Telepeer

Traffic laws affect bike riders, just as they do drivers of cars

August 26, 2025

Q: “We live in an area that has a lot of recreational bicycle traffic, especially on weekends. Most riders obey traffic laws, but some do not, especially riding through red lights and stop signs and riding out of the bicycle lanes painted on the roads,” said Craig Covell of Upland. Covell asked if On the Road would discuss basic bicycle rider laws and about “what can be done to stop this behavior.”

A: We are happy to review some basic rules of the road for bicyclists, but the “what can be done to stop this behavior” part is trickier. We think bicyclists know they are supposed to stop for a stop sign. Citizens could call the non-emergency phone number for their local police department to seek enforcement, but an officer would have to see the offense. Perhaps asking your local police department to do a special enforcement operation from time to time in areas frequented by bicyclists would help send a message about following traffic laws.

Bicyclists must follow all the same traffic laws and right-of-way rules as drivers of motor vehicles.

Bicyclists also have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicle drivers. This includes stopping at stop signs and red lights and not driving under the influence or distracted. There are also other laws just for bicyclists, such as using lights and reflectors when riding at night.

Here are some basics:

Bicyclists must obey stop signs and red signal lights, and follow basic right-of-way rules. Riders should not cross through an intersection with a yellow signal light if they can’t make it across the intersection before the light turns red. Bicyclists also should be prepared to stop for vehicles waiting at stop signs, in driveways, or parking spaces, which could suddenly pull out in front of them.

Bicyclists must travel on the right side of the street in the direction of traffic, except when passing, making a legal left turn, riding on a one-way street, riding on a road that is too narrow, or when the right side of the road is closed due to road construction.

Bicyclists should use hand signals before making turns or changing lanes to warn cars around them.

As for sidewalks, individual cities and counties control whether bikes may be ridden on sidewalks. If you ride a bicycle, it’s on you to find out what’s allowed in your area.

Bicyclists and bicycle passengers under 18 must wear a helmet. Bicyclists may not wear earplugs in both ears or a headset covering both ears. And, cyclists may use a cellphone while riding but if it distracts the rider, then that’s illegal.

Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections.

Finally, as for e-bikes, regulations vary based on e-bike class. For more details, visit CalBike’s guide to California e-bike classifications, https://www.calbike.org/california-e-bike-classifications/.

Visit the website of the California Bicycle Coalition more on bike laws: https://www.calbike.org/go_for_a_ride/california_bicycle_laws/.

Expired placards

Q: Debbie Zagorsky of Riverside asked what to do with an expired disabled parking placard.

A: The Department of Motor Vehicles says expired placard can be destroyed or mailed back to the department at this address: DMV/SPU, Mail Station D-238, 2415 First Ave., Sacramento, CA 95818.

New placards as of June 30 have been issued to all permanent placard holders. All old placards are no longer valid, and if stolen or used fraudulently, those using them could face major penalties.

Do you commute to work in the Inland Empire? Spend a lot of time in your vehicle? Have questions about driving, freeways, toll roads or parking? If so, write or call On the Road and we’ll try to answer your questions. Please include your question or issue, name, city of residence, phone number and email address. Write ontheroad@scng.com or call 951-368-9995.

Orange County Register

News Details

Traffic laws affect bike riders, just as they do drivers of cars

Expired placards

News

CONTACT INFO

QUICK LINKS

SERVICES

CURRENT NEWS