Drivers should always pay special attention to the most vulnerable of all roadway users, pedestrians and bicyclists -- they depend on your constant attention and consideration for their safety.

A driver has to do everything possible to protect pedestrians from colliding with a moving motor vehicle. Also, a driver may not stop a motor vehicle unnecessarily in any manner that blocks a marked, or unmarked, crosswalk.

Bicyclists and pedestrians are also bound by traffic laws, pedestrian control signals, and these rules:

	Never cross the street between two intersections, crossing in the middle of the block is much more dangerous than simply walking to the next crosswalk.
	If you are forced to cross the street at a point other than a crosswalk, an intersection, a pedestrian tunnel, or pedestrian overpass, the pedestrian must yield the right-of-way to every other vehicle.
	Use sidewalks whenever available and avoid walking in the street. If there are no sidewalks, walk with the traffic, if attempting to cross the roadway would compromise your safety.
	When crossing at a crosswalk, keep to your right so that everyone using the crosswalk can do so quickly and safely.
	Blind, partially blind, or disabled persons may carry a white cane while walking.  It is illegal for anyone else to display such a cane on public streets or highways.
	No person may stand in the roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride, contributions, or business.
	Never suddenly walk or run into the street. It may be impossible for an oncoming driver to avoid hitting you.
	Pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as motor vehicles, are prohibited from crossing a railroad or rail transit-crossing gate while the gate is closed.

Bicycle riders on the public streets have the same rights and responsibilities as all other vehicle operators. Bicyclists should always obey all traffic laws, signals and signs, as well as:  

	Never ride against the flow of traffic.
	Stop at all stop signs and red lights.
	Always ride as far to the right as possible.

Bicyclists legally may make left turns from the left lanes as well as move left to avoid parked vehicles, and to pass other vehicles or bicycles.

When driving near or behind a bicycle, expect that the rider may have to swerve suddenly to avoid a car door opening or uneven pavement.

Required Bicycle Safety Equipment

California Law requires all riders under 18 years of age to wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet whenever they are on the road.  This helmet must be labeled to show that it meets applicable safety standards.  Violation of this law is punishable by a fine.

All bicycle passengers under 18 must also wear helmets, including children in attached bicycle seats or in towed trailers.

All bicyclists are required by law to have reflectors on their bikes and are expected to wear bright or reflective clothing at night.

California law requires all persons under 18 years of age to wear a properly-fitted and fastened bicycle helmet while operating a bicycle or riding upon a bicycle as a passenger, operating a non-motorized scooter or skateboard, wearing in-line or roller skates, or while riding upon a non-motorized scooter or skateboard as a passenger.

By CVC 21204, all bicycles must have a permanent and regular seat attached for the operator, unless the bicycle was designed by the manufacturer to be ridden without a seat. 

An operator must not allow a person riding as a passenger, and a person may not ride as a passenger, on a bicycle other than upon or astride a separate seat attached to the bicycle. If the passenger is four years of age or younger, or weighs 40 pounds or less, the seat shall have adequate provision for retaining the passenger in place and for protecting the passenger from the moving parts of the bicycle.

Bicycle Lanes

A solid white line along either side of the street, four or more feet from the curb, marks a bicycle lane. This line will usually become a broken, or dashed line near intersections.

Do not drive in a bike lane unless you are making a right turn at a corner or other entrance, such as a driveway.  If you are, drive your vehicle into the bike lane no more than 200 feet from the entrance or corner before your turn. 

Watch for bikes before entering the bike lane. 

Pedestrians are not allowed in bike lanes when there are sidewalks.  Drivers of motorized bicycles should use bike lanes carefully to avoid accidents with bicycle riders.  

You may usually park your vehicle in the bike lane unless signs say "No Parking."