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Share The Road Ya'll - What Law Enforcement Says |
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Thursday, 28 September 2006 |
Every once in a while, I run across a motor vehicle driver who actually believes bicycles do not have a right to be on the road. The ensuing conversation usually is not very satisfying and I find myself looking around, hoping to spot a patrol car to wave him over. I haven't ever been able to spot one, darn it. However, I've had the opportunity to talk with our local highway patrol and learn a few things about bicycles and traffic regulations. Here's a short list of what a patrolman could say to me and the motor vehicle driver above:
- Bicycles are considered a vehicle and therefore have a right to be on the roadway.
- Bicycles are subject to all traffic regulations including proper signaling of turns.
- Cyclists are required to ride in the direction of traffic and ride as close as possible to the right hand side of the roadway (given a safe operating distance--not the last 2 inches before the ditch).
- Motorists are required to wait to pass a cyclist until it is safe (i.e. on coming traffic, cannot cross yellow line indicating no- passing) and then pass leaving a 3 foot distance between any part of the vehicle (i.e. mirrors) and the cyclist.
- Cyclists are required to ride no more than 2 abreast unless impeding traffic or otherwise indicated (i.e. Single File road sign)
Awareness of traffic regulations on the part of both cyclist and motorist is important for harmony on the road. Law enforcement officers tell me they are truly interested in safety for both groups and desire both groups to respect traffic regulations. A cyclist might dream of seeing a motorist pulled over for unsafe passing of a bicycle. A motorist might dream of seeing a cyclist pulled over for running a stop sign. I like the dream of a local Sheriff Deputy. He wants to see a motorist and cyclist come to a stop at a 4-way stop intersection then exchange courteous hand language for the other to proceed through the intersection first.
Mark Griffith
Founder/Director
Skinny Tire Events
Moab, UT
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