Encinitas Bike Laws
The California Vehicle Code contains the state laws that specify where and how bikes must operate. These Encinitas Bike Laws are essential reading for anyone who rides a bike in Encinitas. Below is a summary of CVC sections relating to bicycling, with links to the exact statutory language.
Rights and Responsibilities
(CVC 21200) Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers.
Where You Can Ride
Roadway (CVC 21202): Bicyclists can ride wherever they want if they’re traveling at the speed of traffic. Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations:
- When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
- When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
- When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions (including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes) that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge, subject to the provisions of Section 21656. For purposes of this section, a “substandard width lane” is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
- When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized.
California law does not prohibit cyclists from riding two abreast when taking the lane for safety reasons. In situations such as narrow or substandard-width lanes, riding side by side enhances visibility and discourages unsafe passing, aligning with Vehicle Code 21202 exceptions. Additionally, cyclists may ride two abreast within a bike lane.
Bicycle lanes (CVC 21208): On a roadway with a bike lane, bicyclists traveling slower than traffic must use the bike lane except when making a left turn, passing, avoiding hazardous conditions, or approaching a place where a right turn is authorized. CVC 21208
Direction of travel (CVC 21650): Bicyclists must travel on the right side of the roadway in the direction of traffic, except when passing, making a legal left turn, riding on a one-way street, riding on a road that is too narrow, or when the right side of the road is closed due to road construction.
Motorized bicycles (CVC 21207.5): Motorized bicycles may not be used on trails, bike paths or lanes unless allowed by local authorities.
Bike path obstruction (CVC 21211): No one may stop on or park a bicycle on a bicycle path.
Sidewalks (CVC 21206): Individual cities and counties control whether bicyclists may ride on sidewalks.
Freeways (CVC 21960): Bicycles (including motorized bicycles) may not be ridden on freeways and expressways where doing so is prohibited by the California Department of Transportation and local authorities.
Toll bridges (CVC 23330): Bicyclists may not cross a toll bridge unless permitted to do so by the California Department of Transportation.
Equipping Your Bike
Brakes ( CVC 21201(a)): Bicycles must be equipped with a brake that allows an operator to execute a one-braked-wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
Handlebars (CVC 21201(b)): Handlebars must not be higher than the rider’s shoulders.
Bicycle size (CVC 21201(c)): Bicycles must be small enough for the rider to stop, support it with one foot on the ground, and start safely.
Lights (CVC 21201(d) and CVC 21201(e)): At night a white headlight visible from the front must be attached to the bicycle or the bicyclist.
At night, bicycles must have the following reflectors:
- Visible from the back: red reflector
- Visible from the front & back: white or yellow reflector on each pedal or on the bicyclist’s shoes or ankles
- Visible from the side:
- 1) white or yellow reflector on the front half of the bicycle and
- 2) a red or white reflector on each side of the back half of the bike. These reflectors are not required if the bike has reflectorized front and back tires.
Seats (CVC 21204): All riders must have a permanent, regular seat, unless the bicycle is designed by the manufacturer to be ridden without a seat. Bicycle passengers weighing less than 40 lbs. must have a seat which retains them in place and protects them from moving parts.
Operating Your Bike
Helmets (CVC 21212): Bicyclists and bicycle passengers under age 18 must wear an approved helmet when riding on a bicycle.
Headphones (CVC 27400): Bicyclists may not wear earplugs in both ears or a headset covering both ears. Hearing aids are allowed.
Alcohol and drugs (CVC 21200.5): Bicyclists may not ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Hitching rides (CVC 21203): Bicyclists may not hitch rides on vehicles.
Carrying articles (CVC 21205): Bicyclists may not carry items which keep them from using at least one hand upon the handlebars.
Pedestrians (CVC 21950 and CVC 21963): Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Bicyclists must also yield the right-of-way to totally or partially blind pedestrians carrying a predominantly white cane or using a guide dog.
Parking (CVC 21210): Bicyclists may not leave bicycles on their sides on the sidewalk or park bicycles in a manner which obstructs pedestrians.