Trauma Service

Bicycle Safety

Why it Matters

Bicycle crashes are one of the leading causes of injury treated in the Stanford Health Care Trauma Center. Preventing these incidents requires shared responsibility—both bicyclists and motorists play a critical role in keeping our roads safe.

• Bicycle crashes remain a major source of trauma related injuries at Stanford Health Care.
• Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85%, making it one of the most effective ways to stay safe while riding.
• Education, skill building, and consistent safety practices greatly reduce the likelihood of severe injury.

Tips for bicyclists:

• Follow the Rules of the Road - Bicyclists must follow the same traffic laws as drivers. California Vehicle Code VC 21200 applies to anyone riding a bicycle.
• ALWAYS Wear a Helmet - Helmets are required by law for anyone under 18.
• Be Visible, Especially at Night - Use a white front headlight and a rear reflector (both required by law). Wear light colored or reflective clothing so drivers can see you.
• Ride Predictably - Don’t weave in and out of parked cars. Ride in a straight, consistent line so motorists can anticipate your movements.
• Ride on the Road - Bicycles belong on the road, not on the sidewalk. Sidewalks are for pedestrians or people moving at walking speed.
• No Earphones in Both Ears - It is illegal to ride with earphones or headphones in both ears.
• Stay Alert - Always pay attention to your surroundings. Try to anticipate what drivers might do – assume they may not see you.

Tips for motorists:

• Share the road – Bicyclists have the same right to the road as drivers. Treat bicyclists the same way you would treat any other vehicle on the road.
• Follow the 3-Foot-Law – When passing a bicyclist, drivers must leave at least 3 feet of space. 
• Bicyclists May Use the Full Lane - If the road doesn’t have enough room for the bicyclist to ride, the bicyclist is allowed to ride in the lane.
• Check Before Opening Your Door - After parallel parking, always look for approaching bicyclists before opening the door.

The Trauma and Injury Prevention program at Stanford Health Care is working with communities to teach bicycle safety to promote safe riding habits for people of all ages – whether biking for transportation, recreation or fun. These include:

• Practicing bicycling skills at school bike rodeos to help students build confidence and safe riding habits.
• Teaching rules of the road in local classrooms so young riders understand how to ride safely and legally.
• Joining Stanford University on programs that encourage and increase helmet use among students, faculty and employees.
• Working with local police departments through the Juvenile Traffic Diversion Program to educate and enforce helmet laws and bicycle safety rules.
• Supporting local bicycle advocates, transportation planners, and public health departments in developing policies that improve bicycle safety and make streets safer for everyone.

Juvenile Traffic Diversion Program 

The Juvenile Traffic Diversion Program helps young people learn how to stay safe on the road. It is an option for youth in Santa Clara County who receive a ticket for bicycle, pedestrian, or other non‑motor vehicle violations.

How the Program Works

The program offers a two‑hour safety class that teaches:

• How to stay safe while walking and biking
• How to follow traffic rules
• How to make good choices near and on the roads
• How to prevent injuries

Youth under age 18 who receive citations for bicycle, pedestrian, or other non‑motor vehicle violations may complete this class in lieu of paying fines and fees. A parent or guardian is required to attend alongside the participant.

Working Together for Safety

This program is a collaboration between:

• Stanford Health Care – Trauma and Injury Prevention Program
• Santa Clara County of the Sheriff
• City of Palo Alto Police Department

Together, these organizations work to reduce preventable injuries, promote safer streets, and support youth in making informed choices. The program is unique to Santa Clara County and reflects a shared commitment to community health and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Juvenile Traffic Diversion  

What is the Juvenile Traffic Diversion Program? It is a two‑hour bike safety education class for youth who receive citation for bicycles, pedestrians, or other non‑motor vehicle violations. The class helps youth learn how to stay safe on the road and follow traffic rules.

What should I do if my son or daughter gets a citation? If your child receives a citation for a bicycle, pedestrian, or other non‑motor vehicle violation, you can contact the Juvenile Traffic Diversion Program to learn if they qualify for the safety class. If they are under 18, they may be able to take the two‑hour class instead of paying the fines or fees. 

Is the class free? Yes. There is no cost to attend the class. If the youth complete the class, they may not have to pay the fines or fees from their citation.

Do parents or guardians need to attend? A parent or guardian is required to attend the class with the youth. This helps families learn the information together.

How long is the class? The class is for two hours.

What will I learn in the class? You will learn about safe walking and biking, how to follow traffic rules, and how to make safe choices near roads.

Who runs the program? The program is a collaboration between Stanford Health Care’s Trauma and Injury Prevention Program and local law enforcement agencies in Santa Clara County.

Is this program available in other counties? No. This program is unique to Santa Clara County.

How do I sign up or get more information? You can contact the Trauma and Injury Prevention Program at Stanford Health Care by phone: (650)-724-9369 or email: injuryprevention@stanfordhealthcare.org
 

Learn More

Learn more about bicycle safety.