Advocacy & Safety - Question about "On your Left"

Hi,
This question has been on my mind since September 25 (day two of the City-to-Shore MS150). Here's the setup: A friend and I were riding our hybrids in this ride (it's not a race, it's a tour or ride). It is to be expected that some of the road bike types are trying for their personal best time, not an issue. They like going fast, let 'em go fast. Needless to say, a lot of them are passing us. Some, however, seem to think it's a race and are passing with only an inch or two of space. My friend says to one of them that he is passing a bit too close. The guy says (here it comes) "I SAID "On your left". That means you are supposed to move over to the right."

I was wondering if this is the general perception of this phrase, or if I am right in thinking that this is a very misguided young man. My perception is that he is probably one of those guys who has never been in a bicycle wreck, but there have been lots of them behind him.

Nope doesn't mean you have to move over, just means you're better off not swerving to the left or getting startled.

Nope doesn't mean you have to move over, just means you're better off not swerving to the left or getting startled.

My take on it as well. I just wondered if somebody told this to the young fellow, or if he cooked it up himself. It seemed to me that he wasn't that smart (had a nice bike and a full kit, pity about the brain), so it occurred to me that this might not have been an original thought...that he got it somewhere.

By the way, we DIDN'T move over.

The responsibilty for safely passing is primarily on the overtaking cyclist. While it may be courteous to move to your right if it is safe, it is by no means necessary.

The vehicle that hits a vehicle in front is always at fault. I don't see how it is any different with bikes. Overtaking vehicle has the responsibility for a safe pass without any responsibility for crash avoidance by the vehicle being passed.

To me it just means someone is there. I just hold my line.

This young man is mistaken. The onus to pass safely is always on the one doing the passing. As a courtesy the one being passed should maintain his line and speed. I know I feel no obligation to move to the right for passing motor vehicles. Why would I do so for him?

The guy passing may have been out of line, but IF there is space to the right it is polite to move a little that way. If this is like most rides of this sort you are on the shoulder of the road and it can be hard to pass, esp. since you are passing all day long.

You did the right thing. My experience with "on your left", however, is the person being passed moves to the left, for some weird reason. I've started saying "passing" and haven't had any mindless space cadets move in front. If that doesn't get their attention, I'll yell (really loud) "passing on your left" as I'm about to go by slowly.

When I say "On your left"; for me it means "I am begininng my pass, please hold your line".

I prefer that the cyclist being passed not move left or right. If they begin moving right, I can't be sure that they are being polite. Some of the less skilled cyclist, move right without thinking, see a hazard and swerve left, creating a problem. Rare, but it does happen.

My experience with "on your left", however, is the person being passed moves to the left, for some weird reason.Many people have concluded that "on your left" simply doesn't work, for exactly the reason you give.



I've started saying "passing" and haven't had any mindless space cadets move in front.I like that. I'm definately going to try it.

Hi,
This question has been on my mind since September 25 (day two of the City-to-Shore MS150). Here's the setup: A friend and I were riding our hybrids in this ride (it's not a race, it's a tour or ride). It is to be expected that some of the road bike types are trying for their personal best time, not an issue. They like going fast, let 'em go fast. Needless to say, a lot of them are passing us. Some, however, seem to think it's a race and are passing with only an inch or two of space. My friend says to one of them that he is passing a bit too close. The guy says (here it comes) "I SAID "On your left". That means you are supposed to move over to the right."

I was wondering if this is the general perception of this phrase, or if I am right in thinking that this is a very misguided young man. My perception is that he is probably one of those guys who has never been in a bicycle wreck, but there have been lots of them behind him.

Shoulda just given the rude twerp a 'Left turn, Clyde', if ya know what I mean.

Always hold your line when riding, it's safer for everyone. The guy is really screwed up saying you should move right. Many times, his buddy is trying to sneak around that side.
I also quit saying "On your left". When coming up on someone, they aren't already listening to you, so the "On your" gets their attention that you've said "something", and they distinctly hear the "Left", and move over. "Passing" is all I say now, and say it loudly.

Shoulda just given the rude twerp a 'Left turn, Clyde', if ya know what I mean.
I concur. This passing cyclist needs a lesson in behavioral modification through *positive* reinforcement.

The responsibilty for safely passing is primarily on the overtaking cyclist. While it may be courteous to move to your right if it is safe, it is by no means necessary.

You certainly are under no duty to move into a dangerous position on the right simply because the overtaker may have picked an inopportune and/or dangerous time to pass. Best think is be consistent and not ver to the left upon the statement.

To me it just means someone is passing you on your left so stay true to your line. When I do it, I don't expect someone to move over for me - I do it out of courtesy and to prevent an accident.

