San Clemente, CA Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SCMC § 10.62.020
- Lane use
- Must use bike lane where available
- No lane available
- Sidewalk allowed, yield to pedestrians
- Direction rule
- Same direction as vehicle traffic
- Phone use while riding
- Prohibited, § 10.62.020(A)(6)(b)
- Retailer disclosure duty
- 3-year proof retention, § 10.62.040(B)
Summary
San Clemente requires bicycle, e-bike, scooter and skateboard riders to travel with traffic and use a designated bike lane where one exists under Municipal Code Section 10.62.020. Without a bike lane, riders may use sidewalks but must yield to pedestrians and keep a cautious speed.
3.Direction of Travel. The operator of a bicycle, electric bicycle, electric scooter, or electric skateboard shall travel in the same direction as vehicles are required to be driven upon the roadway, regardless of whether or not the operator is in the roadway or in a bike lane. ... 7.Use of Designated Lanes. E-bike operators must use designated bicycle lanes where available. In the absence of a designated bicycle lane, cyclists and e-bike riders are permitted to use sidewalks; however, e-bike operators must yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians and bicycle-riders and maintain a cautious speed that does not endanger pedestrian safety.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Traffic: Supplement 30 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
62 governs electric bicycles and other regulated mobility devices citywide. 020(A)(3) requires the operator of a bicycle, electric bicycle, electric scooter or electric skateboard to travel in the same direction as vehicles are required to be driven on the roadway, whether the operator is riding in the roadway or in a bike lane, meaning riding against traffic in a bike lane is prohibited the same as riding the wrong way in a travel lane. 020(A)(7) then requires e-bike operators to use a designated bicycle lane where one is available; only in the absence of a designated lane may cyclists and e-bike riders move to sidewalks, and even then the rider must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other bicycle riders and maintain a speed that does not endanger anyone walking. 020(A)(6). 130 rather than this chapter. 040(B).
Violations & Fines
Section 10.62.040(C) makes any violation of Chapter 10.62 enforceable under Chapter 1.16 and treats it as a misdemeanor unless the chapter states otherwise, though a violator may instead be required to complete a City-approved safety training class at their own cost, with proof due to Police Services within 90 days. A parent or legal guardian is jointly and severally liable for a minor's violation of these lane rules under Section 10.62.040(A).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the bike lane in San Clemente if one exists?
Can I ride on the sidewalk if there's no bike lane?
Can I ride a bike lane against traffic?
Is texting while riding an e-bike illegal in San Clemente?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Clemente
California rules heatmap·Compare San Clemente to another location·View the California mobility & curb rules overview
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