Rules of the Road

More information see California Vehicle Code 21208 and 21201 and visit SLO City’s Bike Routes page for local laws and regulations.

Bikeway Facility Definitions

Class I: Bike path that provides a completely separated facility designated for the exclusive use of bicycles and pedestrians with motorist cross-flows minimized. Regional examples that SLOCOG has worked with the jurisdictions to build include Bob Jones Bike Path and Santa Maria River Bridge Bike Path. 

Class II: Bike lane that provides a restricted right-of-way designated for the exclusive or semi-exclusive use of bicycles with travel by motor vehicles or pedestrians prohibited.  Cross-flows by pedestrians and motorists are permitted with the lane. Regional examples that SLOCOG has worked with every jursidiction in our region to create more Class II bike lanes. 

Class III: Bike route that provides a right-of-way designated by bike route signs and is shared with motorists. These routes provide direct routes for commuting and/or continuous link between Class I and II bikeways. Class III bikeways may or may not provide striped shoulders or a wide curb lane. A good example of a Class III bike route in our region is Hwy 1. 

Sharrows: A Class III design that aims to improve cyclists’ and motorists’ understanding of the rights of bicyclists in the bikeway and clearly identifies the safest place in the route to ride through shared lane markings.

Bicycle Boulevard: An existing road/street that is prioritized for bicyclists by limiting vehicular travel. 

Vehicle vs. Bicycle Accidents & Injuries

What to do immediately

  1. If you are in pain, do not move. You can injure yourself more.

  2. Call 911 or ask someone else nearby to do so.

  3. Get the driver’s information including license plate, contact information, and insurance information.

  4. File a police report to document the incident. Police are REQUIRED to create a report if there are injuries reported.

    **You will NEED a police report in order to seek compensation for medical bills. Do NOT take minor injuries lightly- go to the hospital immediately or visit a doctor soon after the incident.

    After you’ve dealt with these immediate steps:

  5. Contact your local City Council or County Board of Supervisors. Tell your story and make the case for better cycling infrastructure.

  6. Contact Bike SLO County- we have legal resources to share with you and are here to help. Use the form here to contact us!

Reporting a Close Call or Dangerous Interaction

If you experience an aggressive driver while riding, you can use the Close Call Database, a crowd-sourced website where riders can report dangerous drivers.