Bicycle Safety

Now that the weather has started to turn towards spring and summer and cabin fever has set in, outdoor activities are on everyone’s mind.  Because of the beautiful scenery and spacious outdoor areas, one of the more popular outdoor activities in our area is bicycle riding.  This month, The Fort Bragg Police Department would like to focus on Bicycle Safety. 

Before you get out on the road or trails, you’ll need to know what is required of your bicycle per the California Vehicle Code. 

Equipment Requirements:

Every bicycle operated on a roadway is required to have certain items of equipment.  Bicycles must be equipped with brakes that can produce a rear wheel skid on flat, dry, clean pavement [21201(a) VC].  The handlebars on a bicycle may not be higher than the level of the operator’s shoulders [21201(b) VC].  The bicycle must also be of a size that allows for the rider to operate the bicycle in a safe manner [21201(c) VC].

If operated at night, a bicycle must be equipped with a white light showing to the front which illuminates the roadway ahead and be visible from a distance of 300 feet to the front and sides of the bicycle [21201(d)(1) VC].  Also, at night the bicycle must be equipped with a red reflector on the rear which is visible from a distance of 500 feet [21201(d)(2) VC].  Reflectors on the pedals, shoes, or ankles must be equipped and visible from a distance of 200 feet [21201(d)(3) VC].  Lastly, each bicycle operated at night must be equipped with white or yellow reflectors on each side, forward of the centerline of the bicycle, and white or red reflectors on each side, rear of the centerline of the bicycle [21201(d)(4) VC].  An exception to this rule is bicycles equipped with reflectorized tires. 

Rules of the Road:

The most important rule to remember when riding a bicycle on public roadways is that you must obey the same rules as a motor vehicle [21200(a) VC].  If a designated bicycle lane is present, the bicycle must be ridden within the bicycle lane.  If there is no bicycle lane, then the bicycle shall be ridden as close as practical to the right hand curb line with exceptions to passing/overtaking, preparing for a left turn, or as reasonable to avoid hazards.  Additionally, a vehicle may be ridden on the left hand curb line on one-way streets with multiple lanes of traffic [21202(a)(1) through 21202(b) VC].  A bicycle must stop at stop signs and stop at red lights.  Bicycles may NOT be ridden on the sidewalk [21200(a) VC].

Additionally, it is unlawful to ride a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol, drug, or combination of the two [21200.5 VC].

Also, it is unlawful to hitch a ride on a bicycle, ride in any other manner than upon the regular and permanently attached seat, or carry items which would interfere with the safe operation of the bicycle [21203 VC, 21204(a)/(b) VC, 21205 VC].

Keeping these rules in mind will help you operate and enjoy your bicycle in the safest way possible.  Lastly, remember that bicycles offer no protection in collisions against motor vehicles.  Exercise caution when riding your bicycle and always be aware of your surroundings.