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Bicycle Safety in Pasadena: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

James R. Doyle, Esq.
Feb 274 min read
Red bike, yellow background, with white light beam. Text reads "BE SAFE. BIKE SMART." Mood is safety-focused and instructive.

Pasadena, with its tree-lined streets and extensive bike lanes, is a cyclist-friendly city. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or cycling for leisure, understanding your rights and responsibilities is essential to ensure safety and compliance with local laws. California law protects bicyclists, but it also holds them accountable for following traffic regulations.


This article outlines key bicycle safety tips, legal advice for cyclists in Pasadena, and resources for further education. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, Doyle Accident & Personal Injury Attorneys is here to help. Call (626) 737-0036 for a free consultation with an experienced attorney.


Bicycle Safety Tips for Pasadena Cyclists

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or new to biking in Pasadena, following these safety tips can help prevent accidents and injuries:

1. Always Wear a Helmet

A brown bike with a black halmet hanging in one of the bikes handle bars

While California law only requires cyclists under 18 to wear helmets (California Vehicle Code § 21212), wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of head injuries. Choose a CPSC-certified helmet and ensure it fits snugly.

Example: In a recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), helmets reduced the risk of serious head injuries by 60%.


2. Follow Traffic Laws

Bicycles are legally considered vehicles in California, meaning cyclists must obey traffic signals, stop signs, and right-of-way rules (CVC § 21200).

Example: Running a red light at a busy Pasadena intersection, such as Colorado Boulevard and Fair Oaks Avenue, could result in a serious accident with motorists or pedestrians.


3. Ride in the Right Direction

Always ride in the same direction as traffic and stay as close to the right-hand curb as possible, except when passing, turning left, or avoiding hazards (CVC § 21202).


4. Be Visible – Use Lights and Reflectors

Silhouette of a person with a bike at night, reflective strips on wheels glowing. City skyline and bridge lights in the blurred background.

Cyclists riding at night must have a white front light visible from at least 300 feet and a red rear reflector (CVC § 21201). Wearing bright clothing and using reflective gear increases visibility.

Example: A Pasadena cyclist riding near Orange Grove Boulevard at night without lights is at a higher risk of being hit by a car making a turn.


5. Use Hand Signals

Hand signals communicate your intentions to motorists and other cyclists, reducing the chance of collisions. California law requires cyclists to use hand signals at least 100 feet before turning or stopping (CVC § 22111).

Cyclist wearing a helmet and backpack signals left on a tree-lined road. Sunlight filters through leaves, creating dappled patterns.

6. Watch for Car Doors ("Dooring" Accidents)

One of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in urban areas is dooring—when a driver or passenger opens a car door into a cyclist's path. Always ride at least three feet away from parked cars when possible.


7. Avoid Sidewalk Riding in Business Districts

While Pasadena allows bicycles on sidewalks in non-business areas, cycling on sidewalks in business districts can lead to fines and accidents with pedestrians (Pasadena Municipal Code 10.60.030).

Example: A cyclist riding on the sidewalk near Old Town Pasadena may collide with pedestrians exiting a shop.


Legal Rights and Responsibilities of Cyclists in Pasadena

Knowing your legal rights can protect you if you’re involved in an accident.

1. Right to the Road

Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists, including the right to use the full lane if necessary for safety (CVC § 21202).


2. Right to a Safe Passing Distance

Child cycling on a tree-lined street with a pink backpack. Text reads "1.5M" with a yellow arrow indicating safe passing distance.

California’s Three Feet for Safety Act (CVC § 21760) requires motorists to leave at least three feet of space when passing a cyclist.

Example: If a driver on Lake Avenue passes too closely and hits a cyclist, the driver may be held liable for the accident.


3. Legal Recourse After an Accident

If a motorist causes a bicycle accident, the injured cyclist can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.


4. Hit-and-Run Accidents

California law treats hit-and-run accidents involving cyclists the same as those involving cars. If a driver leaves the scene, it is a criminal offense (CVC § 20002).


What to Do If You Are in a Bicycle Accident

If you are injured in a bicycle accident in Pasadena, take these steps:

  1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance.

  2. Document the Scene – Take photos of your injuries, the vehicle, and any road hazards.

  3. Obtain Witness Information – Eyewitness statements can support your claim.

  4. Do Not Admit Fault – Avoid discussing blame at the scene.

  5. Seek Medical Attention – Even minor injuries should be evaluated.

  6. Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney – A lawyer can help you file a claim and seek fair compensation.


    Woman in orange shirt sits injured on road next to fallen bicycle, holding her knee. Helmet and cars in background, mood is pained.

Call for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Pasadena, Doyle Accident & Personal Injury Attorneys is here to protect your rights. Our experienced attorneys can help you seek compensation and hold negligent drivers accountable.


📞 Call (626) 737-0036 today for a free consultation.

Stay safe, ride responsibly, and know your rights on the road.


Resources for Further Research

For more information on bicycle laws and safety in Pasadena, visit:

 
 
 

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