CVC 231. A bicycle is a device upon which a person may ride, propelled exclusively by human power, except as provided in Section 312.5, through a belt, chain, or gears, and having one or more wheels. A person riding a bicycle is subject to the provisions of this code specified in Sections 21200 and 21200.5. An electric bicycle is a bicycle. (Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 311, Sec. 1. (SB 814) Effective January 1, 2022.)

CVC 231.5. A “bicycle path” or “bike path” is a Class I bikeway, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code. (Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 200, Sec. 5. (SB 734) Effective January 1, 2010.)

CVC 231.6. (a) A “bicycle path crossing” is either of the following: (1) That portion of a roadway included within the prolongation or connection of the boundary lines of a bike path at intersections where the intersecting roadways meet at approximately right angles. (2)  Any portion of a roadway distinctly indicated for bicycle crossing by lines or other markings on the surface. (b)  Notwithstanding subdivision (a), there shall not be a bicycle path crossing where local authorities have placed signs indicating no crossing. (Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 200, Sec. 6. (SB 734) Effective January 1, 2010.)

CVC 312.5. (a) An “electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. (1)  A “class 1 electric bicycle,” or “low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. (2)  A “class 2 electric bicycle,” or “low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. (3)  A “class 3 electric bicycle,” or “speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour, and equipped with a speedometer. (b)  A person riding an electric bicycle, as defined in this section, is subject to Article 4 (commencing with Section 21200) of Chapter 1 of Division 11. (c)  On and after January 1, 2017, manufacturers and distributors of electric bicycles shall apply a label that is permanently affixed, in a prominent location, to each electric bicycle. The label shall contain the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric bicycle, and shall be printed in Arial font in at least 9-point type. (Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 568, Sec. 1. (AB 1096) Effective January 1, 2016.)

Section 406. (a) A “motorized bicycle” or “moped” is a two-wheeled or three-wheeled device having fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, or having no pedals if powered solely by electrical energy, and an automatic transmission and a motor that produces less than 4 gross brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on level ground. (b)  Every manufacturer of a motorized bicycle or moped, as defined in this section, shall provide a disclosure to buyers that advises buyers that their existing insurance policies may not provide coverage for these bicycles and that they should contact their insurance company or insurance agent to determine if coverage is provided. The disclosure shall meet both of the following requirements: (1) The disclosure shall be printed in not less than 14-point boldface type on a single sheet of paper that contains no information other than the disclosure. (2)  The disclosure shall include the following language in capital letters: “YOUR INSURANCE POLICIES MAY NOT PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR ACCIDENTS INVOLVING THE USE OF THIS BICYCLE. TO DETERMINE IF COVERAGE IS PROVIDED YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY OR AGENT.” (Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 568, Sec. 2. (AB 1096) Effective January 1, 2016.)

CVC 467.5. “Pedicab” means any of the following: (a) A bicycle, including an electric bicycle, that has three or more wheels, that transports, or is capable of transporting, passengers on seats attached to the bicycle, that is operated by a person, and that is being used for transporting passengers for hire. (b)  A bicycle, including an electric bicycle, that pulls a trailer, sidecar, or similar device, that transports, or is capable of transporting, passengers on seats attached to the trailer, sidecar, or similar device, that is operated by a person, and that is being used for transporting passengers for hire. (c)  A four-wheeled device that is primarily or exclusively pedal-powered, has a seating capacity for eight or more passengers, cannot travel in excess of 15 miles per hour, and is being used for transporting passengers for hire. A pedicab defined under this subdivision is subject to the requirements of Article 4.5 (commencing with Section 21215) of Chapter 1 of Division 11. (Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 311, Sec. 3. (SB 814) Effective January 1, 2022.)

CVC 473. (a) A “pocket bike” is a two-wheeled motorized device that has a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, and that is not designed or manufactured for highway use. “Pocket bike” does not include an off-highway motorcycle, as defined in Section 436. (b)  For purposes of this section, a vehicle is designed for highway use if it meets the applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, as contained in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and is equipped in accordance with the requirements of this code. (Added by Stats. 2005, Ch. 323, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2006.

CVC 554. “Shared mobility device” means an electrically motorized board, as defined in Section 313.5, motorized scooter, as defined in Section 407.5, electric bicycle, as defined in Section 312.5, bicycle, as defined in Section 231, or other similar personal transportation device, except as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 415, that is made available to the public by a shared mobility device service provider for shared use and transportation in exchange for financial compensation via a digital application or other electronic or digital platform. (Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 206, Sec. 1. (AB 2174) Effective January 1, 2023.)

CVC 890.4. As used in this article, “bikeway” means all facilities that provide primarily for, and promote, bicycle travel. For purposes of this article, bikeways shall be categorized as follows: (a) Bike paths or shared use paths, also referred to as “Class I bikeways,” which provide a completely separated right-of-way designated for the exclusive use of bicycles and pedestrians with crossflows by motorists minimized. (b)  Bike lanes, also referred to as “Class II bikeways,” which provide a restricted right-of-way designated for the exclusive or semiexclusive use of bicycles with through travel by motor vehicles or pedestrians prohibited, but with vehicle parking and crossflows by pedestrians and motorists permitted. (c)  Bike routes, also referred to as “Class III bikeways,” which provide a right-of-way on-street or off-street, designated by signs or permanent markings and shared with pedestrians and motorists. (d)  Cycle tracks or separated bikeways, also referred to as “Class IV bikeways,” which promote active transportation and provide a right-of-way designated exclusively for bicycle travel adjacent to a roadway and which are separated from vehicular traffic. Types of separation include, but are not limited to, grade separation, flexible posts, inflexible physical barriers, or on-street parking. (Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 451, Sec. 17. (SB 491) Effective January 1, 2016.)

