Bakersfield bicyclists face a lot of hazards when traveling around speeding cars and careless drivers. But did you know that riders have just as much right to the lanes as any motorist?
It’s a good idea for cyclists to know the laws that govern their rights to the road. It’s crucial that all drivers know them, because it’s what keeps them looking out for riders and taking extra caution around them.
California has its state laws protecting bicyclists, and Bakersfield has a few of its own to make sure every ride ends with the rider back home safe and sound.
California Bike Laws that Every Bakersfield Motorist Should Study
The law that generally offers the most security to cyclists is their right to the streets. Riders should use bike lanes when they are available, but otherwise they can take a traffic lane just like any motorist.
Cyclists’ Right to the Road — California Vehicle Code (CVC) 21200 gives bicyclists permission to use most lanes in Bakersfield. Riders also have a responsibility to observe the same traffic laws that drivers have to follow:
“(2) A person operating a bicycle on a Class I bikeway, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle pursuant to Section 20001, except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application.”
Bike Lanes — According to CVC 21202, the use of a lane is contingent upon availability and other traffic conditions. If there’s a bike lane provided, such as the lanes along Truxtun Avenue, riders should use them. If there’s something like a delivery truck blocking a bike lane, riders can still take a traffic lane to get around the obstacle. Riders can also join cars in regular lanes if they are traveling at the same speed as traffic, even if a bike lane is present.
Passing a Bicyclist – Recent legislation has given riders more protection when they share the lanes with Bakersfield drivers. AB 1909 enforces more room for bikers when cars are passing them. Motorists must move over into a left lane if one is available before attempting to drive around a rider. If there’s no left lane open, CVC 21760 requires drivers to only pass a cyclist they share a lane with when there’s at least three feet of space to do so.
Bike Helmet Usage – California doesn’t require adult riders to wear helmets. CVC 21212 only enforces helmet usage for riders under 18 years of age. But all riders should consider wearing a helmet. There will always be hazards that riders can’t control, such as unstable riding surfaces and distracted drivers. Any fall from a bike can target the skull and the brain. A helmet often reduces the blunt force trauma the brain takes, and anything that protects this delicate organ is a worthwhile safety precaution to take.
Stopping at Intersections – The above notation about CVC 21200 covers when bicyclists must stop at intersections. They have a right to the road, but they also have the same responsibilities as drivers when they are in a traffic lane. Riders in Bakersfield must stop for stop signs and red lights when they are acting as motorists and sharing traffic lanes. AB 2264 does allow riders to sometimes get an headstart on green lights in many intersections. The new law permits bicyclists to cross the intersection early by following the “walk” sign like a pedestrian would.
Bakersfield Bicycling Laws
California law generally permits cyclists to ride on sidewalks, but local Bakersfield ordinances prohibit the practice in many parts of the city.
Bakersfield Municipal Code 10.52.010 Restrictions on use.
“Except as to areas which are specifically designated and posted to permit such uses, it is unlawful for any person upon a bicycle, skates (inline or otherwise), skateboard or by means of any coaster, toy vehicle or similar device to go upon any sidewalk in the central traffic district and/or Old Town Kern, as those terms are defined in Section 10.08.020, or upon the steps, landings, entranceways or halls of city hall or any other city-owned building.”
If you are riding in an area of the city that permits bicycles on sidewalks, it’s extremely important to always yield to pedestrians to prevent collisions.
The Kern River Trail is a major route and a very safe route for cyclists traveling in and around Bakersfield and Kern County. The route goes through Cal State Bakersfield and even up to the mountains on its 30-miles of trail.
Bakersfield Ordinances preserve the trail mainly for bicyclists and pedestrians.
10.80.020 Who may use trails.
“The Kern River Trail shall be used by those members of the public riding bicycles, and other nonmotorized modes of transportation, such as walking, jogging, or skating or as otherwise provided in this chapter.”
The ordinances restrict the trails’ use for horseback riding or skateboarding. All motorized vehicles must stay off the trail. Pedestrians are also asked to remain to the right of the trail so that cyclists can get by them safely.
Contact a Bakersfield Bicycle Accident Attorney If You Are Hurt by a Careless Driver
With all these protections in place to protect riders around Bakersfield, there will always be drivers paying little attention to the roadway and causing dangerous collisions.
If you have a serious injury, and a careless driver caused your accident, speak to a Bakersfield bike accident lawyer before talking to a car insurance company.
Contact Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Bakersfield to schedule a free case consultation to be made aware of your rights and the potential value of your case.
If you need to hire us to get your entire recovery paid for, there’s no stress about how you’ll pay a lawyer. Our lawyers don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then, our fee comes out of the settlement check you earn from a car insurance company.