If you ride your bike in California then it’s important that you know the rules of the road. Many bike riders believe that the bike lanes are there for their convenience but that they don’t have to be used. This is not the case. Read on to learn more about the rules that pertain to bike riders. If you have been in an accident and were injured, then you may have cause for a bicycle accident personal injury lawsuit. If you believe you may, then contact Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn at (310) 209-1600 for a consultation.
Bike riders must use bike lanes
The law requires that a person riding a bike on a city street must use what’s known as “reasonable care and caution.” This includes following every law related to bike riding and obeying all regular traffic laws as well. According to California Vehicle Code 21208 VC, if a bike lane is established and a person is riding their bike on the street at less than normal traffic speed, then they must use the bike line.
There are three exceptions to this rule
Though you are required to ride in the bike lane most of the time, there are three exceptions to this rule:
- If you’re safely passing a vehicle, pedestrian, or another bike;
- If you’re making a left-hand turn at an intersection, into a driveway, or onto a private road;
- There’s debris and / or other hazards you’re trying to avoid.
Note that the law doesn’t say that you must find roads with bike lanes. If you’re on a road that doesn’t have one, then you can ride in traffic following the same rules as you would if you were driving a car. Of course, it’s important to take every precaution you can to prevent a car accident.
Should laws be changed so that bicyclists must choose the safest streets?
Some activists don’t think that the laws are enough. They believe that bicyclists should also be required to use “reasonable effort” to find streets with bike lanes. However, there are many areas within the state that don’t have bike lanes at all. It’s also true that bicyclists aren’t always familiar with every area in which they’re riding. Likewise, who would in the end decide what path would have been “safer” for a bicyclist when other conditions are taken into consideration?
Have you suffered in a bicycle accident?
If you suffered injuries in a bike accident then there may be help out there for you. If the accident was at least partially the fault of someone else, then that person should be held accountable. To get started learning about your options, reach out to Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn at (310) 209-1600 today. We are here to help you discover your options and to provide you with the information you need to make the most informed decision possible.
