More people are driving distracted today than ever because of the use of cell phones.  This makes the roadways particularly dangerous for cyclists.  The most dangerous intersections in San Diego (based on number of accidents) do not have bike lanes.  As such, many neighborhoods in San Diego (such as North Park and Encinitas) are adding new bike lanes to improve cyclist safety. 

However, not all bike lane designs are as effective as others.  Fully colored bike lanes are more effective than simply re-striping, and painting bike lanes is relatively inexpensive.  Bike lanes of a different color reduce bicycle accidents by providing a clearer definition between bike lanes and car lanes.

Paint, however, will not stop a collision.  Protected bike lanes separated from traffic by grade separations or other physical barriers are the safest of all – not only for cyclists, but for everyone on the road.

Benefits of Protected Bike Lanes

An extensive, 13-year study showed a dramatic decrease in road fatalities for all road users on streets which had protected bike lanes.  This means that protected bike lanes not only keep cyclists safer, but they also keep everyone on the road (such as drivers and pedestrians) safer as well.  Protected bike lanes slow car traffic speeds, which leads to fewer fatalities and better road-safety outcomes for all users.

San Diego is a Vision Zero city, which means that it has committed to eliminating traffic deaths and serious accidents by 2025.  Installing protected bike lanes at major intersections would be a major step towards accomplishing this goal.  75% of all fatal or severe accidents in San Diego occur at or near intersections.  The most dangerous intersections in San Diego, and those in most immediate need of protected bike lanes, are those which:

• Are highly trafficked;
• Have multiple lanes travelling in each direction;
• Have several turning lanes going in multiple directions; and
• Have no bike lanes or small bike lanes.

Protected bike lanes have other benefits in addition to road safety.  The Federal Highway Administration Bicycle and Pedestrian program evaluated this issue and concluded that separated bike lanes can:

• Provide a more comfortable experience for less skilled riders;
• Improve access to destinations such as schools, jobs, health care facilities, and essential services;
• Enhance access to public transportation, for example by helping to solve the first/last mile challenge;
• Improve access to employment opportunities, especially for those without access to a private automobile; and
• Provide a linkage between regional trail systems.

As such, San Diego can reduce traffic accidents and improve the overall flow of traffic by installing protected bike lanes at major intersections as part of its Vision Zero Strategic Plan.

Tips For Riding Safely in San Diego

Riding your bike is a great way to get exercise, save money, avoid traffic and parking delays, and protect the environment.  Following these tips will help you stay safe while cycling:

• Wear a helmet.
• Take routes with bike lanes whenever possible.
• Avoid busy streets and busy intersections with no bike lanes. 
• Take the least trafficked routes whenever possible.
• Always use front and rear lights when riding at night (required by law)
• Wear visible clothing (bright/reflective).
• Do not wear headphones while riding your bike.
• Use hand signals to indicate turns.
• Avoid distractions like your phone or music.
• Make sure the bike works properly (tires have air, chain is engaged, brakes function).
• Always be aware of your surroundings (vehicles, pedestrians, environment).
• Avoid riding in low visibility conditions — poor lighting, heavy fog, or rain.
• Follow all traffic laws.

San Diego Bicycle Traffic Laws

Bicycle riders must obey the same rules as cars, including stopping at stop signs and red lights.  In addition, there are cyclist-specific laws designed to keep cyclists safe.  San Diego’s bicycle laws include:

• Helmets: Anyone under 18 years old must wear a helmet while riding a bike.  (CVC 21212)
• Drugs/Alcohol: Bicycle riders cannot be under the influence of alcohol or any other drug. (CVC 21200.5)
• Right side: Cyclists must travel on the right side of the roadway in the direction of traffic.  (CVC 21650). 
• Close to curb: Cyclists must travel as close to the curb as possible. (CVC 21202)
• Bike lanes: Cyclists must use bike lanes whenever possible. (CVC 21208)
• Clear path: No one may stop on or park a bicycle on a bicycle path. (CVC 21211)
• Sidewalks: Each city in San Diego County regulates sidewalk riding slightly differently.
• Freeways: Bicycles (including motorized bicycles) may not be ridden on freeways. (CVC 21960, SDMC 84.06)
• Hand signals: Cyclists must use hand signals to indicate turns.  (CVC 22108, CVC 22111)
• Lights: Cyclists must use lights while riding at night.  (CVC 21201(d), CVC 21201(e))
• Headphones: Bicyclists may not wear earplugs or headphones in both ears. Hearing aids are allowed. (CVC 27400)
• Carrying items: Bicyclists may not carry items which keep them from using at least one hand on the handlebars. (CVC 21205)
• Pedestrians: Bicyclists must yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections.   (CVC 21950)
• Passengers: Cyclists cannot carry a passenger unless a permanent and regularly attached passenger seat exists. (CVC 21204)
• Electric bikes: Low speed electric bikes (top assisted speed of 20 mph) are allowed wherever regular bikes are allowed unless specifically prohibited. (CA AB-1096)

Bicycle Accident Injury Attorney

Bicycle accidents involving cars are often severe and include brain and spine injuries.  Other common bike accident injuries include broken bones, injuries to the face and eyes, internal organ damage and lacerations.  Such injuries can be lasting and permanent and affect every aspect of a person’s life. 

Bicycle accidents raise technical legal issues which require specific knowledge of both the law and the medical issues involved.  If you were injured in a bicycle accident through no fault of your own, it is best to contact an experienced bicycle accident lawyer without delay in order to best preserve your legal rights.

Sources

City of San Diego, Vision Zero

City of San Diego, Vision Zero Strategic Plan, Page 10

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, Bicycle and Pedestrian Program, Separated Bike Lane Planning and Design Guide

California Legislative Information, California Vehicle Code §21201

California Legislative Information, California Vehicle Code §21212

California Legislative Information, California Vehicle Code §21200.5

California Legislative Information, California Vehicle Code §21650

California Legislative Information, California Vehicle Code §21202

California Legislative Information, California Vehicle Code §21208

California Legislative Information, California Vehicle Code §21211

California Legislative Information, California Vehicle Code §21960

San Diego Municipal Code, Article 4: Miscellaneous Driving Rules, Division 0: §84.06(b)

California Legislative Information, California Vehicle Code §22108

California Legislative Information, California Vehicle Code §22111

California Legislative Information, California Vehicle Code §27400

California Legislative Information, California Vehicle Code §21205

California Legislative Information, California Vehicle Code §21950

California Legislative Information, California Vehicle Code §21204

California Legislative Information, California Assembly Bill No. 1096