There are certain exceptions in the California Vehicle Code that allow bicyclists to take an entire lane of travel whether sharrows are present or not.
California Vehicle Code: 21202(a)
Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations:
- When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
- When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
- When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions (including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes) that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge, subject to the provisions of Section 21656. For purposes of this section, a "substandard width lane" is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
- When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized.
The presence of sharrows does not absolve bicyclists from their responsibility to operate their bicycles safely and within the confines of the Vehicle Code. Violations related to stopping at posted stop signs, stopping for red lights at signal controlled intersections, etc. are enforced and are unaffected by the presence of sharrows.
The goal of the Newport Beach Police Department is to help promote the safety of bicyclists using the roadways, and to encourage cooperation and sharing of the roadways between bicycle and motor vehicle traffic.
