Bicycle law in California is the parts of the California Vehicle Code that set out the law for persons cycling in California, and a subset of bicycle law in the United States. In general, pretty much all the same rights and responsibilities that apply to car drivers apply to bicycle riders as well. General applicability of road rules CVC 21200 states that the rules of the road, set out in Division 11 of the California Vehicle Code, that do not specifically apply only to motor vehicles are applicable to cyclists. Police officers riding bicycles are exempt from the provisions when they are responding to an emergency call, engaged in rescue operations, or in immediate pursuit of a suspect. Locations of cycling On-road CVC 21650 sets the on-road position for all vehicles, including bicycles. 21650(g) clarifies that bicycles are not prohibited from riding on sidewalks or crosswalks but does allow for local ordinance to prohibit such operation. It is not illegal for bicycles to ride on the sidewalk in a direction opposing the flow of traffic. However, doing so is quite dangerous. CVC 21650.1 clarifies that cyclists, unlike drivers of vehicles, are generally not prohibited from riding on the shoulder of the road. Cyclists are allowed but never required to ride on the shoulder. CVC 530 defines the "roadway" as "that portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel". The on-road position of cyclists is narrowed by CVC 21202, which requires riding "as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway" except in certain circumstances. The wording shall ride as close as practicable to the right is sometimes misunderstood by police officers as well as cyclists. CVC Section 21960 authorizes local authorities to prohibit or restrict the use of bicycles on freeways. Where bike lanes exist on roadways, CVC 21208 requires cyclists to use them, except under certain conditions. There is no requirement to ride in a bike lane or path that is not on the roadway. There is no requirement in the California Vehicle Code, but side-by-side riding may be regulated by local ordinance. Off-road CVC 21100 sets out that "Local authorities may adopt rules and regulations... regarding the ... Operation of bicycles, and, as specified in Section 21114.5, electric carts by physically disabled persons, or persons 50 years of age or older, on the public sidewalks." Under this provision, many California