Biking in Solana Beach

What is active transportation?

Human-powered forms of mobility such as walking or biking! Active transportation improves physical and mental health, lowers GHG emissions, and increases community connectivity. 

The City encourages active transportation by hosting a seasonal City Cycling Workshops in collaboration with the San Diego Bike Coalition. These classes teach road rules, where to ride, general bike safety, emergency maneuvers, legal rights, and responsibilities on the road-practicing everything through skills drills. 

Next class: TBD

Make sure to sign up for the Weekly Update to stay updated on when future workshops will take place!

Three Feet Safety Act

In September 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom approved the OmniBike Bill AB 1909 that modifies the vehicle code to make people on bikes safer on California streets. This new law, which went into effect on January 1, 2023, will require drivers to change lanes, when possible, to provide more space to bicyclists as they pass. It requires drivers to create extra space between their vehicles and any surrounding bicycles on the roadway, reducing the risk of near misses or crashes.

Green Bike Lanes

The City has strategically added green paint to areas where motorists and cyclists frequently intersect, boosting awareness and safety for all road users.

Green paint does not change the rules of the road; it is used to make drivers and bicyclists more aware of each other as they share the road. It can be used as a guide for both rivers and cyclists, ensuring they're in the correct positions at intersections.

Learn more about green bike lanes here!

E-Bike Safety

With electric bicycles increasing in popularity, it's important to know the classifications, requirements, and safety regulations of e-bikes, and how they differ from pedal bikes. Always ride in the same direction as traffic, use bike lanes when available, and do not ride on sidewalks or crosswalks. Obey traffic signs and signals, look before turning, and wear a properly fastened helmet that is certified for the bike you are riding

E-bikes are classified into three categories:

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, max speed of 20 mph
• Class 2: Throttle-assisted, max speed of 20 mph
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only, max speed of 28 mph

E-bikes do not require a drivers license, registration, or insurance. However, riders of Class 3 e-bikes must wear helmets and be at least 16 years old. All riders 18 years and under must wear a helmet.  

 

Please familiarize yourself and your children with the rules of the road, e-bike classifications, and safety regulations. Thank you for keeping Solana Beach safe and e-bike accident free!

 

Learn more about e-bike safety here.