Advocacy & Safety - Bicyclist killed on I-10

Please be careful if you are bicycling on any Interstate Highway.

Today someone died on I-10.

Read the story:

http://www.kpho.com/news/17181501/detail.html#-

Uh... If I understand correctly, that's like a major 5-lane freeway. Isn't it rather illegal to cycle on a highway like that in the first place?

Uh... If I understand correctly, that's like a major 5-lane freeway. Isn't it rather illegal to cycle on a highway like that in the first place?

No.

There are places where said freeway is the ONLY road through. I have ridden on I-10 in Arizona between Casa Grande and Tucson... I left the freeway just outside of Tucson as other roads were available.

This situation occurs all over the west in various degrees. I ride on I-5 just to commute to work in San Diego.

No.

There are places where said freeway is the ONLY road through. I have ridden on I-10 in Arizona between Casa Grande and Tucson... I left the freeway just outside of Tucson as other roads were available.

This situation occurs all over the west in various degrees. I ride on I-5 just to commute to work in San Diego.

Is it safe to assume that when cycling is permitted on an Interstate it is meant that cycling on the shoulder of said Interstate is permitted, not cycling in the traffic lane. And even if the law is fuzzy on the subject, what excuse is there for a cyclist to ignore the typical 8 foot wide shoulders found on most non urban Interstates to take a traffic lane on such a road? Vehicular Cycling Dogma or what?

Please be careful if you are bicycling on any Interstate Highway.

Today someone died on I-10.

Read the story:

http://www.kpho.com/news/17181501/detail.html#-

If the events reported in the cited URL are accurate -" For an unknown reason, the bicyclist veered from the emergency shoulder crossing the right lane and entering the left lane and into the path of the tractor-trailer, investigators said. " - the cyclist's actions were anything but careful, but rather suicidal. There wouldn't be much to learn from this event other than that swerving several lanes to the left lane in front of a moving semi is not safe.

I don't know about the rest of you, and I know it is terribly selfish of me, but I feel a sense of relief whenever I hear of a cycling fatality and later learn that the incident was the cyclist's fault. The ones that scare me are the cases in which a cyclist was struck from behind by a veering, sleepy, or drunk driver.

Is it safe to assume that when cycling is permitted on an Interstate it is meant that cycling on the shoulder of said Interstate is permitted, not cycling in the traffic lane. And even if the law is fuzzy on the subject, what excuse is there for a cyclist to ignore the typical 8 foot wide shoulders found on most non urban Interstates to take a traffic lane on such a road? Vehicular Cycling Dogma or what?

I used the shoulders. Best bike lane around... heck, some 8 feet+ wide... beats the heck out of the tiny 4-5 foot wide BL around here. It was just a bit noisy, that's all.

Who's "taking a lane?" :rolleyes:

No dogma at all. Take that thinking somewhere else.

BTW the real irony is that freeway shoulders are much nicer than a BL on a 55 or 65MPH arterial road... which do exist around here. I know locally there have been petitions to CalTrans to open up more freeway shoulders to allow access around otherwise steep and crowded surface streets (with all those dangerous intersections).

I used the shoulders. Best bike lane around... heck, some 8 feet+ wide... beats the heck out of the tiny 4-5 foot wide BL around here. It was just a bit noisy, that's all.

Who's "taking a lane?" :rolleyes:
I used to ride on the shoulder of I-80N (now known as I-84) to work near Pendelton,OR back in the late 70's. Of course the 8 foot shoulder is comfortable, its better for cycling comfort (if not aesthetics) than most regular roads and the cyclist has more lateral distance from moving traffic.

I suspect people who question the wisdom/sanity of cyclists who claim to ride on an Interstate are making an assumption that riding on the Interstate means riding on the road, not near the road.

I think we can all learn a lesson here. Do not veer in front of a semi-truck on the freeway.

I think we can all learn a lesson here. Do not veer in front of a semi-truck on the freeway.

For those interested in extra credit, staying off the freeway whenever possible is a good idea for vehicles incapable of matching freeway speeds.

If the events reported in the cited URL are accurate -" For an unknown reason, the bicyclist veered from the emergency shoulder crossing the right lane and entering the left lane and into the path of the tractor-trailer, investigators said. " - the cyclist's actions were anything but careful, but rather suicidal. There wouldn't be much to learn from this event other than that swerving several lanes to the left lane in front of a moving semi is not safe.

