Bike paths in the greater Los Angeles area are divided into "classes" which seem to vary in definition from document to document, but essentially are:[1]
These bike paths are completely uncovered by any warranties as to fitness for safe cycling. This is in direct contrast to ordinary city streets. There are two pieces of case law which establish this clearly, one of them being Prokop v. City of Los Angeles.
It is legal in Los Angeles to ride on sidewalks as long as riders do not show "wanton disregard" for the safety of other sidewalk users. In California, when mounted and riding on the road, cyclists are required to 'behave like vehicles' when it comes to obeying signals, signage, and lane restrictions (see the "California Driver Handbook" for details). In brief: Ride with lane position appropriate to own speed, traffic flow, and destination. For example, in the right third of the lane when traveling slower than other traffic. In the center of the lane when traveling the speed of traffic or at any intersection (e.g., stoplight, stop sign). In the left turn lane when making a left turn.
Contents |
|
|||||