Is A Bicycle A Vehicle In California?
Yes, under California law, bicycles are considered vehicles.
Their operation is regulated under the California Vehicle Code (CVC), which establishes rules for all types of vehicles on the road, including bicycles.
California Vehicle Code § 231
California Vehicle Code § 2311 defines a bicycle as:
“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.”
The statute also clarifies that an electric bicycle is a bicycle.
This definition is important because it establishes that bicycles are not merely toys or pedestrian devices. They are vehicles subject to the rules of the road.
Rights and Responsibilities of Bicyclists
California Vehicle Code § 21200
Under California Vehicle Code § 212002, a person riding a bicycle upon a highway “has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle.”
This means bicyclists must obey traffic signals, stop signs, and other rules that apply to motor vehicles. They also have the right to use the road and cannot be relegated to sidewalks or bike lanes in all circumstances.
However, there is a nuance.
Vehicle Code § 670 generally defines “vehicle” in a way that excludes bicycles. But courts have held that § 21200 is the more specific statute and prevails over the general definition in § 670. This means that for purposes of traffic laws and the duties of a driver, a bicycle is treated as a vehicle.
What This Means for Bicyclists
Because a bicycle is legally a vehicle, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. They must ride in the same direction as traffic, obey traffic signals, use hand signals when turning, and yield to pedestrians. They are also subject to the same laws regarding driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In short, California law treats bicycles as vehicles, granting riders the rights of the road while imposing the same duties and obligations as drivers of motor vehicles.
Have More Questions?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, contact the California Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Curtis Legal Group to get your questions answered today.
Sources Cited:
- https://law.justia.com/codes/california/2024/code-veh/division-1/section-231/
- https://law.justia.com/codes/california/2023/code-veh/division-11/chapter-1/article-4/section-21200/