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

Three sections of the Novato Municipal Code govern bike lane use. Section 18-7.2 is the obstruction rule: no person can stop, stand or park a vehicle on any parkway, bicycle lane, bicycle path or horse trail. The rule has no time allowance and no loading exception in its text.

Section 18-9.4 covers bicycles on pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Subsection (a) says no person can park or operate a bicycle on any pedestrian or bicycle facility contrary to the posted signs and markings. Subsection (b) allows bicycles on sidewalks except where posted otherwise, provided due care is used, and pedestrians have the right-of-way at all times on the sidewalk. Subsection (c) bars unsafe operation, defined as including speed, conditions-inappropriate riding or stunts, in or on any shopping mall, shopping center, parking lot or other private property open to the public where signs are posted; those signs have to be at least 17 x 22 inches, state the prohibited activity and cite the ordinance number.

Section 18-6.2(a) covers wheeled devices: no person can ride a skateboard, in-line skates, scooter, toy vehicle or similar device on any roadway except in designated bike lanes or, where there is no bike lane or sidewalk, on the roadway facing traffic in compliance with Vehicle Code Section 21956.

Bicycle licensing is separate. Section 18-9.1 makes it unlawful for any resident to operate a bicycle or motorized bicycle on a street, road, highway or other public property in the city without a license issued under Division 16.7 of the Vehicle Code. Under §§ 18-9.2 and 18-9.3, the National Bike Registry sets the fee and residents register through it.