Sidewalk vs Road: Where to Ride Your Bicycle in Sacramento?
As a cyclist on a busy Sacramento road, you may be nervous about congested traffic, negligent drivers, or aggressive vehicles. Understandably so, as bicycle accidents have increased by 44% in the last ten years. The prevalence of distracted driving and the popularity of cycling may prompt some cyclists to utilize the sidewalk to avoid the chaos of the street. But is it legal? While there is no statewide law prohibiting riding on the sidewalk, California Vehicle Code §21206 allows local governments to set their own rules. This means in some areas, it may be illegal.
As a Sacramento cyclist, you must be knowledgeable about local bicycle laws and regulations. Yet, even when you know and follow bike laws, accidents happen. If you have been injured in a Sacramento bicycle accident, speak to an experienced bicycle accident lawyer at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. for an assessment of your claim. We fight for your legal rights and the fair compensation you deserve for your losses.
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Sacramento Bicycle Riding Laws You Need to Know
The California Vehicle Code describes the rights and responsibilities of bicyclists and how they must operate. For the most part, cyclists have similar responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. The following are specific rules governing where you may ride in Sacramento:
In the Center of the Lane
If you are traveling as fast as traffic, you may ride in the center of a lane as long as you can safely do so while sharing the road. Other potential reasons you may ride in the center of the lane includes:
- When you are passing, for instance, to get around a double-parked car or another bike-rider
- When you need to make a left turn
- When you are actively avoiding hazards on the road
- If you are unable to share the lane because it’s too narrow
If you have been injured while riding your bicycle in Sacramento, speak to an experienced Sacramento bicycle accident lawyer to find out how to protect your legal right to compensation.
On the Right Side of the Road
If you are traveling slower than the traffic on the road, you must ride on the right side of the road, except for instances when you are passing, avoiding a hazard, or unable to share a lane. On a one-way street, it is also legal to ride on the left side of the road.
In a Bicycle Lane
When a bicycle lane is available, and you are traveling slower than traffic, you must use the bicycle lane. Exceptions include:
- When you are passing, for instance, to get around a double-parked car or another bike-rider
- When you need to make a left turn
- When you are actively avoiding hazards on the road
- If you are unable to share the lane because it’s too narrow
- Approaching an intersection where a right turn is permitted
If a bicycle lane is obstructed for any reason, such as a parked car, it is no longer deemed a “bike lane,” and you may ride outside of the bicycle lane for any reason.
On a Sidewalk
In Sacramento, riding a bicycle on a sidewalk is legal, depending on where you are. If a sign is posted indicating that riding on the sidewalk is prohibited, then you have to ride on a bike lane or road. You may ride on sidewalks in Sacramento County on designated bike routes. In West Sacramento, riding on the sidewalk is legal in the Business District, but cyclists must give pedestrians the right of way.
What to Do if You Experience a Sacramento Bicycle Accident
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident due to motor vehicle negligence, there are five steps you must take in order to begin the healing process and preserve your right to a personal injury claim you may wish to file in the future:
- Wait for law enforcement to arrive on the scene to document and record the accident.
- Make sure you speak to the officer in order to add your detailed account to the report.
- Gather contact information and names of everyone involved in the accident.
- Document your injuries and the scene through pictures and videos.
- Contact a Sacramento bicycle accident lawyer as soon as you can following the accident.
Working with a seasoned bicycle accident lawyer improves your outcome in a personal injury claim. An experienced lawyer is equipped with resources to conduct thorough investigations into the accident and obtain persuasive evidence that may help prove liability in your accident. We fight to win the compensation you deserve for the damages you have sustained.
Speak to an Experienced Sacramento Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident due to driver negligence, you may be able to pursue justice for the losses you have sustained. Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. is proud to provide almost 30 years of experience in successfully recovering millions of dollars on behalf of victims of personal injuries.
At Eric Ratinoff Law Corp., our Sacramento bicycle accident attorneys will promptly conduct a thorough investigation, collect persuasive evidence, and handle negotiations with third parties, such as insurance companies. Investigating bicycle accidents calls for specialized attention to specific details. We ensure that important details are never overlooked in pursuing the justice you deserve. To speak to a seasoned bicycle accident lawyer, call (916) 970-9100 or fill out our contact form for a complimentary consultation today.
