Bicycle Safety Guide

Each year in California, over 100 bicyclists die and more than 10,000 are injured in crashes often caused by inattentive or unskilled behavior from either bicyclists or motorists. Although bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers, they must follow traffic laws and signals to help prevent accidents.

The California Vehicle Code includes specific laws for bicyclists, such as making it illegal to ride a bicycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which can result in a fine (CVC §21200.5). Additionally, individuals aged 13 to 20 convicted of this offense may face a one-year suspension or delay of their driving privilege (CVC §13202.5).

This guide is your go-to resource for bicycle safety, designed to help riders of all ages prevent accidents and navigate roads with confidence. Learn how to stay visible, follow traffic laws, and anticipate potential hazards. Whether you're biking to school, work, or just for fun, this guide offers practical tips to keep you and others safe on every ride.

Bicycle Safety Guide

1. Maintain Control of Your Bicycle

• Always ensure your bike is the right size and properly adjusted for your comfort and control.

• Regularly inspect your bike, especially the brakes, to ensure it's in good working condition. It's unlawful to operate a bike without functioning brakes (CVC §21201(a)).

2. Wear a Helmet

• A properly fitted helmet can protect you from potentially life-threatening head injuries.

• By law, all riders under 18 must wear a helmet when riding on public roads (CVC §21212).

3. Be Visible and Alert

• Use lights and reflectors at night (CVC §21201).

  • Front lamp emitting white light visible from 300 feet.

  • Rear red reflector or solid/flashing red light with built-in reflector visible from 500 feet.

  • White or yellow reflectors on pedals, shoes, or ankles visible from 200 feet.

  • Reflectors on front and rear wheels.

• Wear bright clothing to increase visibility in the dark and use mirrors as an aid, but remember to always check over your shoulder before turning or changing lanes.

4. Follow Traffic Laws

• Obey all traffic laws, including STOP signs and red lights.

• Never cross an intersection with a yellow signal unless you can clear it before it turns red.

• Bicyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic for increased visibility.

5. Ride Safely with Traffic

• When passing a vehicle or another bicycle: Stay visible and signal your intentions.

• When preparing to make a left turn: Position yourself in the correct lane and follow traffic rules.

• Avoid road hazards: Watch for pedestrians, animals, and surface hazards like gravel or puddles.

• On narrow lanes: If a lane is too narrow for both a bicycle and a vehicle to travel side by side, ride carefully and adjust accordingly.

• On one-way streets: Ride near the left curb or edge of the roadway.

6. Use Proper Hand Signals

• Signal your turns and lane changes to alert other road users:

  • Left turn: Extend your left arm straight out.

  • Right turn: Bend your left arm at a 90-degree angle, with your hand pointing upward.

  • Slowing or stopping: Extend your left arm downward.

7. Ride Safely in Bicycle Lanes

• Bicycle lanes are designated for cyclists, marked with solid white lines and sometimes with bright green paint for increased visibility.

• Motorists must merge into a bicycle lane when making right turns but should avoid passing cyclists in these lanes.

• Always ride in the bicycle lane, and use caution if you're operating a motorized bicycle.

8. Left Turns: Two Methods

• Using Traffic Lanes:

  • Look over your left shoulder for traffic, signal your turn, and move into the left lane or turn lane.

  • Yield to oncoming traffic and never turn left from the right side of the road.

• Using Crosswalks:

  • Approach the intersection on the right, then stop and cross as a pedestrian in the crosswalk, or make a 90-degree left turn.

  • Yield to pedestrians and wait for the green light or WALK signal.

9. Avoid Hazards

• Ride far enough away from parked vehicles to avoid the risk of getting hit by an opening door.

10. Stay Focused and Alert

• Keep your eyes on the road and be aware of potential hazards like potholes, gravel, broken glass, or drainage grates.

• Slow down when approaching intersections and ensure no oncoming traffic can cause a hazard.

Your safety on the road matters. This bicycle safety guide is full of essential tips to help prevent accidents and keep you riding with confidence. But if you or a loved one are ever injured in a bicycle accident, know that you're not alone. We are here to help you navigate your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Stay safe—and if you need us, just give us a call.