Bicyclists in California need all the protection from careless motorists they can get. A new traffic ordinance that took effect in 2023 is intended to give cyclists more breathing room. It’s hoped it’ll lead to fewer accidents.
Drivers who are approaching a bicyclist on a California road must now do their best to switch lanes to give the rider extra space as they pass. It’s a common-sense measure that will hopefully lead to fewer defenseless cyclists being forced into collisions.
Reach Out to a California Bicycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one are hurt in a bicycle collision caused by a careless driver, don’t trust an insurance company to automatically provide the support you need. Insurance adjusters won’t tell you about every benefit available to you and your family.
Talk over your case with a skilled California Bicycle Accident Lawyer in a free consultation. It’s a critical step in determining what you’ll need to rebuild your life. Maison Law is a strong advocate for all cyclists. We strive to see injured cyclists get the support they need to get back on their bikes and recover financially. We also support any legislation that provides safer rides for all cyclists.
California’s New Bike Law for 2023
A new bicycle lane change law was approved in 2022 and took effect on January 1, 2023, across all of California. Motorists approaching or overtaking a cyclist on the road must now switch lanes if another lane is available.
California AB 1909 reads as such:
“Existing law requires the driver of a motor vehicle that is passing or overtaking a bicycle to do so in a safe manner, as specified, and in no case at a distance of less than 3 feet.
This bill would additionally require a vehicle that is passing or overtaking a vehicle to move over to an adjacent lane of traffic, as specified, if one is available, before passing or overtaking the bicycle.”
If there’s no lane free, motorists should slow down and only pass the cyclist when it’s safe to do so. This would mean proceeding only when it’s possible to allow at least three feet of space between a vehicle and a rider.
California Bicyclists “Taking the Lane”
There are other traffic codes in place to protect bicyclists. The trick is to get motorists to study these important safety laws and to observe them.
California Vehicle Code 21202 goes over the cyclist’s right to the road. In general, cyclists are expected to ride as close to the right side of the road as possible, but there are exceptions.
In certain circumstances, cyclists may “take the lane” and use an entire lane, just as a car would. Riders may claim a full lane if they are passing, readying for a left turn, steering clear of an obstacle, or if they feel the lane is too narrow to share with a car. In these cases, motorists still need to switch lanes to go around a bicyclist.
Another rule of the road is that cyclists who are traveling at the speed of surrounding traffic may use any lane they like, just like any motorist.
Contact a California Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Contact Maison Law of California for a free, no-obligation consultation after a serious bicycle accident. It’s a no-risk way to find out what your bicycle accident injury is worth and what you should be holding an insurance company to. Don’t depend on an insurance adjuster to tell you about your rights and every benefit available to you and your family.
Martin Gasparian, the founder of Maison Law, fights to make sure bicycle accident victims are never left to face the consequences of a careless driver’s mistake alone. Cyclists must receive full support from the moment an injury occurs until the day victims can return to their bikes and the rides they love.
If you decide our California Cycling Accident Lawyers can help you get the most out of your injury claim, you won’t need any upfront money. Our lawyers don’t get paid unless we win your case for you.
