Briefing Room: Vehicle Code says bicycles are vehicles for rules of the road

Dear Capt. Nicholas,

Last week, I saw two young bicyclists go through the four-way stop at Central and Main without slowing, let alone stopping. I’m glad it was a rare moment when that intersection was free of cars.

This morning, while walking on the Main Street sidewalk, I had to move sideways to make sure I avoided two young bicyclists coming from the other direction, and not slowly.

With summer out, and with many kids out on their bikes, perhaps you could give us a refresher about the laws regarding bicycles, stop signs and sidewalks.

John

Hi John,

Thanks for your question.  I know with the great summer weather, there are more bicyclists out in town.

According to the California Vehicle Code, bicycles are considered vehicles for the purpose of following the rules of the road.  That means that when riding a bicycle, you are subject to the same rules and regulations as if you were driving a car.  For instance, you cannot talk on the phone without a hands-free device, you need lights at night, you must signal when making turning movements, and you must stop at all stop signs.  At intersections, bicyclists should slow down and come to a complete stop (unless at a green traffic light) and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.  These simple tips will help make our roads, bike paths, and sidewalks safer for both pedestrians and bicyclists.

Seal Beach Municipal Code §8.10.040 states that riding a bicycle on any sidewalk in Seal Beach is prohibited unless the City traffic engineer has posted a sign that specifically allows sidewalk riding.  An example of this is in the College Park East neighborhood.  At the entrances to CPE, there are yellow signs which permit bicyclists to ride on the sidewalks.  On Main Street, a person cannot ride their bike on the sidewalk.

If you have traffic concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.  

We can assign our Traffic Bureau to help monitor and enforce traffic regulations in specific areas.  Our non-emergency number is (562) 594-7232.

During the summer months, our Community Oriented Policing Team officers are dedicated to the beach, pier, Old Town, and other areas of town.  We have asked our COP team to do extra patrols for bicycle violations.

Keep your questions coming, Seal Beach.  Email us at askacop@sealbeachca.gov today!