CVC 4020. A motorized bicycle operated upon a highway is exempt from registration. (Added by Stats. 1975, Ch. 987.)

CVC 5030. A motorized bicycle, as defined in Section 406, is required to display a special license plate issued by the department.

CVC 5031. An application by a person other than a manufacturer or dealer for a license plate for a motorized bicycle shall include all the following: (a) The true, full name and the driver’s license or identification card number, if any, of the owner. (b)  A description of the motorized bicycle, including any distinctive marks or features. (c)  Other information as may reasonably be required by the department to determine whether a license plate shall be issued for the motorized bicycle. (Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1221, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 1995.)

CVC 5032. (a)  The application for a special license plate for a motorized bicycle shall be made before the motorized bicycle is operated or moved upon a highway, except that, upon the retail sale of a motorized bicycle when there is no license plate, the operator may operate the motorized bicycle for a period of five days from and including the date of sale, at which time application shall be made to the department for a special license plate. If the fifth day should fall on Saturday, Sunday, or a holiday, the application shall be made on the first business day thereafter. (b)  The five-day operating provision set forth in subdivision (a) shall apply only if the operator has in his immediate possession evidence that the motorized bicycle was purchased within the last five days including the date of sale. (Added by Stats. 1980, Ch. 1070, Sec. 1.)

CVC 5033. Upon proper application and payment of the fees specified in Section 5036, the department shall issue a special license plate and an identification card for the motorized bicycle for which application was made. Applications may be submitted by mail unless the department determines that it is not feasible to complete the identification process by such method. (Added by Stats. 1980, Ch. 1070, Sec. 1.)

CVC 5035. Each license plate issued under Section 5033 shall bear a distinctive number to identify the motorized bicycle for which it is issued and shall bear a symbol, letter, or word to distinguish license plates issued under this article from license plates issued for motorcycles and motor-driven cycles. The owner, upon being issued a license plate, shall attach it to the motorized bicycle for which it is issued and shall carry the identification card issued by the department as provided in Section 4454. It shall be unlawful for any person to attach or use the license plate upon any other motorized bicycle or vehicle. If the motorized bicycle is destroyed, the owner shall destroy the license plate and shall within 10 days notify the department on a form approved by the department that the motorized bicycle and license plate have been destroyed. If the ownership of the motorized bicycle is transferred to another person, that person shall submit, within 10 days, proper application as provided in Section 5031. The license plate shall remain with the motorized bicycle. (Added by Stats. 1980, Ch. 1070, Sec. 1.)

CVC 5036. A service fee of fifteen dollars ($15) shall be paid for the issuance or transfer of a special license plate for motorized bicycles, as defined in Section 406. Publicly-owned motorized bicycles are exempt from the fee. (Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 719, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2004.)

CVC 21200. (a)  (1) A person riding a bicycle or operating a pedicab upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this division, including, but not limited to, provisions concerning driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs, and by Division 10 (commencing with Section 20000), Section 27400, Division 16.7 (commencing with Section 39000), Division 17 (commencing with Section 40000.1), and Division 18 (commencing with Section 42000), except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application. (2)  A person operating a bicycle on a Class I bikeway, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle pursuant to Section 20001, except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application. (b)  (1)  A peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, operating a bicycle during the course of his or her duties is exempt from the requirements of subdivision (a), except as those requirements relate to driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs, if the bicycle is being operated under any of the following circumstances: (A)  In response to an emergency call. (B)  While engaged in rescue operations. (C)  In the immediate pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law. (2)  This subdivision does not relieve a peace officer from the duty to operate a bicycle with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway. (Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 139, Sec. 1. (AB 1755) Effective January 1, 2019.)

CVC 21200.5. Notwithstanding Section 21200, it is unlawful for any person to ride a bicycle upon a highway while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or any drug, or under the combined influence of an alcoholic beverage and any drug. Any person arrested for a violation of this section may request to have a chemical test made of the person’s blood, breath, or urine for the purpose of determining the alcoholic or drug content of that person’s blood pursuant to Section 23612, and, if so requested, the arresting officer shall have the test performed. A conviction of a violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250). Violations of this section are subject to Section 13202.5. (Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 22, Sec. 17. Effective May 26, 1999.)

CVC 21201. (a)  No person shall operate a bicycle on a roadway unless it is equipped with a brake that will enable the operator to make one braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement. (b)  No person shall operate on the highway a bicycle equipped with handlebars so raised that the operator must elevate his or her hands above the level of his or her shoulders in order to grasp the normal steering grip area. (c)  No person shall operate upon a highway a bicycle that is of a size that prevents the operator from safely stopping the bicycle, supporting it in an upright position with at least one foot on the ground, and restarting it in a safe manner. (d)  A bicycle operated during darkness upon a highway, a sidewalk where bicycle operation is not prohibited by the local jurisdiction, or a bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, shall be equipped with all of the following: (1)  A lamp emitting a white light that, while the bicycle is in motion, illuminates the highway, sidewalk, or bikeway in front of the bicyclist and is visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the bicycle. (2)  A red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear that shall be visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle. (3)  A white or yellow reflector on each pedal, shoe, or ankle visible from the front and rear of the bicycle from a distance of 200 feet. (4)  A white or yellow reflector on each side forward of the center of the bicycle, and a white or red reflector on each side to the rear of the center of the bicycle, except that bicycles that are equipped with reflectorized tires on the front and the rear need not be equipped with these side reflectors. The reflectors and reflectorized tires shall be of a type meeting requirements established by the department. (e)  A lamp or lamp combination, emitting a white light, attached to the operator and visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the bicycle, may be used in lieu of the lamp required by paragraph (1) of subdivision (d). (Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 549, Sec. 2. (AB 28) Effective January 1, 2016.)