Maybe he was attempting the often spoken of but rarely witnessed "Power Weave" for the benefit of "enhancing one's cognitive conspicuity"

Please be careful if you are bicycling on any Interstate Highway.

Today someone died on I-10.

Read the story:

http://www.kpho.com/news/17181501/detail.html#-

Last time I checked, it was illegal to walk or ride a bike on an Interstate highway. Besides, keeping up with that 40MPH minimum speed is a reel biatch in a head wind...:)

Last time I checked, it was illegal to walk or ride a bike on an Interstate highway. Besides, keeping up with that 40MPH minimum speed is a reel biatch in a head wind...:)

But some of our BF friends think that legal, safe riding on the shoulder of an Interstate highway is best described as "riding on the Interstate." Hence the confusion.

I used to ride on the shoulder of I-80N (now known as I-84) to work near Pendelton,OR back in the late 70's. Of course the 8 foot shoulder is comfortable, its better for cycling comfort (if not aesthetics) than most regular roads and the cyclist has more lateral distance from moving traffic.

I suspect people who question the wisdom/sanity of cyclists who claim to ride on an Interstate are making an assumption that riding on the Interstate means riding on the road, not near the road.

Well you know what "assume" means. ;)

But some of our BF friends think that legal, safe riding on the shoulder of an Interstate highway is best described as "riding on the Interstate." Hence the confusion.

That's because riding on the shoulder of the interstate is still described as "being on the interstate" by our law enforcement friends.

There are areas where riding on the shoulder is strictly forbidden. There are places were it is permitted unless excepted. And there are areas where this is the only way to get between two isolated points.

I will readily conceded however for those confused by the terms, that "riding on the interstate" generally refers to riding on the shoulders...

There are exceptions, which I believe while illegal, are amusing, none the less.

Here's one case: http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/05/in-a-city-built.html
Here's another: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/bottleneck/2008/07/bikes-on-the-fr.html

I think the message of the above is quite clear though... individuals in individual cars are the leading cause of congestion.

I believe this last one is just a hoax: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCvjihO3Dv0

Hmmn, there's no question of legality in Virginia in this kind of situation. At the beginning of every entrance ramp to an Interstate highway, there's a sign specifically posting what isn't allowed on the road. Bicycles are definitely and specifically on that list. Oh yeah, to the Virginian who answers back that, "At exit X on Interstate Y there's no sign", no doubt time and wear have taken some of them down and they've yet to be replaced. However, I believe you get my point.

I believe Virginia uses what I've always known as the '40mph standard' - aka, if your vehicle cannot hold a steady, minimum speed of 40mph for the entire time its on the road, it's going to be banned. Period. No ifs, ands, buts, or riding the shoulder as a technicality.

That's pretty much standard in Cali as well, except in fairly remote areas where there are no other viable roads - which is what genec and the others are referring to. :D

Hmmn, there's no question of legality in Virginia in this kind of situation. At the beginning of every entrance ramp to an Interstate highway, there's a sign specifically posting what isn't allowed on the road. Bicycles are definitely and specifically on that list. Oh yeah, to the Virginian who answers back that, "At exit X on Interstate Y there's no sign", no doubt time and wear have taken some of them down and they've yet to be replaced. However, I believe you get my point.

I believe Virginia uses what I've always known as the '40mph standard' - aka, if your vehicle cannot hold a steady, minimum speed of 40mph for the entire time its on the road, it's going to be banned. Period. No ifs, ands, buts, or riding the shoulder as a technicality.

Like that in KY, IN, and IL too.

That's pretty much standard in Cali as well, except in fairly remote areas where there are no other viable roads - which is what genec and the others are referring to. :D

The concept of that kinda floors me. In all my years, I cannot remember ever being somewhere where there isn't at least a paved, two-lane, legislative route cowpath alternative to an Interstate. Note, I'm not saying 'equally convenient' or even 'barely convenient'; just 'exists' and 'paved'. In the eastern US every interstate route parallels a previous road that goes back at least 50 years.

That's pretty much standard in Cali as well, except in fairly remote areas where there are no other viable roads - which is what genec and the others are referring to. :D

FYI there are sections of road in densely populated areas where use of the freeway shoulder is permitted.

Here is one example... look at this PDF... http://www.ridelink.org/Commuter_Services/Biking/documents/SouthBikeMap_Web.pdf

it shows the local bike routes and paths, including in purple, the route along the shoulder of Interstate 5 in this area.

