A Few Reminders Before you Hit the Road with your Bicycle Trailer...

What law states about bicycle riders and about the required equipment for bicycles...
Section 21200(a) of the California Vehicle Code states that persons riding a bicycle have the same rights and are subject to the same provisions as someone driving a car.

You are required to have a wheel brake that is capable of skidding the bike on a level, dry, paved surface. Some of the newer bikes that do not have any kind of braking system, it seems. Not a good choice for riding in the roadway. The handlebar height cannot be above the shoulders of the rider. The operator of the bike must be able to reach the ground with one foot and support the bike in an upright position. Also, bicycles must be equipped with lighting if they will be used during the hours of darkness.

Section 21202(a) of the vehicle code states that if a bicyclist is too slow for the normal flow of traffic, they must stay as close to the right edge of the roadway as possible. The exceptions to this are when you are passing a slower cyclist, preparing the make a left turn, or avoiding a hazard in the roadway.

Section 212008 requires the cyclist to stay in the designated bike lane if there is one. Section 21650.1 requires that you ride in the same direction as the other vehicles on the roadway. In other words, you cannot ride against the flow of traffic. And if you think that you can have a drink and just ride your bike home, think again. Section 21200.5 makes it a misdemeanor to do so.

Persons under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet. The helmet has to be fastened on the head and be of a proper fit. That helmet also has to meet ANSI, ASTM, or Snell standards. This law also applies to children in bicycle trailer seats and being towed in an attached bicycle trailer. For adults the helmet is not required, but I would seriously consider wearing one if you are going to ride on the streets next to fast-moving cars. A helmet could prevent serious injury in the event of a traffic collision.

Pulling kids in bicycle trailers is fun for both parents and children, many of us love it!
Bicycles are great fun and a great way to get around!
Just remember to follow the rules and do it safely!

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