Looking at the wide variety of bikes on my college campus, I see evidence of a lot of misinformation, or total lack of information, about how to properly ride and care for a bike. I'm sure this has been discussed in depth already. My Question is this- what are your "Rules of the Road" in regards to cycling, in other words if you had a child (or have one) or a friend just starting out, what bits of advice would you give to them to set them on the right path? Something that could fit on a poster , or that Charleton Heston couls carry in "The Ten Commandments".Here are a few of mine.
1. Sidewalks are for pedestrians and children. Under most, if not all circumstances, you should be on the street with all the other vehicles.
2. In most states you have most of the same rights and resposibilities on the road as every other vehicle, gas powered or otherwise.
3. Only Fred Flinstone stops with his feet. If you need to, you need to fix your brakes
4.Your chain is not a permanent part of your bicycle
5. You're riding a bike, not lifting weights. Pick a gear thats comfortable, not one thats hard.
6. Your bike should be like a good pair of jeans. It should fit comfortably and function well
That should be something to get you started. Let me know what you think. BTW I'm new to the forums,been reading a lot but this is my first post.
The BikeForums Team
-adv-
This is an archived thread, you can find the full version of this thread, with images, links and more content here.
In the end, VC is as much about attitude as anything else. Without the VC attitude, no matter the skills, one cannot ride in traffic vehicularly. One really must believe, deep down, that as a cyclist he is a vehicle driver -- that he has the same rights as other vehicle drivers and that it is safe and not discourteous to assert those rights -- before he can act as a vehicle driver. Acting as a vehicle driver is a critical prerequisite to being treated as one (if one does not act as a vehicle driver, he certainly won't be treated as one).
scottbot84
Bicycling Street Smarts (http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/index.htm)
sbhikes
Thou shalt not pass moving traffic on the right.
JohnBrooking
I was thinking the other day that really it just comes down to two rules:
When safe for cars to pass between intersections, stay to the right.
At all other times, obey the same rules as driving a car.
Helmet Head
I was thinking the other day that really it just comes down to two rules:
When safe for cars to pass between intersections, stay to the right.
At all other times, obey the same rules as driving a car.
Generally agree, except I'd make a few slight adjustments:
When between intersections, faster traffic is present and it is safe for them to pass, move to the right until they have passed, then move to the normal position for traffic where others expect to see and look for traffic.
At all other times, obey the same rules as riding a motorcycle.
scottbot84
i'm talking about maintenance and things like that too. I see a lot of rusty chains and brakes where you could shove your hand in between the brake and the rim .
Helmet Head
i'm talking about maintenance and things like that too. I see a lot of rusty chains and brakes where you could shove your hand in between the brake and the rim .
If it's broken or needs tuning, take it to the shop and use one of your backup bikes. :D
scottbot84
well yeah I would too but what about John Doe on his Wal-MArt roadmaster that was built to fail?
Helmet Head
well yeah I would too but what about John Doe on his Wal-MArt roadmaster that was built to fail?
Actually, besides teaching the vehicular cycling stuff, the LAB Road 1 (http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/education/courses.php#road1) and 2 (http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/education/courses.php#road2) courses cover a lot of basic maintenance stuff.
Road I
Gives cyclists the confidence they need to ride safely and legally in traffic or on the trail. The course covers bicycle safety checks, fixing a flat, on-bike skills and crash avoidance techniques and includes a student manual. Recommended for adults and children above age fourteen, this fast-paced, nine-hour course prepares cyclists for a full understanding of vehicular cycling.
Road II
Preston Tyree demonstrates BikeEdFor more advanced students with an understanding of vehicular cycling principles, this twelve-hour course includes fitness and physiology, training for longer rides, advanced mechanics, paceline skills, advanced traffic negotiation, foul weather riding and night riding. Student manuals are included with each class.
rando
1. assume everyone will do the worst possible thing in traffic and plan accordingly
2. assume people do not see you.
3. keep your tires pumped up.
Helmet Head
1. assume everyone will do the worst possible thing in traffic and plan accordingly
2. assume people do not see you.
3. keep your tires pumped up.
3 is fine, obviously, but I have a big problem with 1 and 2.
If you truly assumed those assertions were true, you would be so debilitated it would be impossible to ride in traffic. I prefer....
