AB 1909

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Existing law generally regulates the operation of bicycles upon a highway. A violation of these provisions, generally, is punishable as an infraction. (1) Existing law prohibits the operation of a motorized bicycle or a class 3 electric bicycle on a bicycle path or trail, bikeway, bicycle lane, equestrian trail, or hiking or recreational trail, as specified. Existing law authorizes a local authority to additionally prohibit the operation of class 1 and class 2 electric bicycles on these facilities. This bill would remove the prohibition of class 3 electric bicycles on these facilities and would instead authorize a local authority to prohibit the operation of any electric bicycle or any class of electric bicycle on an equestrian trail, or hiking or recreational trail. The bill would also authorize the Department of Parks and Recreation to prohibit the operation of an electric bicycle or any class of electric bicycle on any bicycle path or trail within the department's jurisdiction. (2) Existing law requires a vehicle at an intersection controlled by a traffic control signal, or traffic light, to stop or proceed as directed by the signal. Existing law makes these provisions applicable to pedestrians and bicycles, as specified. Under existing law, a pedestrian facing a solid red traffic control signal may enter the intersection if directed to do so by a pedestrian control signal displaying "WALK" or an approved "walking person" symbol. This bill would, commencing January 1, 2024, extend this authorization to cross the intersection to a bicycle, unless otherwise directed by a bicycle control signal. (3) Existing law requires the driver of a motor vehicle that is passing or overtaking a bicycle to do so in a safe manner, as specified, and in no case at a distance of less than 3 feet. This bill would additionally require a vehicle that is passing or overtaking a vehicle to move over to an adjacent lane of traffic, as specified, if one is available, before passing or overtaking the bicycle. (4) Existing law authorizes a local authority to adopt a bicycle licensing ordinance or resolution, as specified. Existing law authorizes a local authority that has adopted a bicycle licensing ordinance or resolution to prohibit a resident of that jurisdiction to operate a bicycle in a public place within the jurisdiction unless the bicycle is licensed. This bill would instead prohibit a jurisdiction from requiring any bicycle operated within its jurisdiction to be licensed. (5) By changing the existing elements of existing infractions, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason. (6) This bill would incorporate additional changes to Section 21456 of the Vehicle Code proposed by AB 2147 to be operative only if this bill and AB 2147 are both enacted and this bill is enacted last.