California Bicycle Helmet Law

Whether riding to work or just for fun, biking is an economical way to get around and a great way to enjoy the outdoors. It also provides numerous health benefits. But it’s important to be aware of the laws that apply to cyclists. While there are no federal bike helmet laws, California does mandate that certain riders wear bike helmets, as well as other other laws to keep cyclists safe on the road. As bicycle accident lawyers, we believe bicycle helmets are a critical part of road safety. 

It’s important to know that California’s bicycle helmet laws differ from the state’s motorcycle helmet laws. Although both bicycles and motorcycles are classified as “vehicles,” only motorcyclists and their passengers are required to wear helmets. Let’s get into why most bicyclists are not required to wear a helmet and other bicycle laws in California.

What Are the California Bicycle Helmet Laws?

1. Under California bicycle helmet laws, anyone under the age of 18 is required to wear a helmet while riding or operating a bicycle, non-motorized scooter, roller skates or skateboard. The helmet must be properly fitted and worn on the head, with the straps buckled securely. Those under the age of 18 may ride without a bicycle helmet only on private property. 
2. Riders aged 18 and older are not required to wear a bicycle helmet while riding a bike. 
3. There is a $25 fine for riding without a bike helmet when one is required. However, California gives the parent or legal guardian of the minor the option to avoid a fine by owning an approved helmet and proving completion of a local bicycle safety course.

Some local areas in California have stricter rules when it comes to bicycle helmet laws. If you ride your bike in Bidwell Park, Chico, or El Cerrito, you need to wear a helmet regardless of your age. This applies to everyone who bikes in these areas, even if you don’t live there or are just visiting. If you don’t wear a helmet, you could receive a $25 fine.

According to one study, nearly 70% of cyclists oppose a mandatory helmet law, citing the aesthetic and comfortability of helmets, as well as the perceptions from other cyclists.

Additional Bicycle Laws

While the California bike helmet laws only apply to minors, there are a number of other bicycle laws that all cyclists must follow. These laws include: 

1. Follow all traffic laws

Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. This means that bicyclists must follow the same traffic laws as motorists, including stopping at red lights and stop signs, and yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks.

2. Ride with traffic

Bicyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic. This means that they should ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as cars.

3. Use hand signals

Bicyclists must use hand signals to indicate turns and stops. This helps motorists to anticipate the bicyclist’s movements. 

4. Use lights at night

Cyclists must have a white headlight and a red tail light or rear reflector visible from 100 feet away when riding at night.

5. Obey speed limits

Cyclists are subject to the same speed limits as motorists.

6. Don’t ride on sidewalks

In most cases, it is illegal for cyclists to ride on sidewalks. However, there are some exceptions, such as when the sidewalk is designated as a public bicycle path.

7. Do not cover both ears

Bicyclists are not allowed to wear headphones or earphones in both ears while riding. However, they may have one earbud in their ear.

As of January 1, 2023, California made a few changes to its existing bicycle laws. According to the California DMV, drivers are now required to change lanes where possible when overtaking cyclists. This new law supports the “Three Feet for Safety Act” that requires motorists to give at least three feet of clearance when passing cyclists. Another change removes the statewide ban on Class 3 electric bikes from using bicycle paths, trails, bikeways, and bicycle lanes. Finally, taking effect on January 1, 2024, cyclists will be allowed to cross an intersection when a walk sign is on. 

Why You Should Wear a Bicycle Helmet

Although wearing a properly fitted bike helmet is not required by law if you’re over 18, it is still highly recommended to protect against serious injuries. A helmet can prevent or reduce the severity of head injuries that can result from a collision with a car, another bike, or the pavement. Studies show that wearing a helmet can reduce the odds of suffering a head injury by 51%, a serious head injury by 69%, and a fatal head injury by 65%. 

But wearing a helmet is not enough. You also need to wear it correctly. A helmet should be the right size and shape for your head, and it should be adjusted to fit snugly and securely. It should cover most of your forehead and not move around when you shake your head. The straps should be fastened under your chin, forming a V-shape around your ears. You should be able to open your mouth wide without feeling any pressure on your throat. A helmet that is too big or too small can lose its effectiveness and cause discomfort.

If You Were Injured In a Bicycle Accident

Even if you are an experienced rider, accidents can happen unexpectedly, and the consequences can be devastating. Over 130,000 cyclists are injured in crashes in the U.S. every year. If you were injured in an accident while not wearing a bicycle helmet, you could face an uphill battle when it comes to pursuing compensation. California is a pure “comparative negligence” state, which means that a plaintiff can recover damages even if he or she was partially responsible for the accident. However, the settlement will be reduced according to the percentage of fault. In cases where a cyclist was not wearing a helmet, the defendant may not take responsibility for the accident and injuries. 

If you were involved in a bicycle accident with or without a properly fitted bicycle helmet, it’s important to seek strong legal representation to advocate for you. Our Orange County bicycle accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Daniel Kim are experienced in obtaining maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Call us at (800) 719-9779 or send us a message online to set up a free consultation.