1. Assume almost everyone will be safe and reasonable in traffic (because they will), but there will be occasional exceptions. Be prepared for them, and plan accordingly.
2. Trust that you're seen, but verify (be vigilant).
-=Łem in Pa=-
I ride very simply.........
1. Assume you have a target on your back.
2. Dont impede anyone else's forward motion.
genec
3 is fine, obviously, but I have a big problem with 1 and 2.
If you truly assumed those assertions were true, you would be so debilitated it would be impossible to ride in traffic. I prefer....
1. Assume almost everyone will be safe and reasonable in traffic (because they will), but there will be occasional exceptions. Be prepared for them, and plan accordingly.
2. Trust that you're seen, but verify (be vigilant).
I like your rules, but in reality it is that both your number 1 and number 2 still put you in a vulnerable position... having to verify what motorists are going to do. What really is the individual cyclist doing differently between your "trust but verify" and "trust no one." (forgetting that trust no one even includes those behind you... )
I often ride in what I call "ghost mode..." where I assume anyone in front of me (primarily motorists at intersections) cannot or do not see me. (hence consistent with "verify..." less the "trust" part).
So how does "trust" work?
Tom Stormcrowe
3 is fine, obviously, but I have a big problem with 1 and 2.
If you truly assumed those assertions were true, you would be so debilitated it would be impossible to ride in traffic. I prefer....
1. Assume almost everyone will be safe and reasonable in traffic (because they will), but there will be occasional exceptions. Be prepared for them, and plan accordingly.
2. Trust that you're seen, but verify (be vigilant).
HH, I have to agree with Rando, Buddy! Your style is your choice, but what Rando is advocating is my style of riding and I ride very long distance. I don't find the mindset the least bit debilitating, and would much rather have an escape roue handy!http://images.infos-du-net.com/smilies/arf.gif
Helmet Head
I like your rules, but in reality it is that both your number 1 and number 2 still put you in a vulnerable position... having to verify what motorists are going to do.
What makes it doable is that at any given moment, the number of drivers that are relevant to your safety (the ones you need to verify) and for the immediate future (0-5 seconds, say), are usually very limited. Plus, by planning ahead, you can limit/influence what that number will be in the near future based on what you do right now.
What really is the individual cyclist doing differently between your "trust but verify" and "trust no one." (forgetting that trust no one even includes those behind you... )
Well the relevant "doing" here is paying attention. What Mr. TrustNoOne is doing is trying to watch EVERYONE (because he can't trust anyone). What TrustButVerify is doing is looking for a possible exception among the few that I even have to worry about.
I often ride in what I call "ghost mode..." where I assume anyone in front of me (primarily motorists at intersections) cannot or do not see me. (hence consistent with "verify..." less the "trust" part).
So how does "trust" work?
Well, the obvious example is when you need to merge left, signal, and someone slows down to let you in. You trust them and go.
genec
What makes it doable is that at any given moment, the number of drivers that are relevant to your safety (the ones you need to verify) and for the immediate future (0-5 seconds, say), are usually very limited. Plus, by planning ahead, you can limit/influence what that number will be in the near future based on what you do right now.
Well the relevant "doing" here is paying attention. What Mr. TrustNoOne is doing is trying to watch EVERYONE (because he can't trust anyone). What TrustButVerify is doing is looking for a possible exception among the few that I even have to worry about.
Well, the obvious example is when you need to merge left, signal, and someone slows down to let you in. You trust them and go.
OK... sounds like we actually have very similar operating principles... with you only looking for exceptions, where I assume that anyone in front of me can make an exceptional move at any time. That latter bit of course has quite a bit of weight to it.
I do tend to trust those that make very blatent moves that are obvious... such as your left turn example. Where my trust breaks down is that I look beyond the first driver that slowed and I watch for unexpected moves from the motorist behind, and other motorists that may try to take advantage of that slowing motorist (and do not see me) for their own gain. In other words... the motorist behind... are they suddenly going to go around... the guy behind me... is he suddenly going to go. So I have a higher level of "paranoia" than you.
