In California, pedal pushers need to know the law is as tough on two wheels as on four. Citing the California Vehicle Code (CVC), cyclists are expected to adhere to the same rules of the road that apply to vehicles – this means obeying speed limits, stopping at red lights, and giving way when the law demands it.

According to the Daly City website, bicycles are defined under CVC 39000 as any human-powered device with a complex system of belts, chains, or gears and sporting two to three wheels – one of them 20 inches in diameter minimum – or sporting a frame size of at least 14 inches.

The Golden State strictly requires that anyone under 18 must don a properly fitted bicycle helmet that meets safety standards before hitting the pavement or rolling down a bike path.

CVC doesn't skimp on visibility either, mandating that bicycles boast white front lights, red rear reflectors, and additional shining bits on pedals and spokes. Failure to light up like a Christmas tree, a cyclist might find themselves on the wrong side of the law – and, less importantly, at risk in the traffic.

Regarding business, there's no free ride for bicycle retailers, either. The law explicitly prohibits the sale of new bicycles that lack the necessary reflectors – a red one on the back, white or yellow on each pedal, and additional reflectors on the front and rear sides. Skimp on these safety features, and shop owners could see more red than just the taillight.