Santa Clara County Roads and VTA (Valley Transportation Authority) jointly set bikeway design and operational rules across the county, applying Caltrans Highway Design Manual Chapter 1000 plus the VTA Countywide Bicycle Plan to all Class I, II, III, and IV facilities.
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is the Congestion Management Agency and adopts the Countywide Bicycle Plan, while Santa Clara County Roads and Airports designs and maintains bikeways on county-maintained roads in unincorporated areas. Designs follow Caltrans Highway Design Manual Chapter 1000 and the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, defining Class I (multi-use path), Class II (striped lane), Class III (signed shared route), and Class IV (separated/protected) bikeways. AB-1909 (2023) expanded e-bike access rights on bikeways. Riders must follow California Vehicle Code Sections 21200 et seq.: ride with traffic, signal turns, and use lights at night. Cities maintain their own bike networks separately within city limits.
CVC infractions for wrong-way riding, no lights at night, or running stop signs typically draw $200-400 fines after court fees. Motor vehicles parked or stopped in marked bike lanes face standard parking citations under CVC Section 21211.
See how Santa Clara's bike lane rules rules stack up against other locations.
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