Bicycle Safety
Is your bicycle in compliance? Make time for an inspection before the next time you ride. Ride safe!
Riding a bicycle has many benefits, including savings on fuel, insurance, vehicle maintenance, not to mention being good for you! Along with those benefits come responsibilities. Bicyclists are subject to the same laws that apply to vehicles, such as speed laws, the requirement to stop for red lights and stop signs, as well as right-of-way violations.
California Vehicle Code
Additionally, there are several other California Vehicle Code (CVC) sections that apply specifically to bicycles and must be adhered to as well. Some of the common CVCs are listed below for your reference:
CVC 39000
"Bicycle", for the purposes of this division, means any device upon which a person may ride, which is propelled by human power through a system of belts, chains, or gears having either two or three wheels (one of which is at least 20 inches in diameter) or having a frame size of at least 14 inches, or having four or more wheels.
CVC 21212(a)
A person under 18 years of age shall not operate a bicycle, a nonmotorized scooter, or a skateboard, nor shall they wear in-line or roller skates, nor ride upon a bicycle, a non-motorized scooter, or a skateboard as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public bicycle path or trail unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities.
CVC 21201(d)
- CVC 21201(d)(1): A lamp emitting a white light that, while the bicycle is in motion, illuminates the highway, sidewalk, or bikeway in front of the bicyclist and is visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the bicycle.
- CVC 21201(d)(2): A red reflector on the rear that shall be visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle.
- CVC 21201(d)(3): A white or yellow reflector on each pedal, shoe, or ankle visible from the front and rear of the bicycle from a distance of 200 feet.
- CVC 21201(d)(4): A white or yellow reflector on each side forward of the center of the bicycle, and a white or red reflector on each side to the rear of the center of the bicycle, except that bicycles that are equipped with reflectorized tires on the front and the rear need not be equipped with these side reflectors.
CVC 21200(a)
Every person riding a bicycle upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this division, including, but not limited to provisions concerning driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs.
CVC 21202(a)
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.
CVC 21205
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.
CVC 21208(a)
Whenever a bicycle lane has been established on a roadway 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.
CVC 21201.5(b)
No person shall sell, or offer for sale, a new bicycle that is not equipped with a red reflector on the rear, a white or yellow reflector on each pedal visible from the front and rear of the bicycle, a white or yellow reflector on each side forward of the center of the bicycle, and a white or red reflector on each side to the rear of the center of the bicycle, except that bicycles which are equipped with reflectorized tires on the front and rear need not be equipped with these side reflectors.
Informational Violation Warning Letter for Drivers
This letter is sent to educate and inform drivers about bicycle safety and make them aware of the applicable violation Bicycle Safety Warning Letter (PDF).
Bicycle Safety Pamphlet
Click here to view the Bicycle Safety Pamphlet (PDF)
Bicycle Traffic Complaint Reporting
To file a bicycle traffic complaint online, please click here. Bicycle Traffic Complaint Reporting Bicycle Traffic Complaint Reporting
Public Bicycle Parking Racks / Stands Locations
Choose well-lit and visible locations: opt for bike parking areas that are well-lit and within the sightline of pedestrians and potential witnesses. This deters thieves and increases the chances of your bike being noticed if someone attempts to tamper with it. You can try a simple internet search or Yelp search for bicycle racks/stands locations. There are a few bicycle parking apps on iOS and Android for your convenience. Google maps can point out locations, too.
Here's what you should know about proper bike parking in Daly City:
- Use designated bike racks. When available, these designated racks are the proper place to secure your bike.
- Avoid blocking sidewalks. California Vehicle Code prohibits blocking sidewalks, which are meant to provide safe passage for pedestrians, particularly those using wheelchairs or strollers. Locking a bike to a lamppost can violate this rule.
- Don't obstruct public access. Even if a lamppost is on public property, locking your bike to it can hinder access for others. It can be especially disruptive in high-traffic areas or at building entrances.
- Prevent damage to public property. Some cities explicitly forbid attaching personal property to public infrastructure like lampposts to prevent damage to them.
- What happens if you park improperly? If your bike is left locked to a lamppost for too long or if it creates a persistent obstruction, it may be removed by city officials. You could also be ticketed for blocking the sidewalk, as a vehicle includes bicycles under the California Vehicle Code.