CVC 21201.3. (a)  A bicycle or motorized bicycle used by a peace officer, as defined in Section 830.1 of, subdivision (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), or (i) of Section 830.2 of, subdivision (b) or (d) of Section 830.31 of, subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 830.32 of, Section 830.33 of, subdivision (a) of Section 830.36 of, subdivision (a) of Section 830.4 of, or Section 830.6 of, the Penal Code, in the performance of the peace officer’s duties, may display a steady or flashing blue warning light that is visible from the front, sides, or rear of the bicycle or motorized bicycle. (b)  No person shall display a steady or flashing blue warning light on a bicycle or motorized bicycle except as authorized under subdivision (a). (Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 877, Sec. 65. Effective January 1, 1999.)

CVC 21202. (a)Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations: (1) When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction. (2)  When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. (3)  When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions (including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes) that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge, subject to the provisions of Section 21656. For purposes of this section, a “substandard width lane” is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane. (4)  When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized. (b)  Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway of a highway, which highway carries traffic in one direction only and has two or more marked traffic lanes, may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of that roadway as practicable. (Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 674, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 1997.)

CVC 21203. No person riding upon any motorcycle, motorized bicycle, bicycle, coaster, roller skates, sled, or toy vehicle shall attach the same or himself to any streetcar or vehicle on the roadway.

CVC 21204. (a) A person operating a bicycle upon a highway shall not ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto, unless the bicycle was designed by the manufacturer to be ridden without a seat. (b)   An operator shall not allow a person riding as a passenger, and a person shall not ride as a passenger, on a bicycle upon a highway other than upon or astride a separate seat attached thereto. If the passenger is four years of age or younger, or weighs 40 pounds or less, the seat shall have adequate provision for retaining the passenger in place and for protecting the passenger from the moving parts of the bicycle. (Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 594, Sec. 1. (SB 527) Effective January 1, 2010.)

CVC 21205. No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle or article which prevents the operator from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars. (Added by Stats. 1963, Ch. 479)

CVC 21206. No prevention of local regulation of registration of bicycles and parking and operation of bicycles on pedestrian or bicycle facilities. This chapter does not prevent local authorities, by ordinance, from regulating the registration of bicycles and the parking and operation of bicycles on pedestrian or bicycle facilities, provided such regulation is not in conflict with the provisions of this code. Amended by Stats. 1976, Ch. 751.

CVC 21207.5. (a)  Notwithstanding Sections 21207 and 23127 of this code, or any other law, a motorized bicycle shall not be operated on a bicycle path or trail, bikeway, bicycle lane established pursuant to Section 21207, equestrian trail, or hiking or recreational trail, unless it is within or adjacent to a roadway or unless the local authority or the governing body of a public agency having jurisdiction over the path or trail permits, by ordinance, that operation. (b)  The local authority or governing body of a public agency having jurisdiction over an equestrian trail, or hiking or recreational trail, may prohibit, by ordinance, the operation of an electric bicycle or any class of electric bicycle on that trail. (c)  The Department of Parks and Recreation may prohibit the operation of an electric bicycle or any class of electric bicycle on any bicycle path or trail within the department’s jurisdiction. (Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 343, Sec. 1. (AB 1909) Effective January 1, 2023.)

CVC 21208. (a)  Whenever a bicycle lane has been established on a roadway pursuant to Section 21207, any person operating a bicycle upon the roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time shall ride within the bicycle lane, except that the person may move out of the lane under any of the following situations: (1)  When overtaking and passing another bicycle, vehicle, or pedestrian within the lane or about to enter the lane if the overtaking and passing cannot be done safely within the lane. (2)  When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. (3)  When reasonably necessary to leave the bicycle lane to avoid debris or other hazardous conditions. (4)  When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized. (b)  No person operating a bicycle shall leave a bicycle lane until the movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided in Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 22100) in the event that any vehicle may be affected by the movement. (Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 674, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 1997.)

CVC 21210. No person shall leave a bicycle lying on its side on any sidewalk, or shall park a bicycle on a sidewalk in any other position, so that there is not an adequate path for pedestrian traffic. Local authorities may, by ordinance or resolution, prohibit bicycle parking in designated areas of the public highway, provided that appropriate signs are erected. (Added by Stats. 1976, Ch. 751.)

