Vehicle Code Book

[Blanchefle Strycker]

TheCalifornia Vehicle Code (C.V.C) is a rulebook containing information about traffic laws in California. Specific sections of the C.V.C defining rules and laws for pedestrian and bicycle travel are described below.

A person riding a bicycle or operating a pedicab upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. As such, bicycles are generally prohibited from riding on sidewalks or in crosswalks. An exception to this is on marked crosswalks of multi-use paths. On multi-use paths, bicyclists function as pedestrians at intersections by activating the pedestrian signal and waiting for the light to change in their favor. A bicycle operated on a roadway, or the shoulder of a highway shall be operated in the same direction as vehicles are required to be driven upon the roadway. Unless otherwise directed by a bicycle signal, an operator of a bicycle shall obey the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle at all traffic signals.

As set forth by Section 21201 of the California Vehicle Code, no person shall operate a bicycle on a roadway unless it is equipeed with a brake that will enable the operator to make one braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.

21202. 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:

(3) 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. 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.

(4) When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized. Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway of a highway, which highway carries traffic in one direction only and has two or more marked traffic lanes, may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of that roadway as practicable.

As set forth by Section 21203 of the California Vehicle Code, no person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle or article which prevents the operator from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars.

21207.5 of the California Vehicle Code, a motorized bicycle shall not be operated on a bicycle path or trail, bikeway, bicycle lane established pursuant to Section 21207, equestrian trail, or hiking or recreational trail, unless it is within or adjacent to a roadway or unless the local authority or the governing body of a public agency having jurisdiction over the path or trail permits, by ordinance, that operation.

21208. Whenever a bicycle lane has been established on a roadway pursuant to Section 21207, any person operating a bicycle upon the roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time shall ride within the bicycle lane, except that the person may move out of the lane under any of the following situations:

21211. No person may place or park any bicycle, vehicle, or any other object upon any bikeway or bicycle path or trail, which impedes or blockts the noraml and reasonable movement of any bicyclist unless the placement or parking is necessary for safe operation or is otherwise in compliance with the law.

Whenever the owner of a bicycle licensed pursuant to an ordinance or resolution of a city or county changes his address, he shall within 10 days notify the appropriate licensing agency of the old and new address.

In the event that any bicycle license indicia or registration form issued pursuant to the provisions of this division is lost, stolen, or mutilated, the licensee of such bicycle shall immediately notify the licensing agency, and, within 10 days after such notification, shall apply to the licensing agency for a duplicate license indicia or registration form. Thereupon, the licensing agency shall issue to such licensee a replacement indicia or registration form upon payment to the licensing agency of the appropriate fee.

The department, in cooperation with local agencies, shall publish a statewide map illustrating state highway routes available for the use of bicyclists and, where bicyclists are prohibited from using a state highway, illustrating, in such a case, safe, alternate routes available to the bicyclist.

Section 21956 states that pedestrian may walk close to their right-hand edge of the roadway if a crosswalk or other means of safely crossing the roadway is not availabe or if existing traffic or other conditions would compromise the safety of a pedestrian attempting to cross the road.

Section 21966 states that a pedestrian shall not proceed along a bicycle path or lane where there is an adjacent adequate pedestrian facility. It also states that a peace officer, shall not stop a pedestrian for a violation for a subdivision unless a reasonably careful person would realize there is an immediate danger of a collision with a moving vehicle or other device moving exclusively by human power.

According to the Vehicle Code, "it is the policy of the State of California that safe and convenient pedestrian travel and access, whether by foot, wheelchair, walker, or stroller, be provided to the residents of the state." The code also states that it is the intent of the Legislature that all government levels, especially Caltrans and other DOTs, will work to provide safe, convenient passage for pedestrians on or across all streets and highways, increase levels of walking, and reduce pedestrian fatalities and injuries.

A person operating an electric bicycle has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions relevant to a motor vehicle driver, including but not limited to the clause of driving under the influence.

In accordance with Section 21207.5, a motorized bicycle shall not be operated on a bicycle path or trail, bikeway, bicycle lane established pursuant to Section 21207, equestrian trail, or hiking or recreational trail, unless it is within or adjacent to a roadway or unless the local authority or the governing body of a public agency having jurisdiction over the path or trail permits, by ordinance, that operation.

Section 21210 states that no person shall leave a bicycle lying on its side on any sidewalk, or shall park a bicycle on a sidewalk in any other position, so that there is not an adequate path for pedestrian traffic. Local authorities may, by ordinance or resolution, prohibit bicycle parking in designated areas of the public highway, provided that appropriate signs are erected.

Section 21213 states that a class 3 electric bicycle can only be operated by a person who is 16 years of age or older. A person riding a class 3 electric bicycle must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.

E-scooters are required to ride in a Class type II bicycle lane. Section 21229 states that this type of bicycle lane is on the right edge of a street and has a solid white line on each side. It usually has a bicycle symbol inside the white borders. It only facilitates one-way riding. There are only four exceptions to this law: while passing another vehicle or pedestrian, when completing a left hand turn, to avoid debris or other hazards in the bike lane, or when turning right.

Riders under the age of eighteen are required to wear a bicycle helmet when using an e-scooter. Section 21235 states that the helmet must be worn properly and fastened. Violation of this code can result to a fine up to $200. It is important to note that this requirement does not apply to adults. Also, this section forbids riding an e-scooter on the sidewalk, riding with a passenger on the scooter, and driving an e-scooter without a driver's license. Riding an e-scooter on the sidewalk is only permissible if the e-scooter is being parked or to get a parked scooter onto the streets.

Section 275 defines crosswalks as sidewalks at street intersections that are approximately right angles. Under section 21235, it is a traffic violation to ride an E-scooter on a sidewalk. Therefore, it is also a violation to ride one in a crosswalk and doing so can lead to a traffic ticket of around $200.

A person shall not operate an electrically motorized board upon a highway, bikeway, or any other public bicycle path, sidewalk, or trail, unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards described in Section 21212.

(1) Except as provided in subdivision (b), a lamp emitting a white light that, while the electrically motorized board is in motion, illuminates the highway in front of the operator and is visible from a distance of 300 feet in front of the electrically motorized board.

(2) Except as provided in subdivision (c), a red reflector on the rear that is visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle.

n electrically motorized board shall only operate upon a highway designated with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less, unless the electrically motorized board is operated entirely within a designated Class II or Class IV bikeway.

When weather conditions warrant, CDOT implements Passenger Vehicle Traction and Chain Laws. Motorists will be alerted to an active Traction Law or Chain Law by highway signage, COtrip.org and traffic/roadway condition alerts. For more information, download the Traction Law Fact Sheet.

During winter storms, or when conditions require, CDOT will implement the Passenger Vehicle Traction Law. CDOT can implement the Passenger Vehicle Traction and Chain Laws on any state highway. During a Traction Law, all motorists are required to have EITHER:

These updates are meant to alleviate delays and crashes along this corridor during the peak winter driving season. Electronic signs will notify the public when there are additional closures or restrictions along I-70 in addition to the Traction Law.

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