SingingSabre
HH, please don't pick apart how I ride. What I do works for me, not for you. So just STFU about my personal rules of riding. Don't invalidate what I think, don't pick it apart. What we are both doing is based on personal experience and ideas, not fact. Also, part of this is meant to be (slightly, at best) humerous.
Why do I friggin have to load up such a huge disclaimer about a post?!
My rules:
1. They don't see you.
2. If you think they see you, be prepared for them to prove you wrong.
3. Go with your intuition.
4. Remember when you didn't follow 3.
5. They still don't see you, so know your escape routes.
6. Keep the rubber side down.
7. Take safe construction sites and MUP's when possible rather than traffic.
8. Cycling isn't cycling if you're not having fun.
9. Watch more than the vehicles in front and behind you. Be wary of possible chain reactions.
10. You're a different class of vehicle, act like it.
genec
I find your 8, 9, and 10 to be important.
8 actually keeps me from commuting all the time... as it is more work than fun.
9 is key to my "paranoia." Motorists that don't see you will react to other motorists actions in a way that could peril you.
10 is where we get to shift modes... and frankly this violates VC at times, but it is part of what cycling is. So I might shift to sidewalk mode to then go off road to a dirt path that gets me out of traffic. I am after all a cyclist.
I do want to clarify though... when on the streets... I act and hope to be treated as a driver of a vehicle.
Helmet Head
OK... sounds like we actually have very similar operating principles... with you only looking for exceptions, where I assume that anyone in front of me can make an exceptional move at any time. That latter bit of course has quite a bit of weight to it.
I do tend to trust those that make very blatent moves that are obvious... such as your left turn example. Where my trust breaks down is that I look beyond the first driver that slowed and I watch for unexpected moves from the motorist behind, and other motorists that may try to take advantage of that slowing motorist (and do not see me) for their own gain. In other words... the motorist behind... are they suddenly going to go around... the guy behind me... is he suddenly going to go. So I have a higher level of "paranoia" than you.
Yes, you do have a higher level of paranoia. When I'm waiting for someone to let me into the right lane as the first step to merging left, I'm focussed on what's in front of me, and whether anyone is letting me in or not, looking back, looking forward, possibly signalling (as appropriate). That's plenty, thank you very much. Once they slow down to let me in, that's when I verify no one is slipping in to that space, but I don't think or worry about them prior to that moment. Once I have verified that I can move left safely (and this verify takes a fraction of a second, I move left). At no time do I concern myself with what's going on in the right lane behind the guy who is letting me in - I can't affort to divert my attention from where it needs to be. Once I've established myself in the right lane, then I repeat the process again, again only concerning myself with what is relevant to what I'm doing.
Helmet Head
Why do I friggin have to load up such a huge disclaimer about a post?!
Perhaps because you don't want words that you're posting on a public forum to be publically reviewed and commented on?
Which begs the question... why are you posting here?
Wogsterca
Looking at the wide variety of bikes on my college campus, I see evidence of a lot of misinformation, or total lack of information, about how to properly ride and care for a bike. I'm sure this has been discussed in depth already. My Question is this- what are your "Rules of the Road" in regards to cycling, in other words if you had a child (or have one) or a friend just starting out, what bits of advice would you give to them to set them on the right path? Something that could fit on a poster , or that Charleton Heston couls carry in "The Ten Commandments".Here are a few of mine.
1. Sidewalks are for pedestrians and children. Under most, if not all circumstances, you should be on the street with all the other vehicles.
2. In most states you have most of the same rights and resposibilities on the road as every other vehicle, gas powered or otherwise.
3. Only Fred Flinstone stops with his feet. If you need to, you need to fix your brakes
4.Your chain is not a permanent part of your bicycle
5. You're riding a bike, not lifting weights. Pick a gear thats comfortable, not one thats hard.
6. Your bike should be like a good pair of jeans. It should fit comfortably and function well
That should be something to get you started. Let me know what you think. BTW I'm new to the forums,been reading a lot but this is my first post.
