Maison Law helps people that have been injured in bicycle accidents in Visalia.
Riding your bike is a great way to enjoy the beautiful views and climate of the city.
Unfortunately, though, there’s always the chance that you could be hurt in an accident–especially in certain areas of the city. That’s why it’s a good idea to look at the various laws and infrastructure that the city has in place to keep you and other bicyclists safe.
However, if you’ve been hurt in a bike accident, our team will help you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Does Visalia Have Dedicated Bicycle Lanes?
Visalia obviously has a lot of advantages for bicycle riders, and this starts with its infrastructure. Specifically, the city has extensive bicycle lanes and paths for riders to use and enjoy.
Before diving in, though, it’s important to look at how bike lanes are categorized:
Class I – These are called a “Shared Use Path”, which are off-road paths that both bicyclists and pedestrians can use. These paths are typically found along the city’s parks, rivers, or greenbelt areas, providing a safer environment away from motor vehicle traffic.
Class II – These are classic bike lanes on city streets and roads that are dedicated solely for bicyclists.
Class III – these are called “bike routes,” and they’re less formal than bike lanes. They’re where bicyclists have to share the road with vehicles. These routes are marked with signs and paint on the pavement to show the safest path. You’ll find these on residential streets or areas with lighter traffic.
Class IV (Proposed) – While still in the planning stages, Visalia is considering the addition of Class IV Bicycle Tracks. These protected bike lanes would provide a physical barrier between cyclists and traffic, making sure riders have a safer, more secure space to ride.
With that established, here’s a few spots where you’ll find these in the city:
Santa Fe Trail – Tulare Avenue to Avenue 271 (Class III)
Houston Avenue – McAuliff Street to Lovers Lane (Class IV)
Mooney Boulevard – Houston Avenue to Shannon Parkway (Class II)
Ferguson Avenue – Shirk Street to Kern Court (Class II)
St. John’s Riverwalk Trail (Class I)
- Mill Creek Trail – Shirk Street to Akers Avenue (Class I)
- Packwood Creek Trail – Visalia Parkway to Caldwell Avenue (Class I)
- Caldwell Avenue – Akers Street to Lovers Lane (Class III)
- Court Street – Noble Avenue to Oak Avenue (Class III)
- Cypress Avenue – Akers Street to Linwood Street (Class III)
- County Center Drive and Ferguson Avenue (Protected Intersection)
For a further look, here is a map provided by the City of Visalia.
Does Visalia Have its Own Bicycle Laws?
Generally speaking, Visalia (like every other city in California) has to follow the state laws that relate to bicycles. That said, the city has its own set of ordinances and rules–laid out in Chapter 10 of the Municipal Code–that are more specific, built around the unique circumstances that come up within the city with bicycles and other vehicles.
- 10.40.010 – A bicycle is defined as any human-powered vehicle with pedals, gears or chains, and wheels at least 20 inches wide, with a frame at least 14 inches tall.
- A bicycle lane is any part of the road marked specifically for bicycles to use, while a path is a separate path for bikes and pedestrians that runs alongside a road.
- For bike lanes next to a parking lane, the side of the bike lane closest to the middle of the road is treated as the “curb” or “right-hand side of the road” for parking, driving, or other purposes.
- 10.40.20 – Bicyclists have the same responsibilities as any other road user in the city, which means they have to follow all traffic laws–unless they don’t apply to bikes.
- 10.40.30 – People riding bikes also have to follow all traffic signs and signals.
- 10.40.40 – Riders have to ride as close to the right-hand side of the road as possible, except when passing, turning, or avoiding things in the way. Riders should not ride more than two side-by-side unless on a path or lane for bicycles.
- 10.40.50 – When coming out of an alley, driveway, or building, cyclists must yield to pedestrians on the sidewalk and to bikes already in the bike lane.
- 10.40.60 – Riders also have to use designated bike lanes when available unless otherwise allowed by law.
- 10.40.70 – In bike lanes, you have to ride in the same direction as traffic unless the lane is marked for two-way travel.
- 10.40.80 – Riders can only leave a bike lane:
- At intersections
- To make a U-turn
- To enter driveways
- If they’re dismounting to walk their bike (They must yield to traffic and make sure it’s safe before exiting.)
- 10.40.90 – Bicycles can be walked as long as you follow all the laws that pertain to pedestrians.
- 10.40.100 – Drivers can only cross a bike lane to enter or exit a driveway or to park or leave a parking space. When crossing a bike lane, drivers must yield to bicycles already in the lane to avoid accidents.
- 10.40.110 – The city marks bike lanes with approved signs, which may include raised curbs, painted lines, or other clear indicators. Once these signs are in place, everyone is required to follow them to ensure bike lanes are used safely.
State Bicycle Laws
In conjunction with the city’s regulations, there’s also several laws in place at the state level under the California Vehicle Code (CVC). This covers rules beyond the city’s control, like highways and state property. Here’s a closer look:
- CVC 21200 – Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers.
- CVC 21200.5 – Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal.
- CVC 21202 & 21204 – Your bike must have:
- Brakes that work on flat, dry ground.
- Handlebars below shoulder height.
- A size that lets you stop, put one foot down, and start safely.
- A white light or headlight for night rides.
- Rear and side reflectors (red on the back, white/yellow on the sides, and pedals).
- A permanent seat for riders and a secure child seat for kids under 40 pounds.
- CVC 21202 – Ride close to the right side of the road unless passing, turning left, avoiding hazards, or if the lane is too narrow.