I have enlarged that, and attached it below.

The concept of that kinda floors me. In all my years, I cannot remember ever being somewhere where there isn't at least a paved, two-lane, legislative route cowpath alternative to an Interstate. Note, I'm not saying 'equally convenient' or even 'barely convenient'; just 'exists' and 'paved'. In the eastern US every interstate route parallels a previous road that goes back at least 50 years.

That situation just doesn't exist in the "wild west" part of the US... I did a tour back in the early 80's from San Diego to Fort Worth Texas (where my family lived) and I rode on the shoulders of the interstate for various parts of that ride as there was no other road. Once I was east of El Paso, there were plenty of "state hiways" or "farm hiways" to use in the manner you describe.

Let me go a bit further here and mention that often in the west, arterial roads may not have alternate routes either, except a bit of Interstate... yet in California, at least, many arterial roads have speed limits approaching that of the Interstate... from 50MPH to 65MPH. Those arterial roads may (or may not) have 4-5 foot wide bike lanes. The Interstates generally have an 8 foot+ shoulder... now really where would you rather ride... on a narrow road in a 4 foot bike lane where motorists are zooming past you at 65MPH... or on an Interstate on an 8 foot wide shoulder?

More about cycling on interstates here:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=423725

Note these resources as well

http://members.cox.net/ncutcdbtc/freeway/bkfwcr02.pdf

http://www.azbikeclub.com/interst.html

http://www.azdot.gov/Highways/Traffic/standards/PGP/TM1030.pdf

Yep, there's a stretch of I-5 in La Jolla that you can ride a bike on.

You can also legally skydrive while intoxicated, but that's just as crazy.

yeah, so much for cycling advocacy folks. soon we will be having calls to ban ourselves for unfounded fears

Yep, there's a stretch of I-5 in La Jolla that you can ride a bike on.

Yup, see post 20. BTW that is not "La Jolla" at least according to those that live in La Jolla... heaven forbid you should call it that. ;)



You can also legally skydrive while intoxicated, but that's just as crazy.

What is "skydrive?"

What is "skydrive?"

http://www.techshout.com/images/windows-skydrive.jpg

Bicycles on Freeways

There are no Federal laws or regulations that prohibit bicycle use on Interstate highways or other freeways. Most western States allow bicycles to use Interstate highways or other freeways. Many of these States restrict bicycle use in urban or other congested areas.

In some locations, the Interstate highway or other freeway may be the only reasonable route, or may be preferred compared to other steep, narrow, or winding routes. A State should consider safety and traffic concerns along the freeway and along alternative routes when considering whether or not to allow bicyclists to use freeways.

The Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities 1999 from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) recognizes that bicycles may use freeways (see page 60). To order a copy, go to the AASHTO Bookstore.

A State may prohibit shared use paths or bicycles on or along freeways rights-of-way. But it is not a Federal requirement.

Section 166 of title 23 allows motorcycles and bicycles to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) facilities, unless either or both create a safety hazard. If so, the State must certify, the Secretary must accept certification, and it must be published in the Federal Register with opportunity for public comment.

Resources

Website Resources

FHWA Bicycle and Pedestrian Program
Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities 1999 from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). To order a copy, go to the AASHTO Bookstore.
Equestrian and Other Nonmotorized Use on Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities
Framework for Considering Motorized Use on Nonmotorized Trails and Pedestrian Walkways
National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse
Rails-with-Trails: Lessons Learned: Literature Review, Current Practices, Conclusions
Shared Use Path Surfaces
Trails for the Twenty-First Century, from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

I have bicycled Phoenix to Tucson. He was illegal you need to use an alternative route. Sad thing here is just before the Peak to Tucson (where he is headed) is the old I 10 that sits right next to I10. Awesome route because if you want to go fast you use the interstate.
I once passed a semi on this route HA! Now Getting to Eloy (where this starts) from Phoenix is a *****.

Interstates are rather safe expect in Urban areas where exits are many and cars are using them. Of course you can go up the exit and come down. Clover leafs would be a ***** though.

Bicycles on Freeways

There are no Federal laws or regulations that prohibit bicycle use on Interstate highways or other freeways. Most western States allow bicycles to use Interstate highways or other freeways. Many of these States restrict bicycle use in urban or other congested areas.

