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Who among us hasn't wondered if it might be faster to walk or bike on the 101 South at that stretch just before it hits downtown?We obtained a photo of someone who decided to give it a shot near the Silver Lake Blvd. exit. Even though the traffic doesn't seem to be moving along too quickly, just looking at the picture makes us break out in a cold sweat.
It seems pretty foolish, but is it illegal? We called up a CHP officer who told us: "Yeah, that's a big no-no."
Officer Ben Chaney explained that there are some state highways where it's okay to bike. And there are even certain stretches of the 101 near Santa Barbara where it's legal to pedal but Chaney explained, "That's because it's not a fully regulated freeway it becomes like a state highway." There's usually a sign near the on-ramp letting you know where it's okay to bike (or you could rely on commonsense, if you have any of that).
If an officer catches you pedaling in the middle of the freeway, he can cite and fine you and instruct you not to do it again. The second time you get caught, it's a misdemeanor.
