Is it illegal to ride a unicycle in public streets?

Question

I was taking drivers ed online, and there are all sorts of rules for cyclists like, when carrying a package, you must have at least one hand on the handle bars. And also, well.. here are the exact words.

All bicycles operating on a roadway must have a brake that will “make a braked wheel skid on dry, level clean pavement" (§VC 21201 (a)).

The handlebars on a bicycle must be set at a height that allows the rider to grasp them below the height of his/her shoulders.

Does that mean I can't ride my unicycle on public streets? This is my favorite form of transportation, and obviosly...I don't have handlebars. Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

That is definitely a tricky question. I would say as long you could safely ride it (with control of its direction and without falling over) it would be OK to use it. However, it may cause a seen, as drivers are not used to seeing something like that. Thus, I am not sure if that is safe. Maybe if you go on the sidewalks, and not in the bike lane, it may be better.

Answer 2

Obey the bicycle laws, and you'll be fine.

Obviously, you don't need to put handlebars on your unicycle (although, you can take the front fork of a bicycle with the handlebars and use it as an articulated bike). Aside from the physical differences of bicycles and unicycles, treat them the same.

A unicycle is in a class that is not regulated in a category of it's own, and therefore, falls under with bicycles. Don't ride where bicycles are prohibited, wear a helmet, whatever your regulations are.

I've been riding for almost ten years now and haven't had a problem.

If you havn't yet, though, I suggest the front fork/handlebars of a bicycle to add a new element to riding. It makes for some pretty cool reactions when you lift it into the air and people realize it's not a bicycle.

Have fun riding.

Answer 3

You have to have a full fender to cover that wheel in most places.

Answer 4

No offense, but it should be illegal to WANT to ride your unicycle on the street.