Are Bike Lights Required by Law?
Yes, according to California Vehicle Code §21201-d, you must meet the requirements below while riding at night:
(1) You must have a lamp that shines a white light able to illuminate the highway/road/sidewalk while the bike is moving. This light must be visible from 300 feet in front and from the sides of the bike. You can wear this light on your helmet instead of placing it on your bike.
(2) You must have a red reflector or solid/flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear of the bike that can be seen from at least 500 feet away when the bike is in front of a car’s headlights.
(3) Both bike pedals, shoes, or ankles must have a white or yellow reflector that can be seen from the front or rear of the bike from 200 feet away.
(4) Bikes are also required to have white or yellow reflectors on the front-center side of the bike and one red or white reflector on the back-center side of the bike. You can ignore this rule if your bike tires already have reflectors.
What Additional Things Can I do to Avoid an Accident at Night
Do not wear clothing that is red, black, gray, or blue because these colors do not stand out in the dark. Instead, opt for bright, reflective clothing to make it even easier for others to see you. Neon yellow or bright green are the best clothing choices. Additionally, reflective materials will catch the light of oncoming traffic, making your presence very obvious.
If you usually wear sunglasses when cycling, invest in a pair of clear protective glasses for night rides. These will keep the wind out of your eyes. This way, you can see clearly without obscuring your vision with tinting.
By riding in a paceline, cyclists can reduce wind drag by as much as 50%. Hiring a lawyer should work the same way, reducing friction and making your life easier.
If you’ve been injured on your bike and need legal help, I am here to work with you and take on the headwinds of your legal troubles. Let’s go further together. Reach out with a brief description of your legal issue and the best way to contact you.
kyle@pacelinelaw.com (510) 735-6804
