Sacramento County, CA Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 10.12.010, County Code
- On roadway
- Same duties as vehicle driver
- Sidewalk riding
- Only on posted county bike routes
- Sidewalk yield rule
- Must yield to pedestrians
Summary
Bicyclists on Sacramento County roads have the same rights and duties as motor vehicle drivers, and may ride on a sidewalk only where the county has posted it as part of the designated bike route system.
Every person riding a bicycle, or riding or driving an animal upon a highway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this title, except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application.
b. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (a) of this section, any person may ride a bicycle on a sidewalk which is designated by the Director as a part of the County bike route system and which is identified for such use by appropriate signs giving notice thereof. A bicyclist using a sidewalk as authorized by this subdivision shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian using the sidewalk. (Ord. 703 § 31, 1960; SCC 139 § 1, 1973)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4941150; v18 updated 2026-05-19).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 10.12.010(a) gives bicyclists on county highways the same rights and subjects them to the same duties as drivers of motor vehicles under Title 10, except provisions that by nature can't apply to a bike. Subsection (b) is the only sidewalk exception: a rider may use a sidewalk only where the Director has designated it part of the County bike route system and posted signs, and must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians there. Riding a bike on an unposted sidewalk, or ignoring that yield duty, breaks this section.
Violations & Fines
Riding on a sidewalk not posted as part of the County bike route system, or failing to yield to pedestrians on a posted bike-route sidewalk, violates § 10.12.010 and is enforceable under Title 10's general traffic penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride my bike on any sidewalk in unincorporated Sacramento County?
What rules apply when I'm riding on the road?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento County
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