Bakersfield, CA Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- BMC § 10.52.020
- Lane authorization basis
- Traffic authority / city engineering survey
- Right-of-way
- Bicycles, when properly in lane
- First-offense fine
- $50 (BMC § 1.40.010)
- Sidewalk restriction
- Central traffic district & Old Town Kern
Summary
Bakersfield Municipal Code § 10.52.020 requires bicycles to stay within established bicycle lanes and gives them the right-of-way over other vehicles when properly in the lane, with lanes set by traffic-authority or city-engineering survey and marked by signs, paint or barriers.
Upon showing of necessity by a survey conducted by the traffic authority and/or the city engineering department, bicycle lanes may be established on any city street where the need exists and no hazard would be created, except on those highways exempted by state law...On any street where a bicycle lane has been established, bicycles shall be restricted to that bicycle lane and shall be required to follow any direction or pavement markings pertaining to the bicycle lane. Bicycles shall have the right-of-way over all other vehicles when properly within the bicycle lane.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 5221, passed July 15, 2026).
Full Breakdown
010, which separately bars bicycles, skates, skateboards and coaster/toy vehicles from sidewalks in the central traffic district and Old Town Kern, and from the steps, landings, entranceways or halls of city hall or other city buildings, except where areas are specifically posted to allow it. 010, which sets infraction fines of $50 for a first violation, $100 for a second within a year, and $250 for each additional violation within that year.
Violations & Fines
Riding outside a marked bicycle lane, failing to follow lane pavement markings, or riding a bicycle, skateboard or skates on a central-district/Old Town Kern sidewalk without posted permission is punishable under BMC § 1.40.010's general infraction schedule: a $50 fine for a first offense, $100 for a second within one year, and $250 for each further violation within that year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Must cyclists stay in a marked bike lane in Bakersfield?
Do bicycles have right-of-way in Bakersfield bike lanes?
What's the penalty for a bike lane violation in Bakersfield?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bakersfield
California rules heatmap·Compare Bakersfield to another location·View the California mobility & curb rules overview
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Bike Lane Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Kern County handle bike lane rules.