Here are two more:
7. Learn how to fix a flat -- Carry the tools and materials needed to fix a flat at all times, when riding.
8. Keep your bicycle well maintained, it's easy to do and makes riding much nicer.
genec
Yes, you do have a higher level of paranoia. When I'm waiting for someone to let me into the right lane as the first step to merging left, I'm focussed on what's in front of me, and whether anyone is letting me in or not, looking back, looking forward, possibly signalling (as appropriate). That's plenty, thank you very much. Once they slow down to let me in, that's when I verify no one is slipping in to that space, but I don't think or worry about them prior to that moment. Once I have verified that I can move left safely (and this verify takes a fraction of a second, I move left). At no time do I concern myself with what's going on in the right lane behind the guy who is letting me in - I can't affort to divert my attention from where it needs to be. Once I've established myself in the right lane, then I repeat the process again, again only concerning myself with what is relevant to what I'm doing.
Yup, this is exactly where we differ.
It is clear now. While I do accept the motorist letting me in and move as quickly as possible, I also continue to look around for those motorists that want to take advantage of my situation (assuming they do not see me) and decide to go around the motorist that has been gracious to me.
I have seen too many motorists exploit moments that they really should not, and "just make it." The problem is their "just make it" does not factor in the cyclist they failed to see.
So I end up delaying perhaps a split second more than you. And I only depend on the motorist right at my "fingertips" as being the one that I "control."
I have seen this demonstrated... and others, such as noisebeam have also seen this. (he had a whole video showing how one motorist let him in, while two more quickly moved to fill the gap they saw... unaware of the cyclist).
Well now we know how we view traffic differently.
Helmet Head
Well now we know how we view traffic differently.
Not so fast.
I have seen this demonstrated... and others, such as noisebeam have also seen this. (he had a whole video showing how one motorist let him in, while two more quickly moved to fill the gap they saw... unaware of the cyclist).
Uh, did you see where I wrote: "Once they slow down to let me in, that's when I verify no one is slipping in to that space, ..."
What do you think I'm missing?
Spending time/focus/attention/resources verifying no one is slipping in prior to the moment when I'm ready to make my move is a waste of time/focus/attention/resources since I will have to re-verify when I get to that moment anyway.
rando
I ride very simply.........
1. Assume you have a target on your back.
2. Dont impede anyone else's forward motion.
yep, Fem, I like your #2 also! I'll make that my #4!
genec
yep, Fem, I like your #2 also! I'll make that my #4!
I can't go along with #2... there are times when it happens and others just have to be patient.
Narrow streets where you are there first and chugging along... nowhere else to go, no room to move over. Sorry... but in that case, mr motorist is going to have to slow down to my 12MPH for a 1/2 a block. I am delaying the motorist less than a stoplight... so they are just gonna have to exercise patience.
.
rando
yeah, I hear you. In that case there's no choice. but that is why I mainly avoid riding on the 5 lane arterial that I drive on to work... I feel like at 13 mph I'm just going too darn slow for the prevailing (45 mph limit)traffic! n luckily there are deserted sidewalks alongside and a back route of parallel neighborhood streets I can use.
rando
I find your 8, 9, and 10 to be important.
10 is where we get to shift modes... and frankly this violates VC at times, but it is part of what cycling is. So I might shift to sidewalk mode to then go off road to a dirt path that gets me out of traffic. I am after all a cyclist.
I do want to clarify though... when on the streets... I act and hope to be treated as a driver of a vehicle.
+1
scottbot84
Perhaps because you don't want words that you're posting on a public forum to be publically reviewed and commented on?
Which begs the question... why are you posting here?I think the point he's trying to make is that everyone rides differently. There's no perfect set of rules to ride by, just like there's no perfect rules to live by. I wasn't asking for a perfect set of rules, just your own personal rules and ideas.Debate is good, but there's really no right or wrong about it (unless its something obviously stupid and dangerous) and nitpicking willy-nilly is just disouraging others from posting.
genec
Not so fast.
Uh, did you see where I wrote: "Once they slow down to let me in, that's when I verify no one is slipping in to that space, ..."
What do you think I'm missing?
Spending time verifying no one is slipping in prior to the moment when I'm ready to make my move is a waste of time since I will have re-verify when I get to that moment anyway.
Yup. I waste that extra moment. It falls into my "look twice" rule. It may be a waste... then again, maybe not. Just like wearing a helmet. It might not help... then again it might make the extra difference between brain dead and alive.
I do the same thing driving. I look twice. It is a subtle thing. But one may just catch that moving object you did not see in the first glance... simply because the picture changed. You may not know why. But you are alerted that something changed and you may look then a third time... and see the kid darting toward you between cars... or something to that effect.
