Hopping on a bicycle after the sun goes down can make for a hazardous ride, especially in California where heavy traffic and careless drivers are a given.
The State of California has laws intended to keep cyclists visible and as safe as possible when traveling alongside traffic at night.
Rear Reflectors for Nighttime Cycling in California
Those laws include the use of certain lights and reflectors on bikes. A red reflector is especially important when cars are approaching a cyclist they may or may not have taken the time to look out for.
The California DMV requires cyclists at night to ride with at least a rear red reflector visible from a distance of 500 feet. Riders can also use a solid or flashing red light on the backs of their bikes to fulfill this requirement.
Here are some other vehicle code requirements that cyclists should be aware of when traveling when it’s dark out:
- A front lamp emitting a white light visible from a distance of 300 feet.
- A white or yellow reflector on each pedal or on the bicyclist’s shoes or ankles visible from a distance of 200 feet.
- A white or yellow reflector on the front wheel, a white or red reflector on the rear wheel, or reflectorized tires.
The Department of Motor Vehicles also recommends avoiding wearing all dark-colored clothes when riding after sundown.
Walking Your Bike to Get Home Safely
When faced with riding your bicycle without proper lights and reflectors at night, it’s better to rely on your own two feet when confronting traffic. Walking your bicycle may be a tough chore, but it also gives you a much better chance of reaching your destination safely. You are also obeying the law.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that the most bicyclist deaths occurred between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. This is when traffic levels are highest and visibility is reduced. If you can stay out of this danger zone, it’s never a bad idea to choose your safety over convenience.
After an Accident Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Serving California
Drivers can be careless and reckless, even when someone as defenseless as a cyclist is traveling nearby. When motorists grow inattentive and leave you or a family member the victim of a bike accident, it’s important to hold their insurance providers responsible.
Allow a skilled California Bicycle Accident Lawyer to make sure you receive the full financial support you need to heal and rebuild your life.
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.
