting negligently or aggressively, try to avoid them.
• When riding by parked cars, avoid getting too close, especially if you see that there are passengers waiting to get out of the car. Riding too close in these situations could lead to dooring accidents.
• Do not wear headphones or use your phone while riding your bike.
• Be aware of drivers’ blind spots. It’s very difficult to stay aware of bicyclists out on the road, so it’s best to either draw attention to yourself as best you can or stay out of blind spots altogether.

Again, safety is a two way street. Not only are other drivers on the road responsible for maintaining the safety of other drivers and bicyclists on the road, you also have to do your part. If you do find yourself in an accident that you feel was the fault of a negligent driver or bicyclists, though, you can contact our team of experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers. We can help you understand your rights and what to do next.

Work With Experienced and Knowledgeable Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Knowing the law and how it pertains to you is a great starting point for any bicyclist in Los Angeles, but simply knowing the law sometimes isn’t enough. When you find yourself in an accident, there are a number of other factors in play that can affect your potential claim.

At Maison Law, not only do we know bicycle law in Los Angeles, but how it protects you and your rights. If you’ve been injured, our team of experienced and knowledgeable Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and how to hold the at-fault parties accountable. Your number one priority after a bicycle accident is your health and recovery, and Maison Law can make sure that your focus remains there. Contact us for a free consultation to learn more.