Originally Posted by
ROJA
Is that true? People often say so, but I would actually like a real answer to that question in California (if you have a good citation to the CVC).
Thanks.
Here is a good summary that cites the actual law. If you want to read the actual wording of the law, just copy the cvc into findlaw.com.
http://www.bikelink.com/law_safety.htm
Duty of Bicycle Operator: Operation On Roadway. VC 21202
a) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at such time shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations:- When overtaking and passing another bicycle or motor vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
- When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
- When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions (including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes) that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge. For purposes of this section, a "substandard width lane" is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
In other words, you can only be abreast if you are in the act of passing the other bicycle. Otherwise you must ride as close to the right edge as practical. Riding side by side without passing is not riding as close to the right edge as practical and is in violation of the law.