California Bicycle Law of the Day (CVC 21650)

The California Vehicle Code requires bicycles to ride the same direction as traffic. (CVC 21650)  If a cyclist finds himself or herself on the wrong block of a one-way street, he or she should walk the bicycle (unless sidewalk riding is safe and legal in that municipality).

Riding a bicycle against traffic has been shown to increase the chances of an accident.  In addition, a bicyclist violating this law may receive a traffic citation from an officer.

If a cyclist riding against traffic is injured by the driver of a motor vehicle, the cyclist’s claim for insurance compensation/damages may be reduced or even denied, even if the driver of the motor vehicle was driving negligently/recklessly/unlawfully.