CVC 21211. (a)  No person may stop, stand, sit, or loiter upon any class I bikeway, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public or private bicycle path or trail, if the stopping, standing, sitting, or loitering impedes or blocks the normal and reasonable movement of any bicyclist. (b)  No person may place or park any bicycle, vehicle, or any other object upon any bikeway or bicycle path or trail, as specified in subdivision (a), which impedes or blocks the normal and reasonable movement of any bicyclist unless the placement or parking is necessary for safe operation or is otherwise in compliance with the law. (c)  This section does not apply to drivers or owners of utility or public utility vehicles, as provided in Section 22512. (d)  This section does not apply to owners or drivers of vehicles who make brief stops while engaged in the delivery of newspapers to customers along the person’s route. (e)  This section does not apply to the driver or owner of a rubbish or garbage truck while actually engaged in the collection of rubbish or garbage within a business or residence district if the front turn signal lamps at each side of the vehicle are being flashed simultaneously and the rear turn signal lamps at each side of the vehicle are being flashed simultaneously. (f)  This section does not apply to the driver or owner of a tow vehicle while actually engaged in the towing of a vehicle if the front turn signal lamps at each side of the vehicle are being flashed simultaneously and the rear turn signal lamps at each side of the vehicle are being flashed simultaneously. (Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 127, Sec. 7. Effective July 30, 2001.)

CVC 21212. (a)  A person under 18 years of age shall not operate a bicycle, a nonmotorized scooter, or a skateboard, nor wear in-line or roller skates, nor ride upon a bicycle, a nonmotorized scooter, or a skateboard as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public bicycle path or trail unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities. This requirement also applies to a person who rides upon a bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle. (b)  A helmet sold or offered for sale for use by operators and passengers of bicycles, nonmotorized scooters, skateboards, or in-line or roller skates shall be conspicuously labeled in accordance with the standard described in subdivision (a), which shall constitute the manufacturer’s certification that the helmet conforms to the applicable safety standards. (c)  A person shall not sell, or offer for sale, for use by an operator or passenger of a bicycle, nonmotorized scooter, skateboard, or in-line or roller skates any safety helmet that is not of a type meeting requirements established by this section. (d)  A charge under this section shall be dismissed when the person charged alleges in court, under oath, that the charge against the person is the first charge against that person under this section, unless it is otherwise established in court that the charge is not the first charge against the person. (e)  (1)  Except as provided in subdivision (d), a violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a fine of not more than twenty-five dollars ($25). (2)  The parent or legal guardian having control or custody of an unemancipated minor whose conduct violates this section shall be jointly and severally liable with the minor for the amount of the fine imposed pursuant to this subdivision. (f)  A record of the action shall not be transmitted to the court and a fee shall not be imposed pursuant to Section 40611 upon a citation for not wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet pursuant to subdivision (a) if the parent or legal guardian of the person described in subdivision (a) delivers proof to the issuing agency within 120 days after the citation was issued that the person has a helmet meeting the requirements specified in subdivision (a) and the person has completed a local bicycle safety course or a related safety course, if one is available, as prescribed by authorities in the local jurisdiction. (g)  Notwithstanding Section 1463 of the Penal Code or any other law, the fines collected for a violation of this section shall be allocated as follows: (1)  Seventy-two and one-half percent of the amount collected shall be deposited in a special account of the county health department, to be used for bicycle, nonmotorized scooter, skateboard, and in-line and roller skate safety education and for assisting low-income families in obtaining approved bicycle helmets for persons under 18 years of age, either on a loan or purchase basis. The county may contract for the implementation of this program, which, to the extent practicable, shall be operated in conjunction with the child passenger restraint program pursuant to Section 27360. (2)  Two and one-half percent of the amount collected shall be deposited in the county treasury to be used by the county to administer the program described in paragraph (1). (3)  If the violation occurred within a city, 25 percent of the amount collected shall be transferred to, and deposited in, the treasury of that city. If the violation occurred in an unincorporated area, this 25 percent shall be deposited and used pursuant to paragraph (1). (Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 497, Sec. 273. (AB 991) Effective January 1, 2020.)

CVC 21213. (a)  A person under 16 years of age shall not operate a class 3 electric bicycle. (b)  A person shall not operate a class 3 electric bicycle, or ride upon a class 3 electric bicycle as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public bicycle path or trail, unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities. This helmet requirement also applies to a person who rides upon a class 3 electric bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle. (Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 568, Sec. 6. (AB 1096) Effective January 1, 2016.)

CVC 21221. Every person operating a motorized scooter upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this division, including, but not limited to, provisions concerning driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs, and by Division 10 (commencing with Section 20000), Division 17 (commencing with Section 40000.1), and Division 18 (commencing with Section 42000), except those provisions which, by their very nature, can have no application. EFFECTIVE 1/1/2000. Added10/10/1999 (Bill Number: SB 441) (Chapter 722).

CVC 21223. (a)  Every motorized scooter operated upon any highway during darkness shall be equipped with the following: (1) Except as provided in subdivision (b), a lamp emitting a white light which, while the motorized scooter is in motion, illuminates the highway in front of the operator and is visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the motorized scooter. (2)  Except as provided in subdivision (c), a red reflector on the rear that is visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle. (3)  A white or yellow reflector on each side visible from the front and rear of the motorized scooter from a distance of 200 feet. (b)  A lamp or lamp combination, emitting a white light, attached to the operator and visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the motorized scooter, may be used in lieu of the lamp required by paragraph (1) of subdivision (a). (c)  A red reflector, or reflectorized material meeting the requirements of Section 25500, attached to the operator and visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle, may be used in lieu of the reflector required by paragraph (2) of subdivision (a). (Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 722, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2000.)

