SANTA BARBARA, CA – With a new year comes new rules. A bill called the Comprehensive Bicycle Bill, or AB-1909, would make 4 changes to laws that affect bicyclists.
Supporters of the bill say it will make cycling safer.
The bill requires motorists to change lanes before passing a bicyclist if there is a lane.
The bill also prohibits cities from requiring bicycle licenses.
A third change removes the state’s ban on Class 3 electric bikes — the fastest bikes available — from some facilities.
These 3 changes have been implemented since January 1, 2023.
But the fourth part of this bill will be implemented in 2024. This addition allows bicyclists to cross the street with pedestrian signals and not just green traffic lights. This allows cyclists to initiate a movement to pass intersections, which is expected to avoid accidents on busy streets.