Ventura Municipal Code Ch. 16.340 Bicycle Lanes

For the purposes of this chapter:

“Bicycle lane” means a lane within the roadway designated by signs and/or markings for the operation of bicycles.

“Bicyclist” means a person riding a bicycle as defined by Section 231 of the Vehicle Code of the state of California.

“Class I bike lane” means a separate right-of-way designated for exclusive use of bicycles and pedestrians with cross flows by motorists minimized.

“Class II bike lane” means a restricted right-of-way designated for exclusive or semiexclusive use of bicycles with through traffic by motor vehicles or pedestrians prohibited. Vehicle parking and cross flow is permitted.

“Class III bike lane” means a right-of-way designated by signs or permanent markings and shared with pedestrians and motorists.

“Electrically powered bicycle” means 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 level ground; and

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 (see California Vehicle Code Section 406(b)). (Code 1971, § 7641.1; Ord. No. 99-26, § 2, 9-27-99)

A. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, bicyclists must ride their bicycles within bicycle lanes whenever such lanes are provided on roadways. Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to preclude the riding of a bicycle upon any sidewalk.

B. When using a bicycle lane, bicyclists shall ride in a single file except when the bicycle lane is more than five feet in width, in which case bicyclists may ride two or more abreast when prudent and reasonable under the traffic conditions then existing.

C. When riding in a bicycle lane, bicyclists shall ride in the same direction that motor vehicles in the adjacent lanes are traveling.

D. Bicyclists may leave a bicycle lane when:

1. Entering public or private property and street intersections.

2. Passing parked vehicles or other bicyclists.

3. Avoiding broken glass, debris or other obstructions in the bicycle lane.

E. Left Turns.

1. At street intersections: cyclists may use left-turn lanes to make left turns whenever such use is reasonable and prudent under the traffic conditions then existing. When traffic conditions then existing render the use of left-turn lanes by the cyclists hazardous or unreasonable, the cyclists shall cross the given intersection and, once across, shall stop and shall then turn left and proceed with the flow of cross traffic across the street, staying near the right-hand edge of the roadway.

2. At other than street intersections: bicyclists may leave the bicycle lane and cross the traffic lanes of a street for the purpose of making a left turn into public or private property whenever it is reasonable and prudent to do so under the traffic conditions then existing.

F. A motor vehicle may be operated in a bicycle lane only when:

1. Executing right or left turns in bicycle lanes in those areas of the lane that are marked by a broken line painted on the pavement.

2. Entering or leaving private or public property which is separated from the regular traffic lanes by a bicycle lane.

3. It is being parked in or removed from an area where parking is permitted within a bicycle lane.

G. No motorists shall encroach upon or across a bicycle lane as permitted by this section except after yielding the right-of-way to all bicycles within the lane and near enough to constitute an immediate hazard.

H. Maintenance and emergency vehicles may use bicycle lanes whenever necessary. (Code 1971, § 7641.2)

A. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no person or persons shall operate a motor-powered vehicle or device in a bicycle lane which is specifically marked for bicycle travel and use.

B. No bicyclist shall ride a bicycle at a speed greater than that which is reasonable and prudent under the traffic conditions then existing.

C. No bicyclist shall park a bicycle upon a street or sidewalk in a manner which obstructs pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

D. No bicyclist shall operate a bicycle in a reckless manner or in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of other persons or property.

E. No person operating a bicycle shall fail to obey any official traffic control device applicable to them unless otherwise directed by a police officer or traffic officer.

F. The operator of any bicycle shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian within a sidewalk, bicycle lane, marked crosswalk, or any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except as otherwise provided herein.

G. The provisions of this chapter shall not relieve a motor vehicle operator or a pedestrian or a bicyclist from the duty of using due care for their safety.

H. The operator of a bicycle emerging from an alley, driveway or building shall yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians and bicycles approaching on the sidewalk or bicycle lane. (Code 1971, § 7641.3)

Pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 21207.5, or any successor statute or regulation, and despite any other provision in this municipal code to the contrary, electrically powered bicycles may be operated on Class I bicycle lanes. (Ord. No. 99-26, § 3, 9-27-99; Ord. No. 2000-25, § 2, 12-11-00)

Any violation of this chapter shall be an infraction punishable by a fine of not less than $5.00 and not more than $25.00. (Code 1971, § 7641.4)