Guide to San Diego’s Cyclist Laws
In 2015, 818 bicyclists in the United States died in bicycle accidents. Bicycling is an extremely dangerous activity. Each state has varying bicycle laws to attempt to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities. No matter where you are bicycling, it is vital to know the laws of that area so you can keep yourself and others safe. Keep these laws in mind as you are bicycling on roads in the vicinity of San Diego.
Sufficient Bicycle Equipment and Maintenance
All bicyclists on San Diego roads must have proper, effective equipment. Some of the equipment that is especially vital includes brakes, lights, reflectors, and handlebars. Brakes on all bicycles must allow the bicycle to stop using just one brake on dry, level pavement. For lights, every bicycle must have a white headlight in the front that will be visible in the dark.
There are multiple rules for reflectors at night. There must be at least one red reflector on the back, solid or flashing. There also must be white or yellow reflectors attached to the pedals or the bicyclist’s shoes that are visible from the front and the back. White or yellow reflectors on the front half of the bicycle must be visible from the side, and red or white reflectors must be on each side of the back half of the bicycle.
Few people realize that handlebars are a stringently monitored part of a bicycle, but in California, it is illegal to have handlebars that require someone to keep his or her hands above shoulder level to hold on. Bicyclists also must keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.
Ride in the Correct Lane
In California, any bicyclist on a public street must ride with the flow of traffic. He or she must also stay on the right side of the road, as close as possible to the curb or to cars alongside the road.
There are a few exceptions to the California lane rules. You can leave the right side of the road when you are preparing to make a right turn, trying to avoid obstacles in your path, or passing another bicyclist or vehicle. You can also ride on the left side of the road if you are on a one-way road, as you will still be going with the flow of traffic. San Diego bicyclists cannot stop or park in the middle of a bike lane unless there is a stop sign or stoplight.
Sufficient Separation Between Cars and Bicycles
It is vital that motor vehicles give bicycles enough space when they are passing them. San Diego laws require that a vehicle driver leaves at least three feet between his or her vehicle and the bicycle.
Acceptable Gear and Accessories
All San Diego bicyclists under the age of 18 must wear a state-approved cycling helmet. Bicyclists cannot have headphones covering both ears, including ear buds in both ears.
No Hitching
Some bicyclists enjoy connecting themselves to the back of a motor vehicle and letting the vehicle pull them. In San Diego, it is illegal to hitch yourself to the back of a motor vehicle or streetcar.
Bicycles and Pedestrians
All bicyclists must give pedestrians the right-of-way, both in marked and unmarked crosswalks. If there is a blind person walking, bicyclists must yield to him or her no matter where the person is walking. Unlike some other states, there is no California state law that prohibits people from riding their bicycles on the sidewalk. However, specific counties and municipalities may have regulations banning bicycles on sidewalks, so be sure to check the rules in your area.