Riding a bicycle on the sidewalk in Irvine, California is generally permissible, with certain exceptions such as the business district and civic center. Gasoline-powered bicycles and Type 3 e-bikes (with maximum assisted speeds of 45 mph) are not allowed on trails, bike trails, or bike lanes, unless authorized by local authorities. This means that cyclists may have to traverse nine-lane Sand Canyon on Highway 405, or take a detour along the highway path. In some parts of Irvine, there may not be any bike paths available for cyclists to ride on. When riding on the road with a bicycle lane, cyclists who travel slower than traffic should use the bicycle lane, except when turning left, overtaking, avoiding hazardous conditions, or approaching a place where a right turn is allowed.
It is essential for cyclists to be aware of local bicycle laws in order to avoid getting a ticket and reduce the risk of being hit by a car. Cyclists must drive on the right side of the road in the direction of traffic, except when passing, turning legally to the left, driving on a one-way street, driving on a road that is too narrow, or when the right side of the road is closed due to road construction. If your bike ride begins from home, you may have to travel a mile or two to get to the nearest bike path. Add local emergency dispatch numbers to your phone for the cities or counties where you regularly travel. No person who drives a bicycle inside a bike path must leave that lane until they can move with reasonable safety, and only after giving the corresponding signal in the manner provided for in the Vehicle Code div. Costa Mesa bicycle accident lawyer Blaise Patzkowski is an advocate for the rights of injured cyclists and pedestrians in Southern California.
Being familiar with local bicycle laws can not only help you avoid getting a ticket, but it can also reduce the risk of being hit by a car and needing an Orange County personal injury lawyer.
