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Merced Cycling Safety – Bike Lanes and Bike Laws

Maison Law is an advocate for safe bicycle rides for all Merced bicyclists.

We represent riders when they are injured by the carelessness of local drivers.

Schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation with a real bicycle accident lawyer.

It’s a no-risk way to discover what your injury may be worth and how to hold car insurance companies fully accountable.

Free Case Analysis

Merced Bike Accident Injury Claims Process

STEP 1

Call Us For A Free Consulation

Call us 24/7 with No Obligations

STEP 2

Describe Your Accident Details

We will then discuss your legal options and decide whether to move your case forward.

STEP 3

Retain Maison Law w/ No Upfront Fees

We work on contingency. No attorney fees unless you win your case.

STEP 4

Receive Your Compensation

We will fight for you to earn the highest possible payout for your damages.

How Do I Know If I Need a Lawyer After a Bicycle Accident?

If your bicycle accident only results in some minor scrapes and bruising or only property damage, you may not need a lawyer’s help.

But the consequences of bicycle accidents are often much more serious.

And when a careless driver is to blame, victims may need the help of a Merced bicycle accident lawyer to secure everything they need to pay for a full recovery.

A Maison Law lawyer offers these benefits and more:
  • A lawyer can often get you much more in a bicycle injury settlement claim than you could hope to secure handling the case yourself
  • A lawyer fully investigates your case and the at-fault driver
  • Protects you if a car insurance company wants to blame you for the accident
  • Protects you if a car insurance company casts doubt on how bad your injury is
  • Helps you reject settlement offers that won’t cover all of your recovery costs and demand more
  • Our lawyers don’t charge anything for their services unless they win your case for you, then their fee comes out of the money an insurer must pay you
A lawyer provides peace of mind for bicycle accident victims who have been put through so much already. They handle the most frustrating parts of the claims process while patients are allowed to focus on healing and returning to their rides.

Merced Bicycle Laws and Bike Paths Explained

Merced can be a great place to live and raise a family. In many parts of the city, it’s also a great place to ride a bike. But in other areas, there is room for improvement. Vulnerable riders facing off against traffic are at risk when they don’t have enough bike paths, protected bike lanes, and protective bike laws to keep them safe.

Local bicyclists need to know about the rights they have under California law, and the bikeways they have available across Merced. A visual reminder of the hazards cyclists of all ages face will also help motorists pay more attention to their driving and those they share the roads with.

How Many Bike Accidents in Merced Each Year?

Merced is the scene of an average of 34 serious bicycle accidents a year. That’s according to data from California’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) tracking accidents that involved injuries over the past five years that data is available for (2019-2023).

Overall, Merced County traffic caused the death of at least two cyclists in 2023. It’s easy to see why these are far too high of a cost for such a quiet city and county.

In 2023 Merced recorded 28 bicycle accidents involving injury. The number of serious incidents was the same in 2022. There were 34 serious bicycle accidents in Merced in 2021.

The Types of Bike Lanes in Merced and California

Merced has provided cyclists with several types of bikeways in the city. They range from dirt paths far away from the rush of traffic, to bike lanes meant to allow riders to stay out of harm’s way while traveling busy local streets.

These are the four different types of bikeways you’ll find in California:

Class I Bikeway – Merced has bike paths and greenways where vehicles are not allowed. Class I paths and trails, like the Rascal Bike Path, are generally the safest type of route for local cyclists but these paths may force riders to cross streets in places. Cyclists may have to watch out for pedestrians on some bike trails such as the paved 3.6 mile Bear Creek Bikeway.

Near Bear Creek Bikeway

Class II Bike Lanes – The most common bikeway you’ll see along Merced roads. Class II bikes lanes are marked off with white lines along busy roads in Merced. They are often accompanied by lane markings and street signs indicating a bike lane.

Class II Bike Lane Near Olive Avenue in Merced

Class III Bike Routes – These bike routes are simply regular traffic lanes designated as bike routes with street signs. They usually include lane markings, such as white arrows known as “sharrows.” The term sharrows comes from the combination of share + arrows. These routes don’t offer cyclists any extra protection, but they do serve up more reminders to motorists that they must share the road with cyclists. Bike lanes are usually merged with vehicle lanes into routes when there’s not enough room for separate bike lanes.

Class III Bike Route in Los Angeles

Class IV Bike Lanes – These are the safest bike lanes that are included along busy streets. The “Separated” or “Protected” Class IV lanes are like Class II lanes, except that they are set apart from vehicle traffic by physical boundaries. Riders can be separated from traffic by cement barriers, planter boxes, parking spaces, and plastic pylons/bollards. Some sections also include green paint along the paths. Merced has been slow to add Class IV lanes. Below is a picture of an example of protected lanes in Los Angeles.