In some locations, the Interstate highway or other freeway may be the only reasonable route, or may be preferred compared to other steep, narrow, or winding routes. A State should consider safety and traffic concerns along the freeway and along alternative routes when considering whether or not to allow bicyclists to use freeways.

The Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities 1999 from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) recognizes that bicycles may use freeways (see page 60). To order a copy, go to the AASHTO Bookstore.

A State may prohibit shared use paths or bicycles on or along freeways rights-of-way. But it is not a Federal requirement.

Section 166 of title 23 allows motorcycles and bicycles to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) facilities, unless either or both create a safety hazard. If so, the State must certify, the Secretary must accept certification, and it must be published in the Federal Register with opportunity for public comment.

Resources

Website Resources

FHWA Bicycle and Pedestrian Program
Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities 1999 from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). To order a copy, go to the AASHTO Bookstore.
Equestrian and Other Nonmotorized Use on Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities
Framework for Considering Motorized Use on Nonmotorized Trails and Pedestrian Walkways
National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse
Rails-with-Trails: Lessons Learned: Literature Review, Current Practices, Conclusions
Shared Use Path Surfaces
Trails for the Twenty-First Century, from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

Colorado uses bikeways along I70 and prohibits you.
WY I80 is the only continuous way across the state and in some spots the only road.

I-5 & I-90 in WA are definitely OK for cyclists, outside of the metro areas. to cross the mountains, in some cases your only choice is a two to four lane highway, with less traffic (hwy 2), but a smaller shoulder - or i-90, which is like 8 lanes, but a huge shoulder (full lane or more).

i've ridden on i-90 through the cascade mtns - it felt safe with the rumble strips n' all, but of course was really loud.

anyway, RIP to the cyclist that died - btw it could have been a mechanical that caused the swerve for all we know.

Riding on limited access freeways in Washington is allowed, unless expressly forbidden. So the DOT has a (rather short) list of freeways, or sections of freeways, where cyclists are barred. All other freeways are okay. Hell, there's a freeway sign on I-90 approaching Seattle: "Cyclists must exit".

More information:
http://copshop.freedomblogging.com/2008/08/15/bicyclist-ided-in-i-10-death/

I knew Chuck on a buisness level. He worked Customer service for the same company I do (AT&T wireless). Hell some of you may have talked to the guy if you ever had to call customer service for Cingular. :(

I didn't know him personally just buisness. My Boss (use to be customer service) and his Wife who is in Customer service worked side by side with the guy for years. A lot of people in that office are really tore up over this. He was really a well liked person.

From what we understand he was on his way back to GA and the van he was driving broke down on I10. He was riding the bike (he had in the van) we assume to get to the exit to get parts or help.

It looks odd the way he ended up out in the lanes. :o

Better story.
http://www.abc15.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=3853a52b-b18b-4772-bd76-dbe7b7b74600

I knew Chuck on a buisness level. He worked Customer service for the same company I do (AT&T wireless). Hell some of you may have talked to the guy if you ever had to call customer service for Cingular.

Was he the one with the Indian accent?

Is it safe to assume that when cycling is permitted on an Interstate it is meant that cycling on the shoulder of said Interstate is permitted, not cycling in the traffic lane. And even if the law is fuzzy on the subject, what excuse is there for a cyclist to ignore the typical 8 foot wide shoulders found on most non urban Interstates to take a traffic lane on such a road? Vehicular Cycling Dogma or what?

In my state (Kentucky) it is illegal for a cyclist to ride on a freeway. Having said that, I wish it were legal when the freeway is the only path possible - My office is relocating to a location where it could be a 17 mile commute including one interstate bridge, or a 26 mile commute using other non-interstate bridges.

I do see a problem with this concept, however, as even when the cyclist is riding on the shoulder, what happens at the high speed entrance and exit ramps?

I do see a problem with this concept, however, as even when the cyclist is riding on the shoulder, what happens at the high speed entrance and exit ramps?
This is not the place to merge into or with motorized high speed traffic, but cross it in as short a distance and time, as required by the existing traffic. As in any other intersection, the cyclist must use caution when crossing in front of potential moving traffic at the exits and entrances.

Not a big darn deal, though the cyclist needs to pay attention to the acceleration and speed differentials of the traffic.

This is not the place to merge into or with motorized high speed traffic, but cross it in as short a distance and time, as required by the existing traffic. As in any other intersection, the cyclist must use caution when crossing in front of potential moving traffic at the exits and entrances.

