California roads are shared by a growing number of cyclists, whether riding for exercise, leisure, or daily commuting. With that growth comes a greater risk of collisions when drivers and cyclists are not clear on the rules. Right-of-way laws are often misunderstood, and unfortunately, that confusion can lead to severe injuries.
At the Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell, we represent individuals who have been injured in bicycle accidents across Southern California. Many of these crashes could have been avoided if drivers had simply followed the law or taken a few extra seconds to yield.
Cyclists Are Treated as Vehicles Under California Law
California law gives bicycles the same legal status as motor vehicles in most situations. This means that cyclists have the same rights on the road and are expected to follow the same traffic laws as any driver.
Under California Vehicle Code § 21200, anyone riding a bicycle is required to stop at red lights and stop signs, signal before turning, and yield when appropriate. In exchange, cyclists are allowed to use the roadways and are entitled to the same level of safety and respect as any other road user, except on freeways or other locations where bicycles are specifically prohibited.
When a Cyclist Can Take the Full Lane
Cyclists are not limited to hugging the curb. In fact, there are many situations where California law allows a cyclist to occupy the full lane, including:
- When the lane is too narrow to share safely with a car
- To avoid hazards like road debris or parked cars
- When preparing for a turn or passing another vehicle
Drivers may not attempt to push cyclists off the road or crowd them out of a lane. Slower speed alone is not a reason to force a cyclist over. Everyone has a duty to share the road responsibly.
Right-of-Way at Intersections
Intersections are one of the most common locations for bicycle accidents. Whether it is a signalized light or a four-way stop, knowing who has the right-of-way is key to preventing crashes.
Obeying Traffic Signals
Cyclists must follow the same traffic signals as cars. If a light is red, the cyclist must stop. When the light turns green, they can proceed, just like any other vehicle. Cyclists must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and cannot treat lights as optional simply because they are not in a motor vehicle.
Four-Way Stops
At a four-way stop, the law does not treat cyclists any differently from cars. Whoever arrives first has the right-of-way. If two arrive at the same time, the one on the right goes first. Cyclists must come to a complete stop and proceed only when it is their turn.
Left and Right Turns
Many serious collisions happen when drivers make turns without checking for cyclists. Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic, including cyclists riding straight through an intersection. Similarly, drivers turning right must check for and yield to cyclists riding along the shoulder or in a bike lane.
Bike Lanes and Right-of-Way Rules
California has expanded its bike lane network over the years, creating more protected and designated space for cyclists. But bike lanes come with their own set of rules that both cyclists and drivers need to follow.
Rules for Drivers Around Bike Lanes
Motor vehicles are not allowed to drive in bike lanes unless they are:
- Turning
- Entering or leaving a driveway
- Parking where permitted
In all of those cases, drivers must yield to any cyclist already in the bike lane. A common violation occurs when drivers cross into the bike lane without checking for bikes, especially during turns. This often leads to what is known as a “right hook” accident.
Rights and Duties of Cyclists in Bike Lanes
Cyclists in a designated bike lane have the right-of-way over vehicles entering or crossing the lane. That said, cyclists are still required to obey all traffic signs and signals and must yield to pedestrians where applicable.
Riding on Shared Roads
Not all roads have bike lanes. When they do not, cyclists are allowed to ride in traffic. Under California Vehicle Code § 21654, slower-moving vehicles, including bicycles, are expected to stay as far to the right as practical but only when it is safe to do so. If conditions are unsafe (e.g., narrow lanes, road hazards, heavy traffic), the cyclist can take the full lane.
Common Right-of-Way Violations Leading to Bicycle Accidents
Understanding the law is one part of staying safe. Unfortunately, many drivers still fail to yield to cyclists or act aggressively when sharing the road. Some of the most frequent right-of-way violations we see in bicycle accident cases include:
Right Hook Accidents
This occurs when a driver passes a cyclist and then immediately turns right, cutting across the cyclist’s path. These collisions are preventable. Drivers are responsible for making sure the lane is clear before turning.
Door Zone Accidents
Opening a car door into a cyclist’s path can result in serious injury. Under California Vehicle Code § 22517, vehicle occupants are required to check before opening a door into traffic. Cyclists may also be forced into traffic lanes to avoid an opened door, which increases the risk of being struck by a vehicle.
Intersection Collisions
Drivers who fail to check for bicycles before turning or entering an intersection often cause severe crashes. Cyclists are smaller and sometimes harder to see, especially if a driver is only scanning for cars. But that does not excuse the failure to yield.
What to Do if You Are Injured in a Bicycle Accident
Even when cyclists follow every rule, accidents still happen. If you were hit by a driver who failed to yield or violated your right-of-way, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
At the Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell, we represent injured cyclists throughout California. We offer free consultations and handle personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact us today to speak with an attorney about your options after a bicycle accident. We are here to help you move forward.