Class IV Bike Lane in L.A.

California Bicycle Laws

California legislation continues to support cyclists on every roadway in the state, with new, protective legislation passed every year. There’s more work to do, but these are some of the statutes meant to give California bicyclists as safe of rides as possible.

The most important right cyclists are granted by state law is the right to use most traffic lanes. Riders have the authority to take a lane or share it with a vehicle. 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 motorists to switch to the left lane if possible when trying to pass a cyclist.

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.

Additional Information on Local Bicycle Laws

2024 Bicycle Intersection Crossing Law

California Electric Bicycle Laws

Do California Cyclists Have to Stop at Stop Signs?

Do Motorists Have the Right Of Way Over California Cyclists?

Rear Red Reflector Law for California Cyclists

2024 Bike Crossing Intersection Law

Bicycle Tips for New Cyclists in California

Who Is To Blame When a Child on a Bike is Hit?

What If a Dog Knocks Me Off My Bike?

Rights of Bicyclists in California

What Are the Bike Riding Laws in Merced?

Merced has a list of bicycle ordinances and some go beyond the scope of California laws. There are guidelines for cyclists and for drivers sharing the streets around the city.

Merced residents have probably seen riders on sidewalks and wondered if that’s legal. It is allowed in most of Merced, but cyclists have added responsibility when they are on sidewalks.

Municipal Code of Merced Chapter 10. 44 Bicycles

10.44.070 – Riding on sidewalks.

Whenever any person is riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk, such person shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian. At the intersection of two (2) or more sidewalks, where the vision of the operator of a bicycle is so restricted by hedges, bushes, buildings, or any other obstruction so that the approach of a pedestrian cannot be observed and there is danger of a collision with the pedestrian, the operator of a bicycle shall dismount and walk through the intersection of the sidewalks.

(Ord. No. 2491, § 1, 8-20-2018)

Merced statutes also deal with a cyclist’s duty to obey traffic signals and even a speed limit for 

10.44.040 – Obedience to traffic control devices.

The operator of any bicycle shall obey the instructions of any official traffic control device placed in accordance with this chapter unless otherwise directed by a police officer or other authorized person.

(Ord. No. 2491, § 1, 8-20-2018)

10.44.050 – 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.

10.44.060 – Emerging from alley or driveway.

The operator of a bicycle emerging from an alley, driveway, or building shall, upon approaching a sidewalk or the sidewalk area extending across any alleyway, yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians approaching on said sidewalks or sidewalk area, and upon entering the roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on said roadway.

(Ord. No. 2491, § 1, 8-20-2018)

Merced Bicycle Lane Improvements

In California, cycling is becoming increasingly popular with many cities like Merced adopting programs aimed at getting people out of their cars and into alternative forms of transportation. In 2013, Merced adopted the Merced Bicycle Transportation Plan in conjunction with the Merced Vision 2030 General Plan which promoted efforts to increase bicycle commuting in and around the city. Work still continues and the plan was updated as recently as 2023.

The plan includes an extensive strategy to add bike lanes and pedestrian facilities around our city. It focuses on better cycling routes in and around The University of California Merced.

Merced participates in a program by Trail Link’s Rails to Trails Conservancy which creates shared-use trails along railroad tracks. Merce is home to two of these popular trails giving cyclists a unique and scenic riding experience. Both Bear Creek Bikeway and Black Rascal Creek Bikeway combined give Merced cyclists almost 10 miles or bike trails that run along creeks and railroad tracks connecting riders to various parts of the city.

The future improvement of bicycle safety in our city is also shaped by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission. The group meets every fourth Tuesday of even-numbered months. Members are appointed by the City Council and should demonstrate a strong concern for bicycle-related issues within Merced.

The Merced Bicycle Coalition also works closely with the commission to effect change for the better for cyclists. The coalition also organizes community rides across Merced County.

What Our Clients Say

"I was involved in an accident about 3 years ago and Maison Law and their team helped me every step of the way. It was a long journey and a lot of time and hard work in getting me what I deserved. I couldn't have asked for a better law firm. I highly recommend!"
Dylan B.
Dylan B.
I got into a fender bender in January and was left dealing with a very unresponsive and terrible insurance adjuster who was basically forcing me to accept only 1k to close my claim prematurely. Thankfully I found Martin and Maison "Law who truly helped ease my mind, took care of my car, rental, treatment and got me an AMAZING settlement in time for Christmas."
Pauline Z.
Pauline Z.
"Martin Gasparian and the whole Maison Law team were there for me when I was involved in an accident. They held my hand every step of the way and took care of all my needs. They listened to all my concerns and put my mind at ease and made the whole process pain free. I would definitely refer friends and family to Maison Law.
S.J.
S.J.