- CVC 21203 – Don’t grab onto moving vehicles.
- CVC 21204 – Freeway bikes must have proper seats, and no passengers unless they have their own seat or child safety seat.
- CVC 21205 – Always keep at least one hand on the handlebars.
- CVC 21207.5 – Motorized bikes are banned from bike lanes, but e-bikes are allowed.
- CVC 21208 – Use the bike lane if you’re slower than traffic unless turning left, passing, or avoiding hazards.
- CVC 21210 – Don’t park bikes where they block pedestrians.
- CVC 21211 – Don’t stop or park bikes on bike paths or lanes.
- CVC 21212 – Riders under 18 must wear helmets, or face a fine of up to $25.
- CVC 21650 – Always ride on the right side of the road, with traffic.
- CVC 23330 – Bikes aren’t allowed on toll bridges unless signs say otherwise.
- CVC 27400 – Don’t wear headphones or earplugs in both ears unless they’re hearing aids.
These laws are designed to keep you safe, but they can’t prevent accidents entirely. That’s why it’s important to look at other measures in place that keep bicyclists’ safety in mind.
More Information About Bicycle Laws
2024 Bicycle Intersection Crossing Law
California Electric Bicycle Laws
Do California Cyclists Have to Stop at Stop Signs?
Do Motorists Have the Right Of Way Over California Cyclists?
Rear Red Reflector Law for California Cyclists
2024 Bike Crossing Intersection Law
Bicycle Tips for New Cyclists in California
Who Is To Blame When a Child on a Bike is Hit?
What is Visalia’s Active Transportation Program?
Part of the reason that Visalia is such a good place for bicyclists is because there’s a number of city-wide initiatives designed to make riding a bike (and getting around the city on foot) as comfortable and safe as possible. The main initiative has been in place since 2017, and is known as the Visalia Active Transportation Program (ATP).
Like the statewide ATP, Visalia’s has clear goals:
- Encourage more people to bike and walk instead of driving.
- Make it safer and easier for people to walk and bike.
- Help reduce pollution by supporting biking and walking programs.
- Make sure everyone, especially those in need, benefits from these programs.
- Offer different types of projects to help all kinds of people who walk and bike.
Obviously, with the resources of the city behind it, Visalia’s ATP has been pretty successful. But with that said, bicycle accidents are still an ongoing concern. According to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), Visalia has averaged:
- 33.5 bicycle accidents per year since 2014.
So, despite laws and programs in place, bicycle accidents are all too common in Visalia. While you never want to be in one, this data shows why it’s important to know how you’ll need to respond if you are in one.
What Should You Do If You’re in a Bicycle Accident in Visalia?
One of the most frustrating things about being hurt in a bike accident in Visalia is that the situation is really out of your control. Even if you follow the law and are careful, you still can’t account for the actions of others–whether that be a driver or even somebody else on a bike. From that perspective, it’s easy to see how you could be involved in an accident, but at that point, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your health and potential legal options:
- Get medical help – The first thing you should do is get to safety, but from there, make sure to call 911 for an ambulance. Let EMTs check you at the scene and follow up with a doctor later, even if you feel okay. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away, and medical records can support your case.
- Call the police – Call the local police and report the accident. They’ll respond to the scene and make sure more accidents don’t happen. They can also help you gather certain information from others, and will provide you with official documentation on the accident.
- Exchange information with others – Get contact and insurance details from everyone involved in the accident, including witnesses.
- Take pictures and videos – Use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, your bike, your injuries, and any damage. This visual evidence can be very helpful later.
- Save evidence – Keep damaged items, like your bike or clothing, as they can help show what happened. Don’t fix anything until your case is resolved.
- Watch what you say – Whenever you talk to people at the scene, especially the police and later with insurance adjusters, watch what you say. Just stick to the facts about what happened and don’t admit any fault. The less you say, the less can be used against you.
Anytime you’re in a bicycle accident, these steps will help you. Not only does it form the foundation of your potential claim, but even more importantly, it takes care of your health and safety. From there, though, you have to start thinking about the legal process and whether or not you should get a lawyer.
Should You Get a Lawyer After a Visalia Bicycle Accident?
You probably don’t expect to be in a bicycle accident in Visalia, especially if you’re following the law and using a bike lane or path. However, the reality is that these are one of the most common accidents you could find yourself involved in. At that point, you need to start thinking about your legal options, which allow you to file an injury claim and recovery important financial support–called damages–that covers your:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Repair/replacement costs for damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Funeral or burial costs if your accident is fatal
But it’s important to understand a couple points. First, you have to file your claim within two years of the date of the accident to get these damages. Also, you’re not legally required to get a lawyer. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t need one–especially if you’re more seriously injured. This makes things very hard to deal with, and it’s there that having our team at Maison Law on your side can be extremely helpful. Here’s what we can do:
- Explain your legal rights and options.
- Review the details of your accident to figure out what happened and who’s at-fault.
- Help you collect important evidence and put it all together for a strong claim.
- Talk and negotiate with insurance companies so you don’t have to.
- File a lawsuit, if necessary.
We hope your bicycle accident is minor and doesn’t result in serious injuries. However, many of these accidents do lead to injuries that may mean medical care, surgeries, or physical therapy. Managing an injury claim while recovering can feel overwhelming. That’s where we step in–taking care of the hard work so you can focus on healing and getting back to riding. Contact us today for a free consultation.
