2) A bicycle operated on a roadway, or the shoulder of a highway, shall be operated in the same direction as vehicles are required to be driven upon the roadway. This means that you cannot ride your bicycle on the wrong side of the road facing oncoming traffic. California Vehicle Code section 21650.1. Minimum fine $197.00.
3) A person under the age of 18 must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet while operating or riding upon a bicycle, a non-motorized scooter, or a skateboard, or while wearing in-line or regular roller skates. California Vehicle Code section 21212(a). Minimum fine $197.00.
4) Under normal circumstances, when you are walking on a roadway, you must walk facing traffic, with the outside edge of the road on your left hand side. This means you will be facing on-coming traffic. California Vehicle Code section 21956(a). Minimum fine $197.00.
5) The speed limit around schools in the State of California is 25 miles per hour, unless posted otherwise. Please watch your speeds, be aware of your surroundings, and be prepared to stop in the event of an emergency. California Vehicle Code section 22352(b)(2). Minimum fine $238.00.
6) All persons riding bicycles upon public roadways are required to follow the same rules of the road as vehicles, including stopping at stop signs, following the speed limit, and yielding the right of way to approaching vehicles close enough to constitute a hazard. California Vehicle Code section 21200(a). Authority to enforce traffic laws upon bicyclists.
Traffic within the Town of Atherton will significantly increase during the morning and afternoon commute periods due to the beginning and ending of the school day. If your route takes you near a school, please be prepared for an increase in traffic, pedestrians, and bicyclists, and allow for extra time to arrive at your destination.
The Atherton Police Department will be around our schools during the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up periods. The Atherton Police Department will be enforcing violations, such as the following:
Speeding (California Vehicle Code section 22350 - Minimum fine $238.00).
Failing to stop at stop signs (California Vehicle Code section 22450(a) – Minimum fine $238.00).
Crossing double yellow lines (California Vehicle Code section 21460(a) – Minimum fine $238.00).
Passing in bicycle lanes (California Vehicle Code section 21209(a) – Minimum fine $238.00).
Failing to stop at red lights (California Vehicle Code section 21453 – Minimum fine ranges from $238.00 to $490.00).
Cell phone violations (California Vehicle Code section 23123(a) – Minimum fine $162.00).
Texting while driving (California Vehicle Code section 23123.5(a) – Minimum fine $162.00).
Pedestrians crossing against red or flashing pedestrian signal (California Vehicle Code section 21456(b) – Minimum fine $197.00).
The Atherton Police Department hopes everyone has a safe start to the new school year, and does their part to ensure safety around our schools.