New law for bikers requires that bike be equipped with a red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector visible from a distance of 500 feet when directly in front of lawful upper beam headlamps.

In 2012 there were 123 bicyclist fatalities. It was determined that of those deaths, 27 percent occurred between 9 pm and 6 am.

Law did just require a red reflector visible at 500 feet with a high beam.

Existing law requires that a bicycle operated during darkness upon a highway, a sidewalk where bicycle operation is not prohibited by the local jurisdiction, or a bikeway, as defined, be equipped with a red reflector on the rear that is visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle. A violation of this requirement is an infraction.

This bill would instead require that a bicycle operated under those circumstances be equipped with a red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear that is visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle. By revising the definition of a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would also include a statement of legislative findings and declarations.