Not a big darn deal, though the cyclist needs to pay attention to the acceleration and speed differentials of the traffic.

I would think it would depend on the traffic speed and density and the cyclist's speed. If I'm moving along at 30mph on a downhill with medium to heavy traffic, I'd feel better merging in with traffic for a short distance and passing the exit ramp in the through lane (though it might depend on how frequent these ramps were). With heavier traffic and slower speeds, it probably is easiest to just slow down near the ramp and look for a gap to cross it. With light traffic, not much to worry about.

I don't have any interstate cycling experience but I have travelled high speed, heavy traffic arterials with free flowing on and off ramps leading to interstates.

This is not the place to merge into or with motorized high speed traffic, but cross it in as short a distance and time, as required by the existing traffic. As in any other intersection, the cyclist must use caution when crossing in front of potential moving traffic at the exits and entrances.

Not a big darn deal, though the cyclist needs to pay attention to the acceleration and speed differentials of the traffic.

Agreed.

A short perpendicular crossing can usually be done quite quickly and with one eye down the ramp at on coming traffic. Pedestrian crossings are usually set up in a similar manner... albeit at the other end of the exit ramp from which we are discussing... but the concept is the same.

Exiting the Freeway however may involve more of a merging situation that requires even greater caution due to the speed differentials of motorist and cyclist, and the fact that motorists just will not expect a cyclist to be anywhere near a Freeway.

During my commute, which does involve the the use of Interstate 5 in San Diego, I have to make a left turn at the top of the ramp where I exit... I signal that left turn way in advance and do not actually attempt the left until a motorist slows down for me, thus providing other motorists a much larger visible clue to slow down. The left turn is needed as the exit ramp is a Y shape at the top where it meets the surface streets. That "Y" exit ramp goes off to the right (north) or allows a left turn onto the same street going south. Oddly enough, the left turn is a double lane with either lane being somewhat narrow, so I have to "take the lane" at that point. (this is not an issue with parked cars or door zones, nor are sidewalks or shoulders available... it is simply a narrow double left turn only lane bounded by a concrete island)

I would think it would depend on the traffic speed and density and the cyclist's speed. If I'm moving along at 30mph on a downhill with medium to heavy traffic, I'd feel better merging in with traffic for a short distance and passing the exit ramp in the through lane (though it might depend on how frequent these ramps were). With heavier traffic and slower speeds, it probably is easiest to just slow down near the ramp and look for a gap to cross it. With light traffic, not much to worry about.

I don't have any interstate cycling experience but I have travelled high speed, heavy traffic arterials with free flowing on and off ramps leading to interstates.

Forget merging in these cases... the traffic you might attempt to merge with is moving well over twice your speed.

Although during "rush hour" obviously that is not the case and one may find that a cyclist can move faster than the auto traffic. In either case, since you are not actually near the traffic lanes, but are on the shoulder, moving to merge is really more difficult than to simply use the shoulder as a wide bike lane and to cross the exit ramps in a perpendicular manner while keeping an eye on traffic. Bear in mind that during slow "rush hour" traffic, motorists may actually accelerate onto an off ramp as they leave a bumper to bumper crush traffic.

I do find that on a good downhill exit (when exiting) one may merge with auto traffic as it is slowing while the cyclist can maintain speed... at a certain point the speed of the autos and cyclists will match, making for easy merging. I do this on the Interstate 5 ramp I use while I need to make a left and have to get into a lane to allow me to do this early as the various lanes become right only, center only and left only where they meet the surface streets.

Last time I checked, it was illegal to walk or ride a bike on an Interstate highway. Besides, keeping up with that 40MPH minimum speed is a reel biatch in a head wind...:)

I can ride on most sections of interstate here in new mexico ... not that i want to.

More information:
http://copshop.freedomblogging.com/2008/08/15/bicyclist-ided-in-i-10-death/

Thanks for this link, noisebeam.

It appears that the cyclist was driving a van. When the van broke down, he got the bike out of the van and went to look for assistance. Then the terrible accident happened.

Forget merging in these cases... the traffic you might attempt to merge with is moving well over twice your speed.

