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Although there are certain laws in California for all bicycle riders, there are also city laws that provide additional regulations. In Santa Barbara, for example, you cannot ride a bicycle on any sidewalks; instead, you may only ride in the street and where permitted by other signs and traffic signals. People on skateboards, roller skates, and in-line skates are even more restricted. They are not allowed on public streets and many specific sidewalks; violation of these laws may result in a costly ticket.
General California Regulations
Certain laws and regulations for bicycles are set at a state level and are generally the same throughout California, unless amended by city laws. This includes the fact that anyone on a bicycle should act as though they were driving a vehicle, which means you have to ride your bike in the same direction as traffic and you are not allowed to dart and weave between cars while on a bicycle.
Bike riders are allowed to take up a full lane when it is safe to do so, but must pull over to allow five or more vehicles to pass as necessary.
Santa Barbara Bicycle Laws
In Santa Barbara, it is illegal to ride a bicycle on a sidewalk, which means you must always keep on roads or in “sharrow” lanes specifically marked for bicycle use. In addition to this, all bicycles in Santa Barbara must be registered and issued a license by the city. Failure to have registration can result in a fine and may cause the bike to be impounded, which will require payment of an additional fee to retrieve the vehicle. The one exception to this is for people riding on rented bicycles; they do not have to have registration, though the business that owns the bicycles must register them.
Skateboards and Roller Skates
Skateboards, roller skates, and in-line skates cannot be ridden on any street in Santa Barbara nor used in “sharrow” lanes that are only for motor vehicles and bicycles. In addition to this, certain city sidewalks cannot be used by anyone using one of these devices. These include the area downtown bounded by Sola Street on the north, Santa Barbara Street on the east, Cabrillo Boulevard on the south, and Chapala Street on the west. Skaters are not allowed on certain sidewalks adjacent to the Santa Barbara Harbor and along Coast Village Road, public parks, and other areas with posted signs prohibiting skateboards and roller skates.
If you were walking on the sidewalk and struck by bicycle, skateboard, roller-skates, or in-line skates in Santa Barbara, call NordstrandBlack PC today at (805) 962-2022 to discuss your case.