Driving Laws – Right Turn and Bicycle Lane

Each year in California, over 100 bicyclists are killed and over 10,000 are injured in collisions. Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists, and it is important to pay attention to traffic signs and signals to reduce the risk of collisions while on the road.

Bicycle lanes are for bicyclists only and run alongside vehicle traffic. They are typically marked by a single solid white line and signs. They are sometimes painted bright green to make them easier to see.

What should you do to make a right turn at an upcoming intersection?

  • A. Wait until the bicycle lane ends, then make the turn.
  • B. Make the turn from your current lane and do not enter the bicycle lane.
  • C. Merge into the bicycle lane before making the turn.

two lane road with cars and bicycles and bike lane next to right lane.

 

 

Answer:

Merge into the bicycle lane before making the turn. 

Permitted Use: California law (CVC 21717) explicitly allows drivers to enter a bike lane within 200 feet of an intersection to prepare for a right turn, provided it’s safe and they yield to bicyclists.

It is illegal to drive in a bicycle lane unless you are:

  • Parking (where permitted).
  • Entering or leaving the road.
  • Turning (within 200 feet of an intersection).

There are multiple types of bike lanes and markings:

  • Bike lane: Established along streets adjacent to vehicle traffic.  Typically marked by a single solid white line that turns into a dash-line near an intersection.
  • Buffered bike lane: Uses chevrons or diagonal markings to provide greater separation from traffic and on-street parking.
  • Bike route: Uses bike route signs and shared road markings to designate a preferred route for bicyclists on streets shared with vehicle traffic.
  • Bicycle boulevard: Prioritizes bicycle travel on streets shared with vehicle traffic.
  • Separated bikeway: Is physically separated from motor vehicle traffic and for exclusive use of bicyclists. They are also known as a cycle track or protected bike lanes. The separation may include flexible posts, grade separation, inflexible barriers, or on-street parking.
  • Shared roadway bicycle markings: Alert drivers that bicyclists can occupy the lane and help bicyclists maintain a safe lane position in traffic.

Note Check your blind spots before entering a bike lane. If you drive a motorized bicycle, use caution to avoid other bicyclists. Travel at a reasonable speed and do not endanger the safety of other bicyclists.

Bicyclists in California should carry Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage because it provides a crucial safety net in case of accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Continue reading Why All Bicyclists in California Should Carry Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage.

You don’t have to purchase an amount equal to your liability coverage but it is strongly recommended that you do. You’re buying protection for you and your family, unlike bodily injury liability coverage. It is not as expensive as a BI policy and is required by law to be offered in an auto policy. You may decline it, but you must sign a special waiver eliminating this coverage.

The serious injuries you get from a car accident while on your bike can change your life forever. Yochelson & Associates offers a free consultation so you can decide the benefits of having an experienced car accident attorney fight for you to get the full compensation you deserve.