CVC 21228. Any person operating a motorized scooter upon a highway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or right edge of the roadway, except under the following situations: (a) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction. (b)  When preparing for a left turn, the operator shall stop and dismount as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or right edge of the roadway and complete the turn by crossing the roadway on foot, subject to the restrictions placed on pedestrians in Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 21950). (c) (1)  When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions, including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes, which make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or right edge of the roadway, subject to Section 21656. (2)  For the purposes of paragraph (1), a “substandard width lane” is a lane that is too narrow for a motorized scooter and another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane. (d)  Any person operating a motorized scooter upon a highway that carries traffic in one direction only and has two or more marked traffic lanes may operate the motorized scooter as near the left-hand curb or left edge of that roadway as practicable. However, when preparing for a right turn, the operator shall stop and dismount as close as practicable to the left-hand curb or left edge of the highway and complete the turn by crossing the roadway on foot, subject to the restrictions placed on pedestrians in Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 21950). (Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 62, Sec. 306. Effective January 1, 2004.)

Section 21229. (a)  Whenever a class II bicycle lane has been established on a roadway, any person operating a motorized scooter upon the roadway shall ride within the bicycle lane, except that the person may move out of the lane under any of the following situations: (1)  When overtaking and passing another vehicle or pedestrian within the lane or when about to enter the lane if the overtaking and passing cannot be done safely within the lane. (2)  When preparing for a left turn, the operator shall stop and dismount as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or right edge of the roadway and complete the turn by crossing the roadway on foot, subject to the restrictions placed on pedestrians in Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 21950). (3)  When reasonably necessary to leave the bicycle lane to avoid debris or other hazardous conditions. (4)  When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized. (b)  No person operating a motorized scooter shall leave a bicycle lane until the movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided in Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 22100) in the event that any vehicle may be affected by the movement. (Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 722, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2000.)

CVC 21230. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a motorized scooter may be operated on a bicycle path or trail or bikeway, unless the local authority or the governing body of a local agency having jurisdiction over that path, trail, or bikeway prohibits that operation by ordinance. (Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 722, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2000.)

CVC 21235. The operator of a motorized scooter shall not do any of the following: (a) Operate a motorized scooter unless it is equipped with a brake that will enable the operator to make a braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement. (b)  Operate a motorized scooter on a highway with a speed limit in excess of 25 miles per hour unless the motorized scooter is operated within a Class II or Class IV bikeway, except that a local authority may, by ordinance or resolution, authorize the operation of a motorized scooter outside of a Class II or Class IV bikeway on a highway with a speed limit of up to 35 miles per hour. The 15 mile per hour maximum speed limit for the operation of a motorized scooter specified in Section 22411 applies to the operation of a motorized scooter on all highways, including bikeways, regardless of a higher speed limit applicable to the highway. (c)  Operate a motorized scooter without wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards described in Section 21212, if the operator is under 18 years of age. (d)  Operate a motorized scooter without a valid driver’s license or instruction permit. (e)  Operate a motorized scooter with any passengers in addition to the operator. (f)  Operate a motorized scooter carrying any package, bundle, or article that prevents the operator from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars. (g)  Operate a motorized scooter upon a sidewalk, except as may be necessary to enter or leave adjacent property. (h)  Operate a motorized scooter on the highway with the handlebars raised so that the operator must elevate his or her hands above the level of his or her shoulders in order to grasp the normal steering grip area. (i)  Leave a motorized scooter lying on its side on any sidewalk, or park a motorized scooter on a sidewalk in any other position, so that there is not an adequate path for pedestrian traffic. (j)  Attach the motorized scooter or himself or herself while on the roadway, by any means, to any other vehicle on the roadway. (Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 552, Sec. 1. (AB 2989) Effective January 1, 2019.)

CVC 21292. A person shall not operate an electrically motorized board upon a highway, bikeway, or any other public bicycle path, sidewalk, or trail, unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards described in Section 21212. (Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 777, Sec. 3. (AB 604) Effective January 1, 2016.)

CVC 21294. (a)  An electrically motorized board shall only operate upon a highway designated with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less, unless the electrically motorized board is operated entirely within a designated Class II or Class IV bikeway. (b)  A person shall not operate an electrically motorized board upon a highway, bikeway, or any other public bicycle path, sidewalk, or trail, at a speed in excess of 15 miles per hour. (c)  Notwithstanding subdivision (b), a person shall not operate an electrically motorized board at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and the surface and width of the highway, bikeway, public bicycle path, sidewalk, or trail, and in no event at a speed that endangers the safety of any person or property. (Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 86, Sec. 302. (SB 1171) Effective January 1, 2017.)

CVC 22411. No person shall operate a motorized scooter at a speed in excess of 15 miles per hour. (Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 722, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2000.)

CVC 21456.2. (a)  Unless otherwise directed by a bicycle signal as provided in Section 21456.3, an operator of a bicycle shall obey the provisions of this article applicable to the driver of a vehicle. (b)  Whenever an official traffic control signal exhibiting different colored bicycle symbols is shown concurrently with official traffic control signals exhibiting different colored lights or arrows, an operator of a bicycle facing those traffic control signals shall obey the bicycle signals as provided in Section 21456.3. (c)  This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2024, and as of that date is repealed. (Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 343, Sec. 4. (AB 1909) Effective January 1, 2023. Repealed as of January 1, 2024, by its own provisions. See later operative version added by Sec. 5 of Stats. 2022, Ch. 343.)

