Fountain Valley, CA Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)

Fountain Valley Municipal Code § 10.64.055 bans riding a conventional bicycle, electric bicycle, moped, motor-driven cycle, electric motorcycle, pocket bike or any other electric conveyance in an unsafe manner on any publicly owned property, including roadways, highways, sidewalks and parks, and on private property open to the public. The code defines unsafe manner as any act that violates the Fountain Valley Municipal Code, the California Vehicle Code or other existing law, or operating in a way that endangers the rider, a passenger, other motorists, other riders or pedestrians.

The listed examples that touch a bike lane are riding on a sidewalk, highway, bicycle path or bicycle lane against the flow of traffic; intentionally lifting one or more wheels into the air while riding in a bicycle lane; and riding in a bicycle lane, path or sidewalk at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent, or at a speed that endangers people or property. The wheel-lift rule has an exception: a wheel that leaves the ground briefly because of the road surface or other circumstances beyond the rider's control is not a violation. Other listed examples include not obeying posted signs, intentionally swerving or riding around stopped or slowed traffic, and carrying passengers on a conveyance not designed for them. A person under the age of 18 riding without a properly fitted and fastened helmet also counts as riding in an unsafe manner. The code calls these examples, so the offense is not limited to the items named. The section was added by Ord. 1614 dated 10/1/2024.

Separately, § 10.64.020 says a person residing in the city cannot ride any bicycle on a public street, sidewalk, alley, bicycle lane, path or other public property unless it is licensed, the fee is paid, and it bears a bicycle plate. The police department acts as the licensing agency and licenses bicycles only for city residents. Under § 10.64.120 the chief of police and designated representatives enforce the chapter, and § 10.64.100 lets the licensing agency impound a bicycle in violation of the chapter until the chapter is complied with.