Like I said. Subtle difference... but there it is.
BTW this whole concept was very much driven into my brain after that close call with the pizza driver. Up until then, I looked twice when driving, and every now and then when cycling... assuming that hearing would also be my ally. Bad assumption on my part.
I now "look twice" all the time. There is no meeting or any other time constraint that cannot afford me to look twice.
I would love to see that concept instilled in every driver and cyclist. Just that momentary pause can be enough for a "right on red" motorist to see a cyclist that might be a bit faster than the motorist first realized.
genec
I think the point he's trying to make is that everyone rides differently. There's no perfect set of rules to ride by, just like there's no perfect rules to live by. I wasn't asking for a perfect set of rules, just your own personal rules and ideas.Debate is good, but there's really no right or wrong about it (unless its something obviously stupid and dangerous) and nitpicking willy-nilly is just disouraging others from posting.
Agreed. The discussion may offer someone an idea they never thought of. Good topic actually.
Helmet Head
Yup. I waste that extra moment. It falls into my "look twice" rule. It may be a waste... then again, maybe not. Just like wearing a helmet.
The problem is that when you're wasting that extra moment checking something that you're going to have to reverify later anyway, you're not doing something else that has a higher attention priority.
Wearing a helmet does not have the same safety tradeoff considerations, unless you accept the argument that helmets are unsafe because they make you take more risks, etc. (not that I want to turn this into a helmet debate!).
The problem is that attention is a very limited resource. If you're spending it there, you're not spending it here, and you can't be spending it in both places at the same time.
scottbot84
Agreed. The discussion may offer someone an idea they never thought of. Good topic actually. Yeah at first i was wanting to rant about ignorant cyclists, but I figured it would be easier to list what you should do instead of what people aren't doing.This thread would be 10 times as long if we were all moaning about the stupid things people do everyday(don't even get me started)
genec
Actually here is perhaps a great place to discuss HH's DLP method. It is not really "his," and he will tell you that freely... but the concept is worth discussing here on a thread geared toward "those little things."
What HH preaches (sorry... but it is a fitting word) is that by moving out of the far right whenever traffic permits it, one is potentially more visible to motorists who may be focusing on what is right ahead of them. Motorists have lots of distractions, and tend to time split their attention... they may not look completely in all directions... especially in other lanes... such as a bike lane. To help motorists see cyclists... John Allen and others such as HH recommend riding more center biased (or right tire tread) to put yourself in the motorists narrow field of view. Of course you do not want to impede the motorist if you don't have to... so the idea is to move to the right long before the motorist considers you a problem... but has indeed considered you.
I find this technique works on long tours and isolated country roads... especially where it is easy for a cyclist to blend into the shadows on the side of a road. It also works on city streets... if there are long gaps in traffic.
The whole key is to move left when there is no other same direction traffic... and hold that position until one spots a motorist (in a mirror) approaching. Moving over to the right then tells the motorist that you have made room for them... and hopefully they are grateful and we all continue on our merry way.
It is a simple thing to do... and I have never seen it cause problems. I tend to do this on quiet rides when there is little traffic... I move into the right tire track... and glance at the mirror often to ensure there is no approaching traffic. As soon as I see someone approaching... I move out of the way.
On well isolated roads... often you can hear the approaching motorist... that again signals a move out of the way.
The whole "move out of the way" shows the motorist you are being co-operative. So this tends to be a positive thing.
genec
The problem is that when you're wasting that extra moment checking something that you're going to have to reverify later anyway, you're not doing something else that has a higher attention priority.
Wearing a helmet does not have the same safety tradeoff considerations, unless you accept the argument that helmets are unsafe because they make you take more risks, etc. (not that I want to turn this into a helmet debate!).
The problem is that attention is a very limited resource. If you're spending it there, you're not spending it here, and you can't be spending it in both places at the same time.
You're right. I trade time for attention. I use more time. That means that my decisions are a bit slower. I have ridden with you... I have seen the difference... now I know why.
Helmet Head
What HH preaches (sorry... but it is a fitting word) is that by moving out of the far right whenever traffic permits it, one is potentially more visible to motorists who may be focusing on what is right ahead of them.
