I ride an e-bike every single week, usually more than once a week. It gets me to beautiful locations in my county as well as into the City of San Francisco, sometimes faster than I’d ever get there in a car — and on the right stretch of road or trail, it’s honestly one of the best parts of my week. So when I saw that San Mateo County’s Board of Supervisors unanimously advanced a new e-bike safety ordinance this week, I read it not just as a San Francisco personal injury attorney who handles bicycle and e-bike crash cases,…
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, have become increasingly popular over the years, especially in California. With the rise in e-bike usage, it’s essential to understand the laws and regulations that apply to them so that you can stay safe on the road.
What Is an Electric Bike under California Law?
According to the California Vehicle Code, electric bicycles are conventional bicycles with a motor that is less than 750 watts and has a maximum speed of 28 miles per hour. If an electric bike exceeds these specifications, it is classified as a moped or motorcycle rather than a bicycle.
There…
In California, cyclists are free to share the road with motorists, except in places where it is prohibited. Bikes are considered vehicles, and many traffic laws apply specifically to cyclists. However, there is often confusion regarding what a bicycle can and cannot do on the road.
As a cyclist, you have the same rights and responsibilities as a motorist. You must always follow the rules of the road—including stopping for stop signs and red lights. Not only is this the law, but obeying traffic signs can help significantly reduce the risk of an accident.
California Cyclists Are Required to Stop…
Texting and driving is an undoubtedly dangerous practice. Using a mobile phone takes your eyes, hands, and mind off of this important act, which can heighten the risk of an accident. In fact, this practice is illegal in California. Many people wonder if this rule extends to other road activities too, like riding a bicycle.
While many states have laws that expressly prohibit texting and cycling, California has no such statute in place. Although it is legal for a cyclist to use a mobile phone while riding, however, this practice can be very dangerous. If you are involved in an…
It’s no secret that cyclists are extremely vulnerable to injuries on the road. From distracted drivers to motorists who fail to yield the right of way, many hazards could lead to a bicycle accident. To help reduce the risk of these incidents, California has passed several important bicycle laws, including the Three Feet for Safety Act.
The three feet bicycle passing law helps protect cyclists from accidents caused by drivers who follow too closely. This law requires all motorists to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance from any part of their vehicles.
An Overview of the Three Feet…
