All across the nation, drivers are having to get used to bicyclists being part of their daily commute. The trend towards bicycle riding in traffic has proven to be an enduring one and not a fad. Whatever your thoughts on that might be, it’s a fact of life. With San Francisco being a very progressive city in this regard, there are tons of options available to keep cyclists safe.
There are also, however, a lot of important rules of the road to ensure these options work the way they should. It’s vital that you understand and follow these bike laws. Learn these five important San Francisco bicycle laws and what you can do to better keep yourself and other people safe on the city streets.
San Francisco Bicycle Laws
There are five core San Francisco bicycle laws that it’s essential you know, understand and follow. The basics are: pedestrians have right of way, you may leave bike lanes, you must obey traffic laws, lights and signs, you’re not allowed in crosswalks or on sidewalks, and you have to keep one ear open. Let’s look at each in detail.
Pedestrians Have the Right of Way
In San Francisco, bike lanes exist to help keep cyclists out of the path of cars and keep them safe from collisions. In turn, cyclists are expected to keep the roads safe for pedestrians. Just as they do with cars, pedestrians always have the right of way compared to bicycles. You should always yield to pedestrians and give plenty of space.
You May Leave the Bike Lane
Bike lanes exist to keep you safe. Still, while it’s a good idea for you to stay in bike lanes, it’s not a mandate. You can ride in regular lanes, but it does put you in increased danger of accidents. For the most part, leaving bike lanes is a good idea if you need to, for example, veer around a pothole or to make a left turn from a turn lane. Just be sure to look and make sure there’s enough room to merge into traffic before leaving.
Obey Traffic Laws
Just because you have a special lane, it doesn’t preclude you following traffic laws. You’re still bound by the rules of the road. Signal when turning, obey stoplights and road signs, and be alert.
Stay off the Sidewalk and out of the Crosswalks
You’re not allowed in crosswalks or on sidewalks while riding a bike. It puts you in danger of crashing with pedestrians, and serious injuries can result. It’s that simple. Just as bike lanes are for bikes and not cars, sidewalks and crosswalks are for pedestrians.
Keep One Ear Open
Cyclists like to ride with headphones on. That’s understandable, but it can cause you to become distracted and miss dangers. You must always keep at least one ear clear of headphones so you can hear dangers coming.
What to Do if You’re in an Accident
If you’re in an accident and you need help, the best bet to ensure you get compensated for the injuries you suffer, for your pain and suffering and medical bills and more, is to work with a seasoned bicycle accident lawyer. Call the Gruber Law Group for a free consultation today!
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