Traffic Safety When Biking in Oceanside

Riding a bicycle is becoming more common due to the health benefit, low cost to operate, environmental benefits and because it provides an enjoyable way to get from place to place. However, traffic safety when bicycling is an issue.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015 was a risky year for bicycle riders, with nearly 467,000 injuries and more than 1,000 deaths. Most of these could be attributed to collisions with motor vehicles. However, aside from risk factors, there are laws in California designed to make it safer for bicycle riders.

Under the California Vehicle Code, bicycle riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet. However, since traumatic brain injuries and other types of head injuries are a major cause of death and injuries for bicyclists, it is a good idea for everyone who rides a bike to wear a helmet.
Drinking or using drugs while riding a bicycle is illegal under CVC §21200.5, just as it is for drivers of motor vehicles. A rider who is stopped by authorities and shown to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be fined up to $250. Alcohol and drug consumption slows reaction time, clouds thinking, impairs vision and increases the risk of an accident.
California bike riders may not use headphones or earplugs in both ears while riding. This interferes with the rider’s ability to hear the traffic. The only exception is for hearing aids. However, bicycle riders are permitted to use cell phones while riding. Because this can be a distraction, it might be a better idea to wait until the bike is stopped in an out of the way place before making a call or answering one.
Hands-free riding is not allowed. If a bicyclist is carrying something, such as a bag, one hand must be free at all times and on the handlebars.
Hitching rides by grabbing onto another vehicle is not allowed for bicyclists, roller skaters, scooters, motorcyclists, motorized bicycle riders or other vehicles of that type.
Bicyclists have to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks that are marked and pedestrians at intersections even if the crosswalk isn’t marked. They must also yield to pedestrians who exhibit that they are at least partially blind by using a guide dog or a cane that is at least partially white.

Using Designated Bikeways

California cities tend to provide maps for bicycle riders, so they can become familiar with designated bikeways and ride more safely. Although bikeways are not present for all streets, trying to stay on these bikeways as much as possible decreases the risk of an accident. Oceanside is fortunate in that it has a good system of bikeways that are designated specifically for bicycle riders. However, there are suggested routes that would cut the time of a rider trying to reach a destination that hasn’t been built yet. In these areas, a rider is more likely to face an accident.

Oceanside Bicycle Accident Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, an Oceanside bicycle accident lawyer. If you or a member of your family has suffered an injury in an accident caused by a driver’s negligence, call me at (760) 509-8818 or (800) 404-5400 for help. I am always available to offer my free and friendly advice.

Client comments and reviews are found at Google, Avvo and Yelp, while the page titled Verdicts and Settlements has additional information about my practice that may prove useful.

The legal group, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, which I belong to, represents top trial attorneys from around the country with a proven record of at least one million dollars in settlements/verdicts for their clients.

Over the 35 years I have been practicing as a California injury lawyer, I and my legal team have helped countless residents of the state with their traumatic injury and wrongful death claims.

The website I founded and own, autoaccident.com, offers comprehensive information on all types of personal injuries. Please feel free to look around it.

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Traffic Safety When Biking in Oceanside