Can a motorcycle ride in the bike lane in California?

Answer 1

California requires the use of a helmet and allows a single helmet speaker for communications only. There are currently no statues regarding the number of motorcycles allowed in a single lane and no statutes about lane splitting (which is why you will occassionally see a motorcyclist cruising between cars during rush hour traffic).

Answer 2

so from what i understand from what the law says...specificaly 21209 (b) you might be able to ride a <50 cc pocket bike in a bike lane

Well here's what California says...

Motorized bicycle and moped are the same. Here's the definition:

406. (a) A "motorized bicycle" or "moped" is any two-wheeled or

three-wheeled device having fully operative pedals for propulsion by

human power, or having no pedals if powered solely by electrical

energy, and an automatic transmission and a motor which produces less

than 2 gross brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the

device at a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on level

ground.

(b) A "motorized bicycle" is also a device that has fully

operative pedals for propulsion by human power and has an electric

motor that meets all of the following requirements:

(1) Has a power output of not more than 1,000 watts.

(2) Is incapable of propelling the device at a speed of more than

20 miles per hour on ground level.

(3) Is incapable of further increasing the speed of the device

when human power is used to propel the motorized bicycle faster than

20 miles per hour.

It appears to be legal, but not required, to operate a moped or motorized bicycle in a bike lane on a roadway.

21209. (a) No person shall drive a motor vehicle in a bicycle lane

established on a roadway pursuant to Section 21207 except as follows:

(1) To park where parking is permitted.

(2) To enter or leave the roadway.

(3) To prepare for a turn within a distance of 200 feet from the

intersection.

(b) This section does not prohibit the use of a motorized bicycle

in a bicycle lane, pursuant to Section 21207.5, at a speed no greater

than is reasonable or prudent, having due regard for visibility,

traffic conditions, and the condition of the roadway surface of the

bicycle lane, and in a manner which does not endanger the safety of

bicyclists.

Operating a moped/motorized bicycle on any path not within or adjacent to a roadway is prohibited.

21207.5. Notwithstanding Sections 21207 and 23127 of this code, or

any other provision of law, no motorized bicycle may be operated on a

bicycle path or trail, bikeway, bicycle lane established pursuant to

Section 21207, equestrian trail, or hiking or recreational trail,

unless it is within or adjacent to a roadway or unless the local

authority or the governing body of a public agency having

jurisdiction over such path or trail permits, by ordinance, such

operation.

There are some other sections mentioned but my post is already too long. www.leginfo.ca.gov (http://www.bikeforums.net/leginfo.ca.gov) is a great place to look up California laws straight from the source.

Answer 3

It is the same as the minimum liability limits for a private passenger auto.Minimum liability insurance requirements for private passenger vehicles

(California Insurance Code §11580.1b)

• $15,000 for injury/death to one person
• $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person
• $5,000 for damage to property

On motorcycles it is very important to consider that higher limits including uninsured motorist coverage may better fit your needs.

Answer 4

had to add comment to get this question on my watchlist, dont know any other way,

Answer 5

I believe if the passenger's feet can reach the passenger footpegs , then they are legal.

Answer 6

yes.......yes it is :D