What are the rules for road biking?

Question

i want to start riding my road bike more to save gas, im just concerned for my safety and want to make sure i follow all the biking rules on the road

thanks for any help

I live in California by the way

Answer 1

From CA DMV:

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/about/bicycle.htm

If you currently drive a car, you can practice "vehicular cycling" by adopting the same basic road laws to your cycling.  Personal safety comes with using your common sense and always remembering that not every driver out there cares about your safety or even believes you have a right to use the road.  By riding in a safe, legal, and predictable manner, you lessen the chance of a mishap...AND you present cyclists in a favorable way to motorists.

Take your bike commuting venture in small steps.  Don't jump in all at once.  Make some smaller commutes on roads that aren't so intimidating while you get accustomed to sharing the streets with cars.  Plan routes on less congested roadways and realize the shortest route (the one you will likely take in a car) may not be the best for a bike commute.

I'd recommend investing in a mirror.  I like the Take-A-Look mirror, available in most bike shops.  Mount it to your glasses or your helmet (you wouldn't think of commuting without one, right?).  The ability to watch traffic behind you at any time without constantly turning your head is added comfort, especially with more quiet-running, hybrid cars on the road.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/mirro...

There are also message boards and blogs that focus on bike commuting.  Lots of good information.

Answer 2

1. Use designated bike paths when they are available

2. Follow all the rules of the road as if you are in a car when paths are not available

3. Ride defensively!!!! (ie. be aware of all other traffic around you, because I can guarantee many of them arent watching for you.)

3. Carry extra tubes and tire levers to change flats. (They will occur)

4. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS wear a helmet!!!

5. Have fun!!!!!

Answer 3

the rules are the same as motor vehicles, but DEFENSE is the word.  I also ride in CA, but have also ridden in Ohio, Florida, Australia.  It's the same everywhere.  Most drivers will give you some respect, but not much.  Some will be a******s and honk at you just for being out there breathing their smoke and taking their space.  

I always wear one of those rear view mirrors that clip on your glasses.  I know it might look geaky, but I want to know what's behind me.  One unwritten rule.  Don't make any sudden changes in direction (swerves, lane changes, etc) or speed.  Another-don't ride too close to parked cars.  Always assume that some idiot is going to open their door in front of you.  Your only defense against this is give yourself 3 or 4 feet of space.   I try to "thank" any driver that is patient with me or gives me extra space by giving a friendly wave.  I'm trying to convert them one at a time.  You can help the cause. Good luck and stay alert.

Answer 4

-ride with traffic, not against it

-you might want to use hand signals if you're in traffic

-be aware of drivers who might not see you

-don't use headphones because you need to hear what's going on around you

that should cover it...

Answer 5

Here's the link for the section of the California Vehicle Code dealing with bicycles. http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/tocd...