Riding a bicycle is an incredibly popular activity in and around the Los Angeles area. Our residents and visitors use bicycles for various reasons, from their everyday transportation need to fun recreational activities. However, biking activity has significantly increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic as people seek to avoid crowded public transportation. As biking activity has increased, so have the dangers that bicyclists face on the roadway. Here, Los Angeles bicycle accident attorneys want to discuss some basic bicycle laws as a reminder to our cycling friends in the Los Angeles area.
Biking Is Popular, But Cyclists Can Sustain Severe Injuries
Before we discuss some basic bicycle laws in California, we need to turn to the state Office of Traffic Safety to look at the latest reporting year of data. The most recent year of data we have available shows that there were 155 bicyclist fatalities and more than 11,300 bicyclist injuries across California. While we do not yet have a complete data set for 2020, we hope that these injuries and fatality statistics will have lowered significantly this year.
Unfortunately, those who do survive bicycle accidents in and around the Los Angeles area regularly sustained severe injuries. This can include:
- Broken and dislocated bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Open head wounds
- Spinal cord injuries
- Other severe neck or back injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Severe lacerations or puncture wounds in
It is critical that drivers in California understand that bicycles typically have the right of way on all roadways. Bicycles and their riders must be treated just like any other vehicle. However, cyclists have responsibilities as well. This includes the following:
- Watching for signs indicating whether bikes are allowed or not allowed in a certain area.
- Yielding the right of way to pedestrians and giving audible signals when passing pedestrians.
- Using a bicycle lane if one is present.
- Riding on the right side of the roadway in the direction of traffic, except when passing, making a left turn or riding on a one-way street.
- Bicycles must be equipped with a brake that allows the operator to execute a one brake skid on dry, clean, and level pavement.
- Bicycles must have the proper reflectors on the front, back, and side if being ridden at night.
It is also important to note that bicycles are not allowed on the freeways and expressways in California. Riding a bicycle in these areas is incredibly dangerous and will likely result in severe injuries for a cyclist.
Call Us For A Free Consultation Of Your Case
If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle crash caused by another driver, contact the team at JML Law for assistance with your case today. Our attorneys have a track record of success and have obtained substantial personal injury settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients. Our goal is to analyze your case and obtain any compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries. This can include coverage of your medical bills, lost income, general out-of-pocket expenses, and more. When you need a Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling us at 818-610-8800.
