California Vehicle Code 21211 defines what is permitted and not permitted in a California bikeway. According to this statute, no one is permitted to stop, stand, sit, or loiter in a bikeway.
When is it Permissible to Block a Bikeway in California?
In most situations, no one is allowed to block a bikeway, bike path, trail, or any path formed for the movement of bicyclists. However, certain vehicles or objects may block the lane when necessary. CVC 21211 goes on to specify:
“(a) No person may stop, stand, sit, or loiter upon any class I bikeway, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public or private bicycle path or trail, if the stopping, standing, sitting, or loitering impedes or blocks the normal and reasonable movement of any bicyclist.
(b) No person may place or park any bicycle, vehicle, or any other object upon any bikeway or bicycle path or trail, as specified in subdivision (a), which impedes or blocks the normal and reasonable movement of any bicyclist unless the placement or parking is necessary for safe operation or is otherwise in compliance with the law.
(c) This section does not apply to drivers or owners of utility or public utility vehicles, as provided in Section 22512.
(d) This section does not apply to owners or drivers of vehicles who make brief stops while engaged in the delivery of newspapers to customers along the person’s route.
(e) This section does not apply to the driver or owner of a rubbish or garbage truck while actually engaged in the collection of rubbish or garbage within a business or residence district if the front turn signal lamps at each side of the vehicle are being flashed simultaneously and the rear turn signal lamps at each side of the vehicle are being flashed simultaneously.
(f) This section does not apply to the driver or owner of a tow vehicle while actually engaged in the towing of a vehicle if the front turn signal lamps at each side of the vehicle are being flashed simultaneously and the rear turn signal lamps at each side of the vehicle are being flashed simultaneously.”
Is it Illegal to Ride on the Sidewalks in California?
In California, regulating bikes on the sidewalks is determined by city or county law. Even if you live in an area where riding on the sidewalk is legal, it is important to remember that sidewalks are designed for people walking, not for riding bikes or sharing with bikes. So, it is important to ride with extreme caution when biking on sidewalks in California. There are numerous cases across California where people have been severely injured by cyclists while walking on the sidewalk.
Bicyclists on the sidewalk have a “duty of care” to others on the sidewalk, including other bike riders. Riders on the sidewalk are expected to ride slowly and with respect to walkers, especially dogs and small children. Senior citizens must be provided extra care as they may have a hearing or visual impairment that makes them consequentially unaware of their surroundings while walking on the sidewalk. Because of these potential hazards, many cities and counties across California do not permit bikes on their sidewalks.
What To Do If You’re Injured in a Bicycle Accident
Let’s say you’re biking on a bike path through a park one day. You round a corner and come upon a bicycle laid down in the path. You try to stop, but you’re going too fast and crash, sending you flying over your handlebars. You’re pretty shaken up and it is painful to lift your arm. What should you do? To ensure your safety, you should consider the following steps after a bicycle accident:
- Protect yourself: Get out of harm’s way by getting off the path in case more bikes are coming down the path. Check yourself for injuries.
- Document the incident: Take photos or film the aftermath of the accident. Film yourself recounting the details of the incident and describe the pain you’re in. It is best to capture how the accident played out while the memory is still fresh in your mind.
- Get the other cyclist’s information: Photograph the license of the person who caused your accident if you can. At the very least, get their contact information. All of this information will help support your accident claim and assist your attorney if you decide to take legal action.
- Get Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it is important to get checked out by a doctor or go to a hospital. Certain injuries can lie dormant and manifest themselves hours, or even days later.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in California
If you’ve suffered injuries from a bicycle accident in California, the attorneys at Maison Law are here to help you get the compensation you need. Our firm has years of experience in bicycle accident law and will aggressively pursue fair compensation on your behalf. If you incurred damages as a result of another person’s careless act such as blocking a bikeway, then we will hold them responsible to the full extent of the law. For trusted legal counsel, contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation. No upfront money is required and we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
Additional Resources:
- UPS Driver in the Bike Lane Injury
- Uber Eats Driver in the Bike Lane Injury
- DoorDash Driver in the Bike Lane Injury
- Instacart Driver in the Bike Lane Injury
- When Can Drivers Enter a Bike Lane?
- Construction in the Bike Lane Injury
- California Road Works in the Bike Lane
- How much space do California drivers have to give cyclists?
