Where do I ride? In the state of California, bicyclists share the same rights and responsibilities as that of a motorist. Know that you, as a bicyclist, have the right to be on the roadways, and that you are expected to follow the same basic traffic principles that motorists do. Be visible and be predictable, following the same rules, giving the same signals, and making the same maneuvers as everyone else. With very few exceptions, the safest place to ride is ON the street, as a part of traffic, and following basic traffic principles. Bicyclists who ride this way usually get to their destinations faster and, according to studies, have fewer mishaps.