New state laws for bike and pedestrian safety
California passed several important measures aimed at improving bike and pedestrian safety. They include:
New sharrows (shared bike/car lane markings) are now only permitted to be installed on streets with posted speeds of 30 mph or less, except when used as bikeway crossing markings through intersections which are still okay on any street (bill text here)
The “daylighting” rule prohibiting car parking 20 feet ahead of any intersection or midblock crosswalk (or 15 feet if there is a sidewalk extension at the crosswalk) that went into effect last year can now be legally enforced as of 2025 (more info on this rule here)
A rule for Class 3 e-bikes clarifying that these devices can only be pedal assist and not throttle operated, with speeds up to 28mph. It also clarifies that all classes of e-bikes must have operable pedals. Some updated safety standards for e-bike and e-scooter batteries were also part of this bill, taking effect in 2026 (bill text here)
Class 1 e-bike: Pedal assist up to 20mph
Class 2 e-bike: Throttle or pedal assist up to 20mph
Class 3 e-bike: Pedal assist up to 28mph - Age 16 and up only, helmet required, may be prohibited on some trails
Source: Bike East Bay