One problem I have created by usually discussing DLP in the context of reducing the chance of falling victim to inadvertent drift is that I have obscured the more important advantages that I believe DLP provides: improving the cyclist's cognitive conspicuity to potential cross-traffic up ahead of the cyclist.
In other words, say you're approaching an intersection with a minor street, alley or driveway. Hurst has an example of this in his book where he is distracted by an attractive member of the opposite sex. The point of DLP is to be in the center of the lane, unless you have a good reason to keep to the right (i.e. to allow faster traffic to pass). So, if your habit is to be centered any time there is no faster same-direction traffic passing you (or about to pass you), then you don't have to rely on your attention to remember to move left in all these instances where usually there is no harm in keeping right (often in the bike lane). But sooner or later (and sooner and more often than you probably think), it will pay off to be further left, for it increases and improves the sightlines between you and oncoming traffic, and traffic from the right, that might be sneaking in.
scottbot84
What HH preaches (sorry... but it is a fitting word) is that by moving out of the far right whenever traffic permits it, one is potentially more visible to motorists who may be focusing on what is right ahead of them. Motorists have lots of distractions, and tend to time split their attention... they may not look completely in all directions... especially in other lanes... such as a bike lane. To help motorists see cyclists... John Allen and others such as HH recommend riding more center biased (or right tire tread) to put yourself in the motorists narrow field of view. Of course you do not want to impede the motorist if you don't have to... so the idea is to move to the right long before the motorist considers you a problem... but has indeed considered you.
I kind of ride like that since i started commuting. It makes a lot of sense on long country commutes, especially when the road is smoother and safer in the middle(especially when they use gravel to keep the roads from getting slick) It also shows the motorist that you know they're there. My area is pretty nice to cyclists, and most of them won't pass you until they're sure you're aware of them. Even then most give me a whole lane, even after I move over for them to pass
SingingSabre
Perhaps because you don't want words that you're posting on a public forum to be publically reviewed and commented on?
Which begs the question... why are you posting here?
Oy. F***ing. Vey.
I don't want you to dissect my post because I'm sick of debating every nitpicking detail with you. I'm sick of your faulty logic. I'm sick of your proselytizing your brand of VC and using simple, inane, innocent posts to do it. I'm sick of you using obituaries to peddle your brand of VC. I'm sick of so many threads in A&S being turned into VC debates. Just sick of it.
Seriously. F***ing. Sick.
I've never, ever iggied someone on a forum before, but you're seriously begging for me to.
If anyone else wanted to comment on my ideas, I'd be totally cool with that. But if that includes you jumping in on it, count me out. I listed them and don't want someone to tell me how I'm "wrong" for not having VC principles. If someone wants to say "Yeah, that works for me, but I do it this way," that'd be great. In fact, many people here do that. However, you always let those who don't VC in your image know that they're going to die. I'm sick of that.
Take the lane when you want. I'll take the lane when I need. Leave my posts the **** alone.
rando
Oy. F***ing. Vey.
I don't want you to dissect my post because I'm sick of debating every nitpicking detail with you. I'm sick of your faulty logic. I'm sick of your proselytizing your brand of VC and using simple, inane, innocent posts to do it. I'm sick of you using obituaries to peddle your brand of VC. I'm sick of so many threads in A&S being turned into VC debates. Just sick of it.
Seriously. F***ing. Sick.
I've never, ever iggied someone on a forum before, but you're seriously begging for me to.
If anyone else wanted to comment on my ideas, I'd be totally cool with that. But if that includes you jumping in on it, count me out. I listed them and don't want someone to tell me how I'm "wrong" for not having VC principles. If someone wants to say "Yeah, that works for me, but I do it this way," that'd be great. In fact, many people here do that. However, you always let those who don't VC in your image know that they're going to die. I'm sick of that.
Take the lane when you want. I'll take the lane when I need. Leave my posts the **** alone.
+1
mechBgon
My rules of engagement for riding on roads:
Be visible, be predictable, be lawful, be courteous. And accelerate like a... uh... well, I wish I could do 0-45 in two seconds, anyway :o
Bekologist
here's a few of MY caveats -
1: SAFETY FIRST.
