Santa Monica is probably one of the best places in the world to enjoy a peaceful bike ride to the ocean.
While the advanced cyclist is probably familiar with all of the bicycle laws in their area, many people enjoying bike rides in Santa Monica are infrequent bike riders and often tourists. Here are a few of the main rules to keep in mind to stay safe while you enjoy your bicycle ride by the beach:
(1) Bicyclists Cannot Use the Sidewalk
Section 3.12.540(a) of the Santa Monica Municipal Code prohibits bicyclists from riding on the sidewalk. Bicyclists must use the roadway when traveling in Santa Monica.
(2) Bicyclists must Follow the Rule of the Road like Normal Traffic
CA Vehicle Code Section 21650.1 states a bicycle operated on a roadway, or the shoulder of a highway, shall be operated in the same direction as vehicles are required to be driven upon the roadway. All cyclists must go in the same direction as traffic, follow all stop signs and traffic signals, and allow pedestrians the right-of-way.
(3) Be Careful Leaving the Bike Lane
Section 21208(a) of the CA Vehicle Code states whenever a bicycle lane has been established on a roadway, any person operating a bicycle upon the roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time shall ride within the bicycle lane. A cyclist may only move out of the bicycle lane when overtaking another bicycle, vehicle or pedestrian within the lane if the passing and overtaking cannot be done safely within the bicycle lane.
(4) Don’t Be Found Guilty of “Reckless Cycling”
Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 3.12.570 states that any person operating a bicycle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless cycling. Suffice to say, don’t ride a bike if you wouldn’t drive, look out for pedestrians and generally conduct yourself in a respectable manner and you should be okay.