Bicycle and Scooter Safety

scooter safety flyer

 

Follow these rules to STAY SAFE and AVOID A TICKET!

 

Motorized Scooters (with or without a seat)

  • Driver license or permit is required
  • Properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet is required
  • Cannot exceed 15 mph
  • Ride in the bike lane, not on the sidewalk
  • Ride in the direction of vehicle traffic
  • Wear close-toed shoes, reflective gear, and don’t text or wear earbuds while riding
  • Obey all the rules of the road

 

Motorized Bicycles / Mopeds
(with or without pedals, with an automatic transmission)

  • Capable of up to 30 mph
  • Motorcycle license is required
  • DOT-certified motorcycle helmet is required
  • Cannot exceed 20 mph
  • Insurance might not cover crashes
  • (Capable of no more than 20 mph, less than 1000 watt output)
  • Rider must be at least 16 years old
  • Properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet is required


Pocket Bikes

  • Ride on private property only
  • Cannot ride in parks, on school property, or on trails, roads, or sidewalks
  • Bike can be impounded for violations

 

Looking for more info?

scooter safety spanish

Safety Tips for Bicyclists

Maintain Control of Your Bicycle

                Make sure the bicycle is properly sized and adjusted

                Ensure your bicycle is in good working order

Protect yourself

                Wear your helmet properly

                Remember, by law all bicycle riders under the age of 18 must wear a bicycle helmet.

helmet 

Be Alert and Obey all Traffic Laws

                Be prepared to stop for vehicles waiting at stop signs, in driveways, or parking spaces which may suddenly pull out in front of you.

                Use hand signals before making turns or changing lanes to warn traffic around you.

hand signals

Use lights and reflectors at night

                Using lights and reflectors at night is the law. When it is dark outside, bicyclists should avoid wearing dark clothing and must have the following equipment:

A front lamp emitting a white light visible from a distance of 300 feet.

A rear red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector visible from a distance of 500 feet.

A white or yellow reflector on each pedal or on the bicyclist’s shoes or ankles visible from a distance of 200 feet.

A white or yellow reflector on the front wheel, a white or red reflector on the rear wheel or reflectorized tires.

 

Ride in a safe lane position

                Ride in the same direction as traffic so you are more visible to drivers entering roads or changing lanes in the following scenarios:

                Passing a vehicle or another bicycle in the same direction.

                Preparing to make a left turn at an intersection, into a private road, or at a driveway.

                When necessary to avoid a hazard or road condition.

                When a lane is too narrow for a bicycle and vehicle to travel safely side by side within a lane

                When approaching a right turn

                If the road is one-way with two or more lanes.

Sharing the Road and Bicycle Lanes

Bicyclists MUST obey STOP signs and red signal lights, and follow basic right-of-way rules. 

A bicycle lane is a designated traffic lane for bicyclists. However, motorists MUST merge into a bicycle lane while making right turns. These lanes are marked by a solid white line, which becomes a dotted line ending before it reaches the corner. Bicycle lanes are sometimes painted a bright green color in order to increase visibility.

Bicycle Theft Prevention

Unfortunately, bikes are stolen frequently. Here are some tips you can use to help prevent your bike from being stolen: 

  1. Always use a U-lock. Never use only a cable lock as they can easily be cut through with cable-cutters or a saw.
  2. Lock your wheel and frame together (see diagram below). 
  3. Use a bike rack (sign poles are not as secure).
  4. When possible, do not park your bike on the sidewalk or street overnight.
  5. Lock your bike in a well-lit and well-traveled area.
  6. Take lights and other easily removed items with you.
  7. Write down your serial number. It's also very helpful to have a picture of your bicycle or you with your bicycle, and, if possible, the original sales receipt.

For additional tips and information, go to https://www.bikesonoma.org/bike-theft/



bicycle diagram

Bicycle Registration

registration sticker

Residents of Rohnert Park and Cotati can pre-register their bicycle serial numbers with the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety. Registering your bike will allow us to match your information with your bike, immediately increasing the odds of a quick return.

To register your bike and receive a free serial number sticker, please visit us at Rohnert Park DPS 500 City Center Drive.

Scooter and E-Bike Rules and Safety Tips

Follow these rules to STAY SAFE and AVOID A TICKET!

Motorized Scooters (with or without a seat)
-  Driver license or permit is required
-  Properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet is required
-  Cannot exceed 15 mph
-  Ride in the bike lane, not on the sidewalk
-  Ride in the direction of vehicle traffic
-  Wear close-toed shoes, reflective gear, and don’t text or wear earbuds while riding
-  Obey all the rules of the road

Motorized Bicycles / Mopeds (with or without pedals, with an automatic transmission)
-  Capable of up to 30 mph
-  Motorcycle license is required
-  DOT-certified motorcycle helmet is required
-  Cannot exceed 20 mph
-  Insurance might not cover crashes

(Capable of no more than 20 mph, less than 1000 watt output)
-  Rider must be at least 16 years old
-  Properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet is required

Pocket Bikes
-  Ride on private property only
-  Cannot ride in parks, on school property, or on trails, roads, or sidewalks
-  Bike can be impounded for violations

Looking for more info?
-  AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS
-  CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE
-  CA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES


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