Cycling safety in California

Crash data

145 cyclist fatalities in 2023 .

In 2023, 145 bicyclists were killed in California motor-vehicle traffic crashes (source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, via UC Berkeley SafeTREC), down about 21% from 177 in 2022 even as national cyclist deaths rose. California, Florida and Texas together account for roughly 40% of all U.S. bicyclist deaths. A clean statewide serious-injury total was not confirmed here; SWITRS reports serious bicyclist injuries by county (Los Angeles County alone had 268), so the statewide injury figure is left null rather than estimated.

Official reports & data:

Cycling rules in California

Helmets: Riders and passengers under 18 must wear an approved helmet on any street, bikeway or public path (CVC 21212). Adults are not required to on a regular bike, but everyone on a Class 3 e-bike must wear one regardless of age. (source)
Passing distance: When passing a cyclist, a driver must give at least 3 feet of clearance, and under the 2023 OmniBike law (AB 1909) must change to another lane when one is available (CVC 21760). (source)
Sidewalk riding: There is no statewide rule; individual cities and counties decide whether cyclists may ride on sidewalks (CVC 21206), so check the local ordinance. (source)
E-bikes: California uses the 3-class system: Class 1 (pedal-assist to 20 mph) and Class 2 (throttle to 20 mph) have no minimum age; Class 3 (pedal-assist to 28 mph) requires riders be 16+ and everyone to wear a helmet. Class 3 e-bikes are generally kept off certain bike paths/trails. (source)
Lights & reflectors at night: At night a bike must have a front white light (or an approved white light on the rider) visible from the front, a red rear reflector or light, plus white/yellow pedal reflectors and side reflectors (CVC 21201). (source)
Direction of travel / where to ride: Ride on the right, in the same direction as traffic (CVC 21650). A cyclist moving slower than traffic must keep as far right as practicable, but may 'take the lane' when the lane is too narrow to share, when passing, turning left, or avoiding hazards (CVC 21202). (source)
Riding under the influence: It is illegal to ride a bike while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (CVC 21200.5). (source)
Stop-as-yield (Idaho stop): California does NOT have a stop-as-yield / 'Idaho stop' law — cyclists must fully stop at stop signs and red lights. (A Bicycle Safety Stop bill was passed by the Legislature but vetoed by the Governor.) (source)

Cities and counties often add their own rules (for example, where you can ride on sidewalks or boardwalks). Check the local ordinance for the specific town you're visiting.

Resources

Bike-friendly destinations in California

Ride these with the rules above in mind:

In an emergency in the U.S., call 911. Read our general bike safety guide →