City of Laguna Beach

Police Department

Bike Safety

A cyclist guide to riding

safely on the streets

in Laguna Beach

Bike Safety Tips Stay Focused and Alert

Be Safe, Be Seen and Be Heard:

Make yourself visible to drivers.

Wear a helmet at all times.

Obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals.

Keep to the right side of the roadway.

Keep brakes, lights, reflectors, horn or bell,

and all safety devices in good working

condition.

Learn and use hand signals for turns and

stops.

Avoid riding after dark. If you must ride after

dark, the bike must have a headlight and

taillight or reflector.

Do not speed, race, or weave in and out of

traffic.

Do not carry passengers or large packages.

Never hitch on to a truck, car, or other

moving vehicle.

Keep both hands on the handle bars, except

to signal a turn or stop.

If needed, dismount and walk the bike across

dangerous intersections or streets.

Never squeeze into narrow places or

between two vehicles.

Collision Factors Motorists making an unsafe turn.

Motorists failing to yield at stop signs and

traffic signals.

Motorists that are distracted.

Cyclists using the wrong side of the road.

Cyclists weaving in and out of traffic,

leaving the edge of the roadway or

passing slow cars.

Cyclists making an unsafe turn.

Cyclists without adequate lighting/

reflectors.

Cyclists riding in a vehicle’s blind spot.

Cyclists failing to yield the right of way

to vehicles and pedestrians.

By sharing the road, observing the laws, and

being patient and courteous, traffic accidents

can be prevented by motorists and bicyclists.

Laguna Beach attracts a few million visitors each year. LBPD wants everyone to be

cautious on the roadways, follow all traffic laws, and stay safe...

Use lights and reflectors at night or in poor

visibility. It is the law.

If you are riding after dark you should also

have a white light for the front of your bike

and a red light for the rear.

Flashing lights and reflective clothing are very

effective.

Use a horn or bell to be heard.

Don't assume vehicles will stop. Make eye

contact with drivers; don't just look at the

vehicle. If a driver is on a cell phone, he or

she may not be paying attention to you.

Signal your intentions

Become proficient at looking over your

shoulder without swerving. Consider getting

a rearview mirror. Checking traffic in back of

you can help you blend better with the flow

of traffic.

Always look ahead for obstacles in your path

(potholes, loose gravel, sand, etc). Be aware

of traffic around you and ride defensively.

FAQ’s

Bicyclists have all the rights and responsibilities of

other motorists. Your actions affect the public’s

opinion of cyclists. For bicycling safety and to do

your part to share the road, read and obey the traffic

laws.

The following is a summary of bicycle laws in

California. This is not an inclusive listing.

Bicyclists have to stop at all red lights and

remain stopped until the light turns green.

Bicyclists must stop at all stop signs and await

their turn to proceed.

Bicyclists must ride in the same direction as

vehicles.

Bicyclists are allowed to ride in a vehicle lane

provided it is safe to do so.

Bicyclists are allowed to use a left turn lane to

turn left as long as they can enter the lane safely.

Vehicles MUST give bicyclists 3 Feet when

passing, but this does not apply when bicyclists

pass cars.

Be cautious when passing parked cars. You

never know if a door will open.

If a bike lane has been provided and you are

riding slower than traffic, then you must use that

lane.

Know the Laws

Hand signals shall be given from the left side

as follows:

Although bicyclists’ traffic violations disturb and

even anger some motorists, they are usually not the

major cause of crashes with motor vehicles.

Nonetheless, motorists have no right to intimidate

bicyclists for riding in the road, where they have a

legal right to be. Everyone gets where they’re going

safely when everyone shares the road and shows

patience and courtesy.

Right Turn: Hand and

arm extended upward,

except bicyclists may

extend the right hand and

arm horizontally and to the

right side of the bicycle.

No Justification for Intimidation Left Turn: Hand and

arm extended horizontally.

Stop or Decrease

of Speed: Hand and

arm extended downward.

Hand Signals

What is the Three Feet for Safety Act?

It requires all motorists to give bicyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing a bicyclist going in the same direction.

Where should I position myself on the roadway?

Bicyclists should ride on the right side of the roadway, in single file, and in the same direction as traffic. Riding against traffic puts bicyclists where motorists don't expect them.

How can I be more noticeable to other motorists?

Bicyclists are more easily seen when they wear bright-colored or reflective clothing. You can also increase your visibility by wearing lights that strap to your legs and move while you are peddling.

What are my duties as a cyclists?

A bicyclist is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle. Most importantly, that means you must obey all traffic signals and signs. Stop signs and red lights are not discretionary!

Does Laguna Beach have a bike route?

Yes, Laguna Beach has a North/South Bike Route Working Map. Please visit the City of Laguna Beach website listed below to learn more.

http://lagunabeachcity.net/living/cycling.asp

Safety Equipment

Wear a helmet that has the SNELL and/or

ANSI stickers inside.

Make sure to equip your bicycle with a

light and reflectors. Every bike should have

a minimum of a white front reflector, red

rear reflector, two side-wheel reflectors and

a headlight.

Wear bright fluorescent clothing during the

day and reflective clothing at night.

A rearview mirror is helpful, but not

required. If you should get one, use it, but

also make sure to look over your shoulder.

A horn or a bell to alert pedestrians and

other cyclists that you are approaching.