2: Ride like you mean it.
3: Think ahead.
4: Enjoy your riding; it is freedom.
5: learn to like ALL weather.
6: wool.
7: Pass the cars, pass the cars, pass the cars.
8: Always a helmet and gloves.
9: be predictable.
10. be aware.
11: read ALL the traffic.
12: pace yourself.
13: hand wave the truckers by, ring the bell at the kids.
14: point and shoot to signal.
15: "There are no heroes in the first fifty miles."
I like singing sabre's 8,9, and 10.....especially #9: ".....be wary of possible chain reactions."
JohnBrooking
Generally agree, except I'd make a few slight adjustments:
When between intersections, faster traffic is present and it is safe for them to pass, move to the right until they have passed, then move to the normal position for traffic where others expect to see and look for traffic.
At all other times, obey the same rules as riding a motorcycle.
Okay, I'll accept that. #1 is the default riding position question that you and others have been discussing, and I must may, much more productively that most other threads - yea for you! I'm almost convinced! ;)
I'm not a motorcycle rider. I know there are a number of differences when driving them versus driving cars, but I don't know what they are. Can you elucidate? Obviously their narrow width allows them to be ridden two abreast in a lane, and like bikes, they need to be more aware of road surface hazards than cars. Anything else?
DieselDan
Never make a U-turn in front of a car.
galen_52657
Be aware of your surroundings, the time of day, the traffic load, your place on the road.
Ride in a strait and predictable path.
Unless a consistently wide shoulder, free of potholes and debris is available, ride in the travel lane and position yourself in the lane according to traffic and road conditions.
Maintain a safety margin of 2' or more between yourself and the right edge of the road.
A mirror is perhaps the most worthwhile safety device a cyclist can have.
Stop for traffic signals, and at least slow to a crawl for stop signs.
Use lights at night!
Helmet Head
Okay, I'll accept that. #1 is the default riding position question that you and others have been discussing, and I must may, much more productively that most other threads - yea for you! I'm almost convinced! ;)
I'm not a motorcycle rider. I know there are a number of differences when driving them versus driving cars, but I don't know what they are. Can you elucidate? Obviously their narrow width allows them to be ridden two abreast in a lane, and like bikes, they need to be more aware of road surface hazards than cars. Anything else?
Just check out the motorcycle guide from your state. Most of the stuff about where to position yourself when applies to bicycles.
Here's a link to the PDF of the California Motorcycle Handbook (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl655/dl665mcycle.pdf)
If you or anyone else wants to copy/paste bicyclist relevant info from there to here, that would be great.
K_V_B
Thou shalt not pass moving traffic on the right.
How do you do this in practice? What do you do if the traffic on your left slows down. Do you slow down also?
K_V_B
Never allow a car to overtake you on a roundabout (traffic circle).
Helmet Head
Never allow a car to overtake you on a roundabout (traffic circle).
:beer:
As far as not passing on the right... I do it if it will make a big difference to pass everyone... just slowly and with high caution. If it's just a few cars, no way. Just get behind the last one. Even (especially?) when you're in a bike lane, almost no one expects you to be there passing on the right, or will think to look first before crossing your path, or turn into you, or open a door in front of you, etc.
If there is any safe and reasonable to pass on the left instead, I will do it.
K_V_B
:beer:
As far as not passing on the right... I do it if it will make a big difference to pass everyone... just slowly and with high caution. If it's just a few cars, no way. Just get behind the last one. Even (especially?) when you're in a bike lane, almost no one expects you to be there passing on the right, or will think to look first before crossing your path, or turn into you, or open a door in front of you, etc.
If there is any safe and reasonable to pass on the left instead, I will do it.
The problem is that by the time one would want to pass on the left the cars are usually stopped, and there is no way to move to the left. And if you would get to the left you can end up in trouble when car traffic starts to move again...
As to cars not looking out for bikes in the bike lane: My experience actually is the oposite. I remember when learning to drive that the preparation for any rightway movement, be it a turn or a lane change, should include a scan for bicycles. Bikelanes tell drivers to expect bikes, and tells them where to look for them. My epxerience with car drivers over here (granted, the competence level of the average car driver might be higher in Europe than in the states) is that they don't fail to notice you when you're in the bikelane.