Cyclists have the legal right to share the road with motor vehicles. Technically, a bicycle is a vehicle, although cyclists usually cannot maintain the same speeds that motor vehicles can consistently. However, bicycles don’t have the same robust safety systems that enclosed motor vehicles provide.
Cyclists are at risk on the road in part because drivers don’t watch for them. Drivers who cause bicycle collisions may speed off and leave injured cyclists without medical assistance. Riding with another person can be a smart decision that helps mitigate some of the risks inherent in cycling on public roads.
Cyclists often bike in a single-file line, one immediately following the next. Others may prefer to ride next to each other. Is it legal for cyclists to ride side by side or two abreast in traffic?
State law permits riding two abreast in some cases
Cyclists have to make judgment calls on how they comport themselves in traffic based on circumstances. When it comes to riding single file or two abreast, the ability to keep up with traffic is the main consideration. State traffic statutes require that cyclists stay all the way to the right when they travel at speeds lower than the flow of traffic on a particular road. However, on lower-speed roads, cyclists can potentially ride two abreast without violating the law.
Doing so can be beneficial for a few reasons. One is that drivers are more likely to spot two cyclists next to each other because they create more of an obstacle than a single cyclist all the way to the right. Cyclists also don’t have to worry about drivers swerving toward them or encroaching on their space while sharing the same lane if they ride two abreast. Unfortunately, perfectly legal cycling behavior can confuse drivers or even make them aggressive in traffic. Cyclists riding two abreast can also end up hurt by those trying to pass them in some cases.
If a cycling crash caused by a vehicle does occur, having a friend nearby can help ensure that an injured cyclist receives support as quickly as possible. Learning about the law and being ready to respond if a crash occurs are both valuable for cyclists who regularly ride on California roads.