Merced Bicycle Accidents Dangers

Unfortunately, with increased traffic each year, the risk of bike accident injuries rises.

Accidents and traumatic injuries are dangers for local cyclists all year long. California’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) reports that in 2023, Merced County recorded 48 bicycle collisions involving injury. Those accidents tragically claimed at least five lives. The number of serious bicycle accidents was down from 2022 statistics when there were 57 incidents leading to at least one death.

There are many dangers for Merced cyclists when they are forced to ride alongside much faster cars and trucks. Some of the most common causes of collisions faced by Merced cyclists are:

  • Motorist Tunnel Vision: Cyclists have a low profile compared to motor vehicles, and most drivers are not conditioned to look for bicycles when they are driving. This causes significant problems for cyclists, and is a factor in just about every motor vehicle-bicycle crash.
  • Right Hook: A right hook happens when a cyclist is riding along the far-right side of the right lane, and a motor vehicle takes a right turn into the path of the cyclist. This also happens when a cyclist is riding in a bike lane, and the car enters the bike lane and turns right without yielding to the right-of-way to the cyclist.
  • Left Turns: A left turn crash can be deadly to a cyclist and happens when a car turns left into the path of a cyclist that has the right-of-way. Most of the time, the driver simply doesn’t see the cyclist.
  • Dooring: A dooring accident happens when an occupant of a parked or stopped motor vehicle opens their door right in the path of a cyclist. Typically, they happen when bikes travel alongside a row or parked cars, or when a vehicle is stopped at a curb and is loading or unloading.
  • Blind Spots: Blind spots on motor vehicles are especially dangerous to cyclists due to the low profile of a bicycle and the tunnel vision of most drivers.
  • Bike Lanes: In California, if a cyclist can’t keep up with the flow of traffic, they are required to ride in a bike lane if it exists. Bike lanes are created to protect the cyclist, however, they have their problems. Cars illegally park in bike lanes, and sometimes they travel along rows of parked cars. Also, vehicles often travel illegally in bike lanes making it dangerous for the cyclist.

Common Bike Accident Injuries

At Maison Law, we strongly believe that a cyclist has the right to the road the same as other vehicles, and when someone fails to yield to the right-of-way of a cyclist, we are passionate about helping them get justice and to recover financially from the accident.

A bike is outweighed by a typical passenger vehicle by a factor of 20, and because of many times injuries can be severe. We have represented many injured cyclists with various degrees and types of injuries. Some of the more common types of these are:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries
  • Severe Concussions
  • Wrist Fractures
  • Broken Arms/Legs
  • Chest Compressions
  • Internal Injuries/Bleeding
  • Severe Road Rash

Earning Compensation for Merced Bicycle Accident Victims?

Bicycle accident victims must see to their safety first. You must get to a safe spot along the road if possible and call 911. Get checked out by paramedics and give responding officers a full report of how the accident unfolded.

If you are left strong enough to move around, you should try to get pictures of the area. Wait until the scene is secure and then grab photos of the damaged bike, the damage to the car, and any visible injuries. Show a bicycle helmet if you are wearing one. Get contact information from all witnesses.

This valuable evidence will be key in holding an at-fault driver and the driver’s car insurance company fully liable. A bicycle accident attorney will present this evidence in a claim to back up the request for compensation for every hardship the victim and the victim’s family have suffered.

These and other damages are all considered when negotiating the size of a bicycle accident settlement check:

  • Past and future medical bills
  • Past and future lost earnings
  • Any permanent disfigurement
  • Any permanent disability
  • Support of prolonged pain
  • Support for the emotional trauma experienced
  • Loss of enjoyment of life while unable to ride
  • Repairs to bicycle or replacement

FAQs After Merced Bicycle Accidents

Yes. Families should file a wrongful death claim against an at-fault driver. This claim seeks assistance with burial costs and in paying the remaining medical fees. Close relatives must also get help in replacing the income the victim can no longer provide.

Your lawyer would be fighting to get full compensation to pay for the best care available for your child. Your lawyer would also seek support for the years ahead. A bicycle injury can affect the child’s development in the future and surgery and therapy could be required.

The statute of limitations on a bicycle crash injury is two years. If you wait longer to file a claim with an insurance company, the insurer is usually allowed to reject it. Your recovery bills could be your full responsibility.

Contact a Merced Bicycle Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has suffered a bicycle accident injury due to a careless driver’s mistake, contact a Merced bicycle accident lawyer with Maison Law.

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to all Merced County bicycle accident victims. It’s a no-risk way to find out what your bicycle accident injury is worth and what you should demand from an insurance company.

If you decide we can help you earn more for your bicycle accident injury, you won’t need to have any money now. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you, and then our fee comes out of the settlement you receive.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Additional Resources:

Who Is Liable If I Crash My Bicycle on a Merced Sidewalk?