Section 21210 of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) sets up a fairly obvious law: it says you can’t leave your bicycle laying on a sidewalk or anywhere else where it gets in the way of pedestrian traffic. But accidents can still happen, and when they do, our team can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Do I Need to Know About CVC 21210?
It’s easy to see why CVC 21210 is in place–it keeps pedestrians and other bicycle riders safe. But it’s in the details that you see why:
- No blocking sidewalks – Generally, you can’t leave a bicycle lying on its side or park it in a way that blocks pedestrian traffic.
- Local ordinances – Cities and counties can have their own laws for bicycle parking in specific areas if they post signs.
- Keeping everyone safe – The law is in place to keep sidewalks clear and accessible for pedestrians, especially those with disabilities.
If you spend any amount of time riding your bike, you probably understand why it’s important to not leave your bike unattended in the middle of a sidewalk or bike lane. But like any other law, this doesn’t outright prevent it from happening–and it leading to accidents.
What Kind of Accidents Happen Because of Not Following CVC 21210?
Just because it’s easy to see how an accident can happen when someone doesn’t follow CVC 21210 is only part of the issue. There’s also the actual consequences of not following this law. Namely, it’s all about certain kinds of accidents like:
- Trip and falls – Most often, a bicycle left on its side or poorly parked can become a tripping hazard, especially for elderly people, children, or those with disabilities.
- Wheelchair and stroller accidents – Blocked sidewalks can force wheelchair users, parents with strollers, or visually impaired pedestrians into the street, increasing their risk of accidents.
- Bike accidents – Bikes left unattended can cause accidents for other riders, especially in busy areas or near bike racks.
- Vehicle accidents – If a bicycle is left too close to a curb or a road, a driver may swerve to avoid it, potentially causing an accident.
- Emergency situations – Blocked sidewalks can get in the way of emergency responders, delaying medical attention and just making things harder.
Following CVC 21210 is the best way to avoid a preventable accident. But when you’re involved in one, it’s important to understand what your options are and how our team at Maison Law can help.
Contact Maison Law For Help After a California Bicycle Accident
Riding a bike is popular across California, but leaving a bike unattended or badly parked on a sidewalk or lane can create serious accident risks. CVC 21210 helps, but when people ignore this law, accidents happen. If you or someone else is injured because of an improperly parked bicycle, here’s how our bicycle accident lawyers at Maison Law can help:
- Figuring out who’s responsible for the accident.
- Gathering evidence like photos, witness statements, and surveillance footage.
- Working with experts to strengthen your case.
- Handling insurance companies so you don’t have to.
- Putting together a strong case for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Bicycle-related injuries often mean doctor’s visits, surgeries, and rehab. Dealing with insurance or a lawsuit while recovering can be overwhelming. We take care of the legal side so you can focus on getting better. Contact us today for a free consultation to get your recovery started.
