Bicycle Accidents in Orange County, California
Bike riding in Orange County has become more popular than ever. Whether it is for exercise, commuting to work, or just cruising down to the beach all must observe the specific laws made for bicyclists.
Bicycle Laws in California
- Bicyclists have all the rights and responsibilities of vehicle drivers.
- It is against the law to ride a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Bicycles must have functional brakes.
- Handlebars must not be higher than the rider’s shoulders.
- Bicycles must be small enough for the rider to stop, support it with one foot on the ground, and restart safely.
- At night bicycles must be equipped with a white headlight or white light attached to the rider and visible from the front. Bicycles must also have a rear red reflector and white or yellow pedal reflectors.
- All riders must have a permanent, regular seat.
- Bicycle passengers under 40 lbs. must have a seat which retains them in place and protects them from moving parts.
- Bicycles traveling slower than the normal speed of traffic must ride as close to the right side of the road as practicable except: when passing, preparing for a left turn, to avoid hazards and dangerous conditions or if the lane is too narrow.
- Bicyclists may not hitch rides on vehicles.
- Bicyclists may not carry items which keep them from using at least one hand upon the handlebars.
- Do not use motorized bicycles on trails, bike path, or lanes.
- Bicyclists traveling slower than traffic must use bike lanes except when making a left turn, passing, or avoiding hazardous conditions.
- Bicyclists may not leave bicycles on their sides on the sidewalk or park bicycles in a manner which obstructs pedestrians.
- No one may stop on or park a bicycle on a bicycle path.
- Bicyclists and passengers under age 18 must wear an ANSI or Snell approved helmet when a passenger or riding upon a bicycle.
- Bicyclist must travel on the right side of the roadway in the direction of traffic.
- Cyclists may not ride on the freeways where prohibited.
- Bicyclists may not cross a toll bridge unless permitted by signs.
- Bicyclists may not wear earplugs in both ears or a headset covering both ears, except hearing aids.
Even after observing all of the bicycle laws, one can only do so much. Drivers can get careless and cause serious injuries to cyclists. If you are injured in a bicycle collision call the Orange County bike accident lawyers at Silverthorne Attorneys 949-234-6034 for a free consultation.