Bicycles

Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers.

Bicyclists may:

Legally ride on certain sections of freeways where there is no alternate route and bicycling is not forbidden by law.
Move left to avoid hazards. These may include parked or moving vehicles, bicycles, animals, or trash.
Choose to ride near the left curb or edge of a one-way street.
Choose to use crosswalks by stopping and crossing as a pedestrian.

Bicyclist Responsibilities

As a bicyclist, you must:

Obey all traffic signs, signal lights, and basic right-of-way rules.
Ride in the same direction as traffic.
Always look over your shoulder to make sure the lane is clear before turning or changing lanes.
Yield to pedestrians.
Wear a helmet (if under 18 years old).
Stay visible (for example, never weave between parked vehicles).
Ride as near to the right curb or edge of the roadway as possible.
Not ride on the sidewalk (unless allowed by the city).
Make left and right turns in the same way drivers do, using hand signals and turn lanes.
Use a bike lane, whenever possible, or use a through traffic lane.
Have fully functional brakes.

Intersection showing left and right turn options for a bicyclist. The bicyclist uses the left lane to turn left, and the right shoulder to turn right. — Examples of turns for bicyclist.

Intersection showing options for bicyclist to turn left or go straight. The bicyclist uses the left lane to turn left. To go straight, the cyclist used the inside line of the right lane to enter the intersection, then shifts to the bike lane as they exit the intersection. — Intersection with special lanes for bicyclists.

Bicycling at Night

When it is dark out, bicyclists should avoid wearing dark clothing. Your bicycle must have the following equipment:

A front lamp with a white light visible from 300 feet.
A built-in rear red reflector, solid red light, or flashing red light. This must be visible from 500 feet.
A white or yellow reflector on each pedal, the bicyclist’s shoes, or their ankles. These must be visible from 200 feet.
A white or yellow reflector on the front wheel, a white or red reflector on the rear wheel, or reflectorized tires.

Bicycling in Travel Lanes

Bicyclists traveling slower than the flow of traffic must ride as close as possible to the right curb or edge of the road, unless:

Passing a vehicle or another bicycle in the same direction.
Preparing to make a left turn.
Avoiding a hazard or road condition.
A lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to safely travel side-by-side in the lane.
Approaching a right turn.
On a one-way road with two or more lanes. In this case, a bicyclist may ride near the left curb or edge of the road.

Drivers should follow at a safe distance. When it is safe, the bicyclist should move to a position that allows vehicles to pass.

Passing a Bicyclist

To safely pass a bicyclist that is in the travel lane, you may need to change to another lane. In this case, pass safely, then return to your original lane. Leave space between your vehicle and the bicyclist.

Car passing a cyclist. The car leaves enough space between itself and the bicyclist as it passes. — Right

Car attempting to pass a cyclist without leaving any room. The car hits the cyclist. — Wrong

When you cannot change lanes to pass a bicyclist, allow at least three feet between your vehicle and the bicyclist. If you cannot give three feet of space, do not pass the cyclist until three feet of clearance can be given. This will help you avoid putting the bicyclist in danger. Remember to:

Give bicyclists enough space so they are not forced into parked vehicles or open vehicle doors.
Only merge toward the curb or into the bike lane when it is safe.
Merge safely behind a bicyclist when preparing to make a turn.
Enter a bike lane no more than 200 feet before starting a turn.
Check for bicyclists when changing lanes or entering traffic. They may be hidden in a vehicle’s blind spots.
Be careful when approaching or passing a bicyclist on a two-lane road.