CVC 21650. Upon all highways, a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows: (a) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing that movement. (b)  When placing a vehicle in a lawful position for, and when the vehicle is lawfully making, a left turn. (c)  When the right half of a roadway is closed to traffic under construction or repair. (d)  Upon a roadway restricted to one-way traffic. (e)  When the roadway is not of sufficient width. (f)  When the vehicle is necessarily traveling so slowly as to impede the normal movement of traffic, that portion of the highway adjacent to the right edge of the roadway may be utilized temporarily when in a condition permitting safe operation. (g)  This section does not prohibit the operation of bicycles on any shoulder of a highway, on any sidewalk, on any bicycle path within a highway, or along any crosswalk or bicycle path crossing, where the operation is not otherwise prohibited by this code or local ordinance. (h)  This section does not prohibit the operation of a transit bus on the shoulder of a state highway in conjunction with the implementation of a program authorized pursuant to Section 148.1 of the Streets and Highways Code on state highways within the areas served by the transit services of the Monterey-Salinas Transit District or the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District. (Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 426, Sec. 2. (AB 946) Effective January 1, 2014.)

CVC 21650.1. A bicycle operated on a roadway, or the shoulder of a highway, shall be operated in the same direction as vehicles are required to be driven upon the roadway. (Added by Stats. 1988, Ch. 58, Sec. 2.)

CVC 21760. (a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the Three Feet for Safety Act.

(b) The driver of a motor vehicle overtaking and passing a bicycle that is proceeding in the same direction on a highway shall pass in compliance with the requirements of this article applicable to overtaking and passing a vehicle, and shall do so at a safe distance that does not interfere with the safe operation of the overtaken bicycle, having due regard for the size and speed of the motor vehicle and the bicycle, traffic conditions, weather, visibility, and the surface and width of the highway. (c) A driver of a motor vehicle shall not overtake or pass a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on a highway at a distance of less than three feet between any part of the motor vehicle and any part of the bicycle or its operator. The driver of a motor vehicle overtaking or passing a bicycle that is proceeding in the same direction and in the same lane of travel shall, if another lane of traffic proceeding in the same direction is available, make a lane change into another available lane with due regard for safety and traffic conditions, if practicable and not prohibited by law, before overtaking or passing the bicycle. (d) If the driver of a motor vehicle is unable to comply with subdivision (c), due to traffic or roadway conditions, the driver shall slow to a speed that is reasonable and prudent, and may pass only when doing so would not endanger the safety of the operator of the bicycle, taking into account the size and speed of the motor vehicle and bicycle, traffic conditions, weather, visibility, and surface and width of the highway. (e) (1) A violation of subdivision (b), (c), or (d) is an infraction punishable by a fine of thirty-five dollars ($35). (2) If a collision occurs between a motor vehicle and a bicycle causing bodily injury to the operator of the bicycle, and the driver of the motor vehicle is found to be in violation of subdivision (b), (c), or (d), a two-hundred-twenty-dollar ($220) fine shall be imposed on that driver. (Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 343, Sec. 6. (AB 1909) Effective January 1, 2023.)

21950. (a)  The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except as otherwise provided in this chapter. (b)  This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for their safety. No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. (c)  The driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any marked or unmarked crosswalk shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of the vehicle or take any other action relating to the operation of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian. (d)  Subdivision (b) does not relieve a driver of a vehicle from the duty of exercising due care for the safety of any pedestrian within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. (e) (1)  A peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, shall not stop a pedestrian for a violation of this section unless a reasonably careful person would realize there is an immediate danger of a collision with a moving vehicle or other device moving exclusively by human power. (2)  This subdivision does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for their safety. (3)  This subdivision does not relieve a driver of a vehicle from the duty of exercising due care for the safety of any pedestrian within the roadway. (Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 957, Sec. 8. (AB 2147) Effective January 1, 2023.)

CVC 21960. (a)  The Department of Transportation and local authorities, by order, ordinance, or resolution, with respect to freeways, expressways, or designated portions thereof under their respective jurisdictions, to which vehicle access is completely or partially controlled, may prohibit or restrict the use of the freeways, expressways, or any portion thereof by pedestrians, bicycles or other nonmotorized traffic or by any person operating a motor-driven cycle, motorized bicycle, motorized scooter, or electrically motorized board. A prohibition or restriction pertaining to bicycles, motor-driven cycles, motorized scooters, or electrically motorized boards shall be deemed to include motorized bicycles. A person shall not operate a motorized bicycle wherever that prohibition or restriction is in force. Notwithstanding any order, ordinance, or resolution to the contrary, the driver or passengers of a disabled vehicle stopped on a freeway or expressway may walk to the nearest exit, in either direction, on that side of the freeway or expressway upon which the vehicle is disabled, from which telephone or motor vehicle repair services are available. (b)  The prohibitory regulation authorized by subdivision (a) shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected upon any freeway or expressway and the approaches thereto. If any portion of a county freeway or expressway is contained within the limits of a city within the county, the county may erect signs on that portion as required under this subdivision if the ordinance has been approved by the city pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 1730 of the Streets and Highways Code. (c)  No ordinance or resolution of local authorities shall apply to any state highway until the proposed ordinance or resolution has been presented to, and approved in writing by, the Department of Transportation. (d)  An ordinance or resolution adopted under this section on or after January 1, 2005, to prohibit pedestrian access to a county freeway or expressway shall not be effective unless it is supported by a finding by the local authority that the freeway or expressway does not have pedestrian facilities and pedestrian use would pose a safety risk to the pedestrian. (Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 777, Sec. 4. (AB 604) Effective January 1, 2016.)

CVC 21968. Prohibited use of motorized skateboard (a) A motorized skateboard shall not be propelled on any sidewalk, roadway, or any other part of a highway or on any bikeway, bicycle path or trail, equestrian trail, or hiking or recreational trail. (b) For purposes of this section, an electrically motorized board, as defined in Section 313.5, is not a motorized skateboard. Amended by Stats 2015 ch 777 (AB 604),s 6, eff. 1/1/2016.