Many people have concluded that "on your left" simply doesn't work, for exactly the reason you give.


I like that. I'm definately going to try it.

I think a lot depends on the level of familiarity with paths by person being overtaken. Inline skaters seem to be the best at staying away from the left, serious joggers and faster cyclists next, the 5 mph cyclist and walkers are a disaster. If a trail has marked signs requiring "on your left" the pedestrians seem to have gotten the picture.

I think a lot depends on the level of familiarity with paths by person being overtaken. Inline skaters seem to be the best at staying away from the left, serious joggers and faster cyclists next, the 5 mph cyclist and walkers are a disaster. If a trail has marked signs requiring "on your left" the pedestrians seem to have gotten the picture.
Walkers are by far the worse. Whenever I ride through the park on the paths, clearly marked with a center line, the walkers insist on fanning across the entire path like a heard of cattle. They are so busy talking to each other that a simple, " on your left" does not even phase them. Sheesh!!! :(

Walkers are by far the worse. Whenever I ride through the park on the paths, clearly marked with a center line, the walkers insist on fanning across the entire path like a heard of cattle. They are so busy talking to each other that a simple, " on your left" does not even phase them. Sheesh!!! :(

Your experience is better with walkers than mine. "On your left" often results in their moving to the left.

You did the right thing. My experience with "on your left", however, is the person being passed moves to the left, for some weird reason. I've started saying "passing" and haven't had any mindless space cadets move in front. If that doesn't get their attention, I'll yell (really loud) "passing on your left" as I'm about to go by slowly.

I still use "on your left" but I make sure I slow down when I call it out. I once has a group of 5 peds on a trail go in 8 different directions when I called out "on your left". Had to stop and wait a week before they had themselves all sorted out :D

My experience with "on your left", however, is the person being passed moves to the left, for some weird reason.

It's simple. Unless you make a conscious effort, you will go where you look. When someone says OYL, your natural reaction is to look left, which causes you to go that way. Works for both cyclists and walkers. It actually requires practice to ride a bike while looking in a differenct direction.

were you and your friend riding abreast along the road or single file?

That's just silly. There is no logic in assuming someone else will do a specific thing. The only thing you can do is alert them to your presence - and that's exactly what "on the left" is for, nothing more.

He's an arrogant road hog.

Simplest solution:
1. get a bell (I'm not for the "on your left" generally, it causes confusion)
2. if he almost swipes you with that attitude again, clear your nose as he passes

it happens in the park loops around here all the time. especially in the summer when there are tons of weekend warrior type cyclists. they'll pass you and then immediately cut in front. it's pretty rude, and i think it's done only to exaggerate how fast they're going.

The vehicle that hits a vehicle in front is always at fault. I don't see how it is any different with bikes. Overtaking vehicle has the responsibility for a safe pass without any responsibility for crash avoidance by the vehicle being passed.


Incorrect. The vehicle being overtaken has a responsibility not to move sideways unless they first signal and look to be sure their maneuver will not require evasive action on the part of an overtaking driver.

were you and your friend riding abreast along the road or single file?

My friend was riding slightly behind me and a bit to my left. I was pretty much centered on the white line. Wider than single file, but not abreast.

Hi,
A friend and I were riding our hybrids in this ride......... Needless to say, a lot of them are passing us. Some, however, seem to think it's a race and are passing with only an inch or two of space.


Someone else asked this question. You did not reply.
Were you riding two abreast with your friend?
If yes, and if it is a limited width path, "on your left" means that one of you should go single file. A lot of bikers would be upset if you do not move right under these conditions.
I bike almost exclusive on trails. This issue is important if you go fast. Of course, you can forget all this if kids are around. Many seem not to know where right or left is.
Ditto for bikers who ride once or twice a year. And bikers and hikers with dogs.
The basic rule is that the faster biker must beware. :(

In my experience saying "on your left" sometimes makes the person you trying to pass move to the left and in my way. That is why I got a bell, people know what is coming when they hear that bell. Having a bell/horn is even the law in some states.

On the bike paths here, there are signs posted to "keep to the right", and also, to announce yourself when passing. I believe that the "keep to the right" part would certainly make the whole process easier, but people seem have a hard time with this. Cyclists, walkers, and others like to stay abreast the line of travel to gab at each other, mindless to their surroundings.

I think that when they are to the left, in violation of the rules, then they have an obligation to move to the right when a person wants to pass to their left.

The problem is the confrontational mannerism within people.

Anger and aggression will return anger and aggression.

Just be courteous and take only the space you need and let others have the space they require.

Seek only to help others go their way in peace and they will respond the same.