Encino, California, is located north and west of downtown Los Angeles. Although considered part of the sprawling LA metropolis, Encino can feel a world away from the packed freeways and cityscape often associated with Los Angeles. With parks and green spaces, it can feel like a much more inviting neighborhood to ride your bike in.

Before taking to the streets or bike paths in Encino, it is useful to consider the risks you accept by doing so. Even though only approximately 45,000 people call Encino home, riding your bike here is not risk-free.

Encino Bicycle Accident Statistics

There are no readily available bicycle safety statistics specific to the Encino neighborhood. However, bicycle accident statistics are available for greater Los Angeles County, which encompasses not just Encino but also the LA metropolitan area. 

These statistics reveal the following trends:

Bicyclist Deaths Continue To Trend Downward

Twenty-six bicyclists lost their lives in wrecks in Los Angeles County in 2023. This is slightly lower than 2020 and 2021, which both saw just under 30 cyclist deaths. These numbers represent a sharp decline from 2019, when over 40 bicyclists lost their lives. None of these fatalities occurred in Encino.

Top Factors Contributing To Deadly Bicycle Crashes

Four factors were identified as being associated with fatal bicycle collisions in the county during 2023. The first among these were streets with high speed limits. The faster motor vehicle traffic is allowed to travel, the harder it is for motorists to see and avoid colliding with bicyclists. The severity of these collisions also increases with higher speeds.

Other factors identified as contributing to fatal bicycle crashes included:

  • Multiple lane roads
  • Lack of dedicated bicycle lanes on roadways
  • Poor road lighting at night

Many of the reported bicycle fatalities in LA County had two or more of these contributing factors present.

Encino’s Bicycle Infrastructure

LA County as a whole — and Encino in particular — continues to improve accessibility and safety for cyclists. Even so, certain infrastructure already present in Encino, including the following, is dedicated to bike riders and their safety:

Bicycle Paths and Bike Lanes

Several roads in Encino are either dedicated bike paths or have bicycle lanes on them for use by cyclists. For example, Woodley and Burbank Boulevard in the Sepulveda Dam Recreational Area are designated as bike paths and closed to other vehicular traffic. South of Ventura Boulevard, some of Sepulveda has bicycle lanes that separate motor vehicles and bicycles.

Encino Velodrome

While not primarily a road safety feature, Encino is home to the Encino Velodrome. Here, bicyclists can practice track riding in a dedicated environment separate from any motor vehicle traffic. The Velodrome allows riders to focus on their sport and other cyclists in the Velodrome without also having to worry about nearby cars and trucks.

Bicycle Laws To Obey in Encino, California

Bicycle safety is ultimately the responsibility of all individuals. Every person must consciously choose to learn and follow California’s bicycle safety laws when on the road. When road users follow these rules, the chances of a severe bicycle collision that results in an injury or death decrease. 

Even in a community like Encino, it is essential that you follow all bicycle laws, which include the following:

Bicyclists Are Entitled To Use Encino’s Roads

In general, a bicyclist in Encino has many of the same rights and responsibilities as motorists do despite not being considered “motor vehicle drivers.” Car and truck drivers should, therefore, share the road with bicycles and give them the same respect and space they would other cars.

Use of Helmets and Other Equipment

Adults over 18 do not have to wear a helmet while riding their bike. However, children who are under 18 must wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet at all times while they are on a bike. No matter their age, any bicyclist can reduce their chance of sustaining a severe brain injury in a crash by choosing to wear a helmet.

Cycling at night in Encino can be especially dangerous, as motorists are less likely to see a bicyclist in the dark. As a result, bicyclists must have a white light or reflector attached to the front of their bikes and a red light or reflector attached to the rear. The bike must also have other reflective devices placed around the bike frame.

Use of Bicycle Lanes

Encino has several streets with designated bicycle lanes. Bicyclists must use the bicycle lane when riding on these streets. Cars and trucks are not permitted to use these bicycle-only travel lanes. A bicyclist cannot leave the bike lane except under certain conditions, such as when doing so is necessary to make a turn. Bicyclists may not stop or park in a bike lane.

Riding on the Sidewalk

Bicyclists in Encino may also ride on the sidewalk. If they choose to do so, they must yield the right of way to pedestrians. Also, riders are prohibited from using their bikes in a way that endangers others using the sidewalk.

Safe Passing Law

Prior to 2023, cars and trucks trying to pass bicyclists on the road had to give the bicyclists at least three feet of clearance. California’s safe passing law has since changed and now requires motorists to move over one full lane of travel when passing a bicyclist, if possible. 

Otherwise, motorists must consider all the circumstances and decide whether they can safely pass the cyclist if they cannot follow the letter of this law.

Improving Bicyclist Safety in Encino, CA

While there may not have been any recent bicyclist fatalities in Encino, this does not mean there are no risks associated with riding your bike here. The risk of a collision is always present, especially when a street lacks a dedicated bicycle lane or has other risk factors. Some of these crashes can leave you seriously hurt.

However, as LA County continues to improve its bicycling infrastructure, the number of bicycle fatalities will likely continue to drop.