Traffic Laws for Bicyclists in Fullerton

While Fullerton is often considered bike-friendly, many argue there are not enough dedicated bike lanes or other infrastructure on roadways to protect cyclists from accidents with cars. Notably, infrastructure alone is not enough to prevent bicycle accidents. Riders and drivers should be knowledgeable about traffic laws for bicyclists in Fullerton and their responsibilities under those statutes.

At CD Law, our attorneys are passionate about advocating for bicyclists who have been injured by driver negligence. If you were hurt by a car while riding a bicycle, we could help you understand your rights and exercise your legal options. Which can include  seeking fair compensation for your injuries and other losses.

Bicyclists’ Rights and Responsibilities

Bicyclists have essentially the same rights and responsibilities as drivers under California Vehicle Code § 21200 and other laws, including the right to ride on most public roads (where accidents involving both bicycles and cars are most likely to occur).

As equal users of the road, there are certain laws that bicyclists must observe:

• Bicyclists must obey traffic control devices such as stop signs and traffic signals, similar to drivers, as required by VEH § 21453
• If traveling in the direction of traffic but moving slower than other vehicles, bicyclists should generally ride close to the right-hand curb (VEH § 21202)
• Bicyclists cannot ride while impaired by alcohol or drugs (VEH 21200.5)
• Bicyclists must ride predictably and signal their turns or lane changes when required (VEH § 22100)
• Riders should use bike lanes when they have been provided, unless certain conditions make doing so unsafe or impractical (VEH § 21208)
• Bicyclists can talk on handheld cellphones, but they are not allowed to use earbuds, headphones, or earplugs that cover both ears (VEH § 27400)

Because cars often travel more quickly than bicycles, motorists can pass riders. However, they are required to pass at a safe distance, leaving at least three feet between the motor vehicle and the bicyclist (VEH § 21760). This is not a comprehensive list of Fullerton traffic regulations for cyclists, but it covers many of the basics.

What Are the Most Common Ways Cyclists Get Injured?

Bicyclists can still be in danger even when they obey all safety laws, because they cannot control the behavior of drivers. Some of the most common bike accident scenarios include:

• Dooring accidents: Parked drivers opening their door and striking or blocking the path of a rider
• Turning accidents: Drivers making right or left turns at intersections may strike or cut off bicyclists who are trying to go through the intersection
• Rear-end accidents: Drivers rear-ending a bicyclist in front of them, often because they are not paying attention
• Lane-change and blind spot accidents: Drivers sideswiping a bicyclist because they are changing lanes without signaling or because they fail to check their blind spot

Motorists in Fullerton may be considered liable for the types of accidents listed above, even if the bicyclist was not fully adhering to traffic rules at the time of the accident. Some fault on the part of the bicyclist typically does not nullify driver negligence.

Contact a Fullerton Attorney To Learn More About Bicycle Traffic Laws

Knowing the traffic laws for bicyclists in Fullerton and following them are important components of traffic safety, but accidents can still happen. If you were injured by the irresponsible actions of a driver, contact our skilled attorneys at CD Law today to discuss your legal options during a free case review.