On a recent trip to the windy city by the bay I saw this on the side of the street:

CVC 21202 as it reads:

Operation on Roadway

21202. (a) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations:

(1) When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction.

(2) When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.

(3) When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions (including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes) that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge, subject to the provisions of Section 21656. For purposes of this section, a “substandard width lane” is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.

(4) When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized.

(b) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway of a highway, which highway carries traffic in one direction only and has two or more marked traffic lanes, may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of that roadway as practicable.

Amended Sec. 4, Ch. 674, Stats. 1996. Effective January 1, 1997.

 

While this California Vehicle Code does not explicitly say “You can ride your bike in the street, take the whole right lane when needed, cars can take a hike when you choose to bike”, it does say it. Section B says that you may operate as close to the left hand curb as reasonable when there is only one lane going in your direction.

This Vehicle Code does not permit you to be a jerk to drivers, to block them unnecessarily or ride in a way that endangers yourself just to prove a point. I’ve done all these things but for the most part I try to be just another road user.

 

Zak’s 10 Bike Riding Commandments:

1. When there is a bike lane use it.

 

2. When there isn’t a bike lane hug the right side.

 

3. When you need to take the lane to avoid dangers do it.

 

4. Ride like you are a two wheeled slow moving super economical car.

 

5. Obey all traffic rules.

 

6. Give and get respect on the road.

 

7. DON’T RIDE ON THE SIDEWALK!

 

8. Signal your turns and ride aware.

 

9. Wear a helmet!

 

10. Ride your bike as much as you drive your car.