CVC 23330. Except where a special permit has been obtained from the Department of Transportation under the provisions of Article 6 (commencing with Section 35780) of Chapter 5 of Division 15, none of the following shall be permitted on any vehicular crossing: (a)  Animals while being led or driven, even though tethered or harnessed. (b)  Bicycles, motorized bicycles, or motorized scooters, unless the department by signs indicates that bicycles, motorized bicycles, or motorized scooters, or any combination thereof, are permitted upon all or any portion of the vehicular crossing. (c)  Vehicles having a total width of vehicle or load exceeding 102 inches. (d)  Vehicles carrying items prohibited by regulations promulgated by the Department of Transportation. (Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 722, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 2000.)

CVC 24015. (a)  Motorized bicycles shall comply with those federal motor vehicle safety standards established pursuant to Chapter 301 (commencing with Section 30101) of Part A of Subtitle VI of Title 49 of the United States Code that apply to a motor-driven cycle, as that term is defined in regulations adopted pursuant to those provisions. These standards include, but are not limited to, provisions requiring a headlamp, taillamp, stoplamp, side and rear reflex reflectors, and adequate brakes. (b)  In addition to equipment required in subdivision (a), all motorized bicycles operated upon a highway shall be equipped with a mirror as required in subdivision (a) of Section 26709, a horn as required in Section 27000, and an adequate muffler as required in subdivision (a) of Section 27150. (c)  Except as provided in subdivisions (a) and (b), none of the provisions of this chapter relating to motorcycles and motor-driven cycles, as defined in this code, shall apply to a motorized bicycle. (Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 198, Sec. 24. (AB 3246) Effective January 1, 2019.)

CVC 24016. (a)  An electric bicycle described in subdivision (a) of Section 312.5 shall meet the following criteria: (1) Comply with the equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (16 C.F.R. 1512.1, et seq.). (2)  Operate in a manner so that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the brakes are applied, or operate in a manner such that the motor is engaged through a switch or mechanism that, when released or activated, will cause the electric motor to disengage or cease to function. (b)  A person operating an electric bicycle is not subject to the provisions of this code relating to financial responsibility, driver’s licenses, registration, and license plate requirements, and an electric bicycle is not a motor vehicle. (c)  Every manufacturer of an electric bicycle shall certify that it complies with the equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (16 C.F.R. 1512.1, et seq.). (d)  A person shall not tamper with or modify an electric bicycle described in subdivision (a) of Section 312.5 so as to change the speed capability of the bicycle, unless he or she appropriately replaces the label indicating the classification required in subdivision (c) of Section 312.5. (Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 568, Sec. 7. (AB 1096) Effective January 1, 2016.)

CVC 27400. A person operating a motor vehicle or bicycle may not wear a headset covering, earplugs in, or earphones covering, resting on, or inserted in, both ears. This prohibition does not apply to any of the following: (a) A person operating authorized emergency vehicles, as defined in Section 165. (b) A person engaged in the operation of either special construction equipment or equipment for use in the maintenance of any highway. (c) A person engaged in the operation of refuse collection equipment who is wearing a safety headset or safety earplugs. (d) A person wearing personal hearing protectors in the form of earplugs or molds that are specifically designed to attenuate injurious noise levels. The plugs or molds shall be designed in a manner so as to not inhibit the wearer’s ability to hear a siren or horn from an emergency vehicle or a horn from another motor vehicle. (e) A person using a prosthetic device that aids the hard of hearing.

CVC 27800. It is unlawful for a driver of a motorcycle or a motorized bicycle to carry any other person thereon, except on a seat securely fastened to the machine at the rear of the driver and provided with footrests, or in a sidecar attached to a motorcycle and designed for the purpose of carrying a passenger. Every passenger on a motorcycle or a motorized bicycle shall keep his feet on the footrests while such vehicle is in motion. (Amended by Stats. 1978, Ch. 421.)

CVC 39005. Cities and counties having a bicycle licensing ordinance or resolution shall maintain records of each bicycle registered. Such records shall include, but not be limited to, the license number, the serial number of the bicycle, the make and type, of the bicycle, and the name and address of the licensee. Records shall be maintained by the licensing agency during the period of validity of the license or until notification that the bicycle is no longer to be operated. (Amended by Stats. 1975, Ch. 1250.)

CVC 39009. (a) Whenever the owner of a bicycle licensed pursuant to an ordinance or resolution of a city or county changes his address, he shall within 10 days notify the appropriate licensing agency of the old and new address. (b)  In the event that any bicycle license indicia or registration form issued pursuant to the provisions of this division is lost, stolen, or mutilated, the licensee of such bicycle shall immediately notify the licensing agency, and, within 10 days after such notification, shall apply to the licensing agency for a duplicate license indicia or registration form. Thereupon, the licensing agency shall issue to such licensee a replacement indicia or registration form upon payment to the licensing agency of the appropriate fee. (Amended by Stats. 1975, Ch. 1250.)

EMC 8.04.130 Walkways.

A.     Within any City beach, park, or recreational trail, it shall be unlawful for any person to ride or drive a moped, motorcycle, automobile or any other vehicle other than on an authorized roadway.

B.     Within any City beach, park, or recreational trail, it shall be unlawful for any person to obstruct the free travel of pedestrians on any walk, road or avenue, or vehicles on automobile roads. (Ord. 2004-09)

EMC 9.50.010 Certain Uses Prohibited.

