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HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 11Ch. 5§ 21966 Pedestrian Bicycle Path Restrictions

§ 21966 Pedestrian Bicycle Path Restrictions

Vehicle Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 21966 Pedestrian Bicycle Path Restrictions

This law says people walking can't use bike paths or lanes if there's a good sidewalk next to them. Cops can only stop them if it's really dangerous.

Key Takeaways

  • •Don't walk on bike paths if there's a sidewalk nearby.
  • •Cops can only stop you if you're being really unsafe and might cause a crash.
  • •Even if cops can't stop you, you still have to be careful.
  • •Bikers also have to be careful around people walking.

Example

You're walking on a bike path even though there's a perfectly good sidewalk right next to it.

A cop can only stop you if you're about to cause a crash with a bike or something else moving.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 21966 Pedestrian Bicycle Path Restrictions

(a) A pedestrian shall not proceed along a bicycle path or lane where there is an adjacent adequate pedestrian facility. (b) (1) A peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, shall not stop a pedestrian for a violation of subdivision (a) unless a reasonably careful person would realize there is an immediate danger of a collision with a moving vehicle or other device moving exclusively by human power. (2) This subdivision does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care for their safety. (3) This subdivision does not relieve a bicyclist from the duty of exercising due care for the safety of any pedestrian within the roadway. (Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 957, Sec. 14. (AB 2147) Effective January 1, 2023.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

pedestrianbicycle path or laneadjacent adequate pedestrian facilitypeace officerimmediate danger of a collisiondue care

Related Statutes

  • § 21954 Pedestrian Right Of Way Rules
  • § 21956 Pedestrian Roadway Walking Rules
  • § 21961 Pedestrian Crossing Enforcement Limits
  • § 21955 Pedestrian Crossing Restrictions
  • § 21962 Bridge Pedestrian Removal Authority

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 21966.
View Official Source