San Diego Bicycle Master Plan and SDMC §63 set rules for cyclists and motorists around bike lanes. Riding on sidewalks is banned in business districts, helmets are required under 18, and motorists must yield in green-painted bike lanes.
San Diego's Bicycle Master Plan guides Class I-IV bikeway buildout, including separated cycle tracks downtown, on Pershing Drive, and along the Pacific Highway. SDMC §84.0901 prohibits riding bicycles on sidewalks within business districts, while California Vehicle Code §21200 and §21202 set lane-use rules statewide. CVC §21212 mandates helmets for cyclists and passengers under age eighteen. Motorists must give cyclists at least three feet of passing distance under CVC §21760 and must yield when entering a bike lane to turn or park. SDMC §63 covers parks and recreation rules, including park and beach paths where dismounting may be required during peak hours.
Sidewalk riding in business districts is an infraction under SDMC §84.0901 with fines around two hundred dollars. CVC infractions including no helmet, missing lights at night, and three-foot passing violations carry standard state base fines plus county surcharges.
See how San Diego's bike lane rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.