MODESTO—It’s no secret that Modesto is a friendly and diverse city nestled in the heart of California. Modesto’s Chamber of Commerce describes the community as having “old-world charm and traditional values.” The city also offers great recreational assets, including miles and miles of bicycle and pedestrian trails for folks to explore. There are also four bikeway types you can enjoy using throughout the city, featuring bike paths, bike lanes, bike routes and cycle tracks.
Modesto Bicycle Regulations
Before you hop on your bike and go, there are important bicycle laws in Modesto to be aware of. For example, you need to get a bicycle license to ride on any street in the city, according to the Code of Ord. Title 3, Chapter. 3-3.02. The fee is $3, and you can obtain your license at the Modesto Police Department on Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A bicycle license shall be affixed to the frame of each bicycle. The code adds that a corresponding registration card shall be issued to each licensee upon payment of the fee.
Bicycle Safety Laws
Riding a bike can be part of a fun and healthy lifestyle, but safety should always be a priority.
Did you know that more than 100 bicyclists are killed and over 10,000 are injured in collisions across California annually?
It’s essential to follow the rules of the road and to protect yourself while riding. Under California law, all bicycle riders under 18 must wear a bicycle helmet while riding on public roads.
If you ride your bicycle at night, there are laws for that, also. For example, the CA Motor Vehicle Department states that proper equipment is required, including a front lamp emitting a white light; a rear red reflector or a solid or flashing red light; a white or yellow reflector on each pedal or on the bicyclist’s shoes or ankles; and a white or yellow reflector on the front wheel and a white or red reflector on the rear wheel.
Under 3-3.12, a bicycle licensed in Modesto may be operated on all the streets, alleys and public ways of the city. However, no bicycle shall be operated on the sidewalk area in any business district as defined in the California Vehicle Code.
Another general California law for bicyclists that applies to Modesto is riding “with” traffic. That means being on the right side of the roadway in the direction of traffic, except when passing, making a legal left turn, riding on a one-way street, riding on a very narrow road or when the right side of the road is closed because of road construction.
Bicycle riders in Modesto, California, have the same rights as motor vehicle drivers, but that also comes with the same amount of responsibility. You too must be alert and obey all traffic laws. For instance:
Bicyclists may not wear earplugs in both ears or a headset covering both ears. Hearing aids are permitted.
Bicyclists may not ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks or unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
Bicyclists can use a handheld cell phone while riding, unlike motorists.
Conclusion
Riding a bike is great exercise and lets you travel freely throughout your community, but bicycle accidents can happen to anyone. Knowing where you can ride your bicycle is all-important in protecting your legal rights when you are injured in an accident.
There are bicycle-friendly lawyers with the skill and knowledge to represent you should an accident occur and will work hard to achieve a fair outcome for you.
