Important Changes are Pending for California Bicyclists & Pedestrians

There is some important news pending out of Sacramento.

California lawmakers have submitted two bills that could change the rules of the road for bicyclists and pedestrians.

The first has to do with stop signs. Currently, California Vehicle Code Section 21200 requires bicyclists to stop at stop signs. That’s because the law considers a bicycle the same as a “vehicle” traveling on the roadway.

The bill we’re referring to seeks to change this. It’s goal is to create an exception, whereby a bicyclist would not need to come to a complete stop at stop signs. Rather, under the revision, all cyclists would need to yield to oncoming traffic and then proceed through the stop sign.

The second bill has to do with jaywalking. Lawmakers essentially want to legalize it. This is more controversial, and many think it could lead to more pedestrian accidents. Critics say it should not be a crime to cross the street. We all know this is an oversimplification of the issue.

We’ll keep you posted on whether Governor Newsom signs these pending bills into law. In the meantime, bicyclists are still required to stop at stop signs, and jaywalking is still illegal. But if you have questions about your rights or responsibilities as a California bicyclist, here’s a valuable resource for you.

And the Rabbi Lawyer is an even better resource! I’m available to assist, 24/6.