In many situations, bicycles have the right of way over drivers. However, bicycle riders are considered the same as motorists on California streets and that means riders must obey the same traffic laws. Sometimes that means yielding the right of way to drivers.
Cars and Bicycle Right Of Way in the Lanes
California law extends bike riders the same rights to the road as motorists, but that comes along with the same legal responsibilities. Vehicles on the road have to treat the cyclist like any other vehicle and cyclists should obey the same laws and vehicle codes ruling the road. (CVC 21200)
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 or remain to the far right-hand side of the right lane. (CVC 21202)
When cyclists travel on the right-hand side of the lane, drivers must observe California’s “Three Feet for Safety” Law. It requires motorists to allow at least three feet of space when passing. 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.
California Bike Lanes Right Of Way
Motorists must also yield to people on bicycles riding in a bike lane. Drivers cannot cross or enter a bike lane if a motorist is there or approaching.
The cyclist has the right to the bike lane, even when the motorist intends to move over to the bike lane to make a right-hand turn.
Right Of Way Bicycle Safety in California
Experienced cyclists know that having the law on their side won’t mean much if they are hit and injured by a careless driver. Motorists aren’t usually intending to give anyone a scare. They are often simply ignorant of traffic laws and can also fail to look in their mirrors and blind spots long enough to spot the smaller profile of a cyclist.
Riders are smart to be wary around vehicles, even when they have every right to lane space. If you are doubtful that a motorist is paying proper attention, it’s always better to move out of the way rather than risk a strike from a vehicle.
Right of Way At California Intersections
As of late 2021, Cyclists are still legally required to stop at stop signs. Since they are considered motorists in this situation, those traveling by bike are supposed to wait their turn and proceed across the intersection when other vehicles or bicycles with the right of way have proceeded.
Many cyclists don’t follow this law, they move through an intersection when it’s safe to do. This is also known as a “California stop.” Cycling advocates say this action is safer because the cyclist doesn’t have to slow down or stop and then build speed back up again. They get through the intersection quicker and get out of the way of motorists faster.
A bill to make this maneuver legal in our state was vetoed in 2021. Until the law is changed, cyclists can be ticketed for not stopping at a California intersection.
Seeking Help for Cycling Accident Victims
Drivers can be careless and reckless, even when someone as defenseless as a cyclist is traveling nearby. When motorists ignore the right of way and end up knocking you from your bike, you can file an injury claim for damages against their insurance provider.
You may wind up in a hospital bed and at the same time face off against an insurance company that wants to blame you for what happened. Take the time you need to heal, and allow a skilled California Bicycle Accident Lawyer to protect your interests.
Insurance companies can treat bicycle accident victims and their families unfairly and withhold the support they need to rebuild their lives. Martin Gasparian, the founder of Maison Law, makes sure victims know their rights and he makes sure those rights are observed by insurance adjusters. Contact Maison Law for a free, no-obligation case consultation to find out about all the benefits available to you.
