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San Diego County Bicycle Law FAQs

A rich city of bicycle riders, many who live in San Diego take for granted the freedom they have to ride around and commute to work via a bicycle, usually in great sunshine weather and with refreshing coastal views of the Pacific Ocean. But despite the mass number of bike owners and cyclists in San Diego County, many bicycle riders do not know the exact California laws pertaining to riding a bike on a public street. And just because you have not been pulled over or cited, does not necessarily mean that you haven't broken any laws.

Your rights and responsibilities as a biker are generally the same as those bestowed to someone operating a motor vehicle. (California Vehicle Code Sec 21200 -- all references in this article are to the Vehicle Code). So while you may have the same opportunities to use the roads (freeways excepted), a biker cannot cherry-pick which laws he or she would like to follow. This means, for example, no darting out across intersections at red lights, something many impatient bicyclists have been known to do. Other laws cyclists must follow include stopping at stop signs, yielding to emergency vehicles, and signalling for turns. The only requirements bicyclists are excused from following are those provisions which by "their very nature cannot be applied" to a bicycle.

Equipment and maintenance of a bicycle are also subject to California laws. All bikes on the highways, which certainly includes San Diego County, need to have brakes, lights and reflectors, and handlebars. However, there are a few stipulations to these requirements. For instance, it is illegal to ride a bike on the highways with handlebars that require a person to hold on above the level of their shoulders. (Sec 21201(b)).

Now, introduce yourself to some prescribed rules of the road. Bikers need to stay on the right-hand side of the road "as close as practical", leaving only for a few small scenarios, which include preparing to make left-hand turns, avoiding objects blocking your path, or passing another biker or motorist. An exception? You can ride on the left-hand side on one-way streets. Remember that if a street has a bike lane, you as a biker are obligated to use it. (Sec 21208(a)).

There are still other violations that can earn you a ticket, however. For instance, do not attach yourself to the back of a motor vehicle or streetcar on the roadway to hitch a ride. You're also forbidden to carry or hold any such thing that would prevent you from keeping both hands off the handlebars (you must be able to keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times). And when you've made it safely home, make sure to park or lock your bike somewhere that is NOT blocking the path of pedestrians.

Bicycle accidents are common in San Diego and all too often they leave riders in critical states of injury and, even worse, death. San Diego sees many bike riders die untimely deaths when their bicycles collide with other vehicles. Informing yourself (and following) laws not only helps you avoid a hefty-priced ticket, but also helps eliminates problems and accidents on our San Diego roadways. Following these laws saves many lives, yours included.


The Jurewitz Law Group is located in San Diego, has offices in Carlsbad, California, and serves all of San Diego County including the following cities and towns:

San Diego, Chula Vista, Escondido, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, El Cajon, Carlsbad, Poway, Encinitas, La Mesa, Santee, National City, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Coronado.

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