It is unlawful for any person to ride a skateboard, inline skates, roller skates, toy vehicle, coaster or any other similar form of transportation on: A.     Private property open to public in a general commercial zone, a neighborhood commercial zone, or in a tourist commercial zone where signs prohibiting such activity are posted by the owner of the property. B.     Public real property where such prohibition is posted by signs. A list of locations where skateboarding, inline skates, roller skates, toy vehicles, coaster or any other similar form of transportation is posted prohibited shall be on file in the City Clerk’s office. The list may be amended from time to time by resolution of the City Council. C.    Public school property located within the City of Encinitas when the school district has enacted a policy prohibiting such activities and posted signs on school grounds. D.    At the Encinitas Civic Center, Encinitas Community Center, fire stations, libraries and their adjacent sidewalks, landscape barriers and parking lots. E.     Any public drainage facility, culvert, ditch, or channel; or any other athletic/sports courts or gymnasiums. (Ord. 2013-06)

EMC 9.50.020 Interference With Pedestrians and Traffic.

A.     Any person upon a skateboard, inline skates, roller skates, toy vehicle, coaster or any other similar form of transportation or device shall exercise due caution and shall yield the right-of-way to and not interfere with pedestrians on any sidewalk or public right-of-way. B.     No person shall ride a skateboard, inline skates, roller skates, toy vehicle, coaster, or similar form of transportation on any public right-of-way in such a manner as to interfere with or prevent the lawful use of a public right-of-way by vehicular traffic. (Ord. 2013-06; Ord. 2015-02)

EMC 9.50.030 Safety Equipment Required in Skateboard Parks.

A. It is unlawful for any person to ride or use anything other than a skateboard, roller skates or inline skates in a city-owned skateboard park. It is unlawful for any person to ride or use a skateboard, roller skates or inline skates in a city-owned skateboard park unless that person is wearing elbow pads, knee pads and a helmet that appropriately fits and that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or standards subsequently established by these entities. (Ord. 2013-06; Ord. 2015-02)

EMC 9.55.020 Definitions.

“Bike” means a pedaled bicycle that is rented, used, located, displayed, offered or placed for rent in any public area or public right-of-way by an operator under a City Council approved operator license agreement. A bike shall meet the safety standards outlined in the International Standardization Organization (ISO) 43.150 – Cycles; the standards outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations Title 16, Chapter II, Subchapter C, Part 1512 - Requirements for Bicycles; and the standards established in California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 21201, including for lighting during operation, or equivalent recognized standards and requirements. If powered, a shared mobility device shall be limited to “Class 1” or “Class 2” electric bicycles, as defined in California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 312.5.

EMC 14.06.020 Bicycle.

“Bicycle” has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code Section 231, as may be amended from time to time.

EMC 14.32.035 Roller Skates, Coasters and Skateboards.

No person shall skate, use, or ride any roller skates, coaster, skateboard, bicycle, toy vehicle or other forms of transportation in any public drainage facility, culvert, ditch or channel, tennis courts, or gymnasiums.

14.32.050 Operating Vehicles on Private or Public Property.

No person shall operate or drive a motor vehicle, motorcycle, minibike, dune buggy, motor scooter, jeep or other form of motorized transportation upon the private property of another or upon any public property, which is not held open to the public for any vehicular use and which is not subject to provisions of the Vehicle Code, without having, and upon request of a peace officer, displaying written permission from the owner of such property or his/her agent or the person in lawful possession thereof, provided, however, the provisions of this section shall not apply to emergency vehicles, governmental agencies or to other persons driving upon such property with the written consent of the owner or person in lawful possession of such property, or to the owner him or herself, his or her family, employees, agents or lessees. (Ord. 87-40)

EMC 14.32.093 Motorcycles Prohibited on Trails.

It is unlawful for any person to operate any motorcycle or power cycle on any trails used by hikers, horse riders or bicyclist.

EMC 14.56.020 Riding on Sidewalks.

A.     The City Traffic Engineer shall erect signs on any public sidewalk or roadway regulating the riding of bicycles thereon. B.     No person shall ride a bicycle on a sidewalk within a business district. C.    Whenever any person is riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk, such person shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian. (Ord. 2019-26)

EMC 14.56.030 Riding on Bicycles.

A. Any person operating or riding a bicycle shall always exercise reasonable care and observe all applicable laws.

B. It shall be unlawful for the operator of any bicycle to carry any other person upon the handlebars of any such bicycle for any person to so ride, or in any other manner not designed for passenger riding, upon any such bicycle upon any highway or public place.

EMC 14.56.040 Clinging to Moving Vehicles.

It shall be unlawful for any person traveling upon any bicycle, motorcycle, toy vehicle or other moving device of any nature whatever, on any public highway to cling to or attach him or herself or his/her vehicle, or such device, to any other moving vehicle.

14.56.050 Traffic Laws Apply to Persons Riding.

Every operator or passenger riding a bicycle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the operator or passenger of a vehicle established by this title, except those provisions which by their nature can have no application.

14.56.070 Impoundment.

The Police Department is authorized to direct or to remove and hold in the office of the Police Department all bicycles which are found being ridden or parked in violation of this chapter until determination of the penalty period.

14.56.080 Enforcement.

In lieu of the imposition of the penalties authorized by this title and/or the filing of charges in a court of competent jurisdiction, the police chief or designee may allow a first-time violator of this chapter to complete a police department-approved bicycle safety course.