That they are moving at twice my speed doesn't mean they can't brake. I know some people are stubborn about slowing to let me in but I'm pretty used to dealing with traffic twice my speed and getting someone to yield. One situation where it could make a lot of sense too is approaching an exit in front of a pack of vehicles that are obviously about to exit. Getting out of the shoulder and into the right lane before they would reach you, even if it means slowing them for a bit, would make getting past the ramp much simpler, assuming the cyclist has the confidence to do this.


Although during "rush hour" obviously that is not the case and one may find that a cyclist can move faster than the auto traffic. In either case, since you are not actually near the traffic lanes, but are on the shoulder, moving to merge is really more difficult than to simply use the shoulder as a wide bike lane and to cross the exit ramps in a perpendicular manner while keeping an eye on traffic. Bear in mind that during slow "rush hour" traffic, motorists may actually accelerate onto an off ramp as they leave a bumper to bumper crush traffic.

I don't see how being on the shoulder of the interstate and merging is that much different than being on a wide shoulder on an arterial and merging to make a left. I'm not a big fan of the "keep an eye of traffic" method of crossing intersections either. I'd rather know that traffic behind me realizes where I am and what I'm doing. Often the only way to accomplish this is to be in front of them.

If I was presented with bumper to bumper traffic at a ramp crossing, I'd honestly prefer to get into the right lane and lane split to the left of the stopped traffic on the way past the exit to avoid any late exiters. I see this late exit manuever all the time on the arterial on my way home from work. People stop for the light then suddenly decide they want to go to the supermarket and pull out of the straight lane into the turn lane. I'm waiting for the light stopped in the lane with traffic so it's not an issue for me but if I was passing on the right like every other cyclist I've seen, it would be more of an issue.


I do find that on a good downhill exit (when exiting) one may merge with auto traffic as it is slowing while the cyclist can maintain speed... at a certain point the speed of the autos and cyclists will match, making for easy merging. I do this on the Interstate 5 ramp I use while I need to make a left and have to get into a lane to allow me to do this early as the various lanes become right only, center only and left only where they meet the surface streets.

What you describe here is similar to what I'm suggesting only that I don't think the cyclist has to be matching, or even within 10 or 20mph of traffic, to make this work.

When I lived in Utah, my favorite ride was up a canyon on I-84. I got off at the first exit, because there is a nice road that parallels the interstate. The only problem was the debris on the shoulder. You can ride just to the right of the noise strip, but any further would require a mountain bike. I really never felt endangered on that road. At least there aren't driveways and cross streets.

Exits can be a big problem. On I-84, I rode past an exit to get to my exit. That is always a problem, it's no more of a problem there than the road I ride on regularly that has a 45mph speed limit and merge and exit lanes. On the interstate, I usually took the right lane after checking for traffic. If nobody behind me was driving side by side, the traffic could take the left lane and everyone is happy. I started taking the lane after getting right hooked while riding in the exit lane. This was going down the mountain, so the traffic wasn't really going twice my speed.

I really don't see a big problem with riding on the shoulder of an Interstate. If you are to the right of the rumble strips, you even get a warning sound for drivers drifting off the road. I don't think I'd like to do it on a heavily used road, too much noise.

There is one section of freeway I rode (hwy 4) in the bay area. It is miserable. Semi's at 70mph, shoulder, though large, is littered with the remains of all the daily crashes. It is just about a mile I think, from one exit to the next, nice downhill, 30+ mph without even pedaling hard. It is legal, since there is no alternative route (and this is pretty urban/suburban area.) The day I rode it, there happened to be a CHP on the on-ramp, he just waved with that "good luck, and god's speed" type of smile.

That they are moving at twice my speed doesn't mean they can't brake. I know some people are stubborn about slowing to let me in but I'm pretty used to dealing with traffic twice my speed and getting someone to yield. One situation where it could make a lot of sense too is approaching an exit in front of a pack of vehicles that are obviously about to exit. Getting out of the shoulder and into the right lane before they would reach you, even if it means slowing them for a bit, would make getting past the ramp much simpler, assuming the cyclist has the confidence to do this.



You really haven't done this have you? Forget trying to slow down Freeway traffic... it just doesn't happen. Cyclists are not even a blip on a motorist's radar when they are driving "limited access freeways."

Don't even think about taking a lane. And consider the possible chain reaction on a freeway when someone does suddenly slow down.



I don't see how being on the shoulder of the interstate and merging is that much different than being on a wide shoulder on an arterial and merging to make a left. I'm not a big fan of the "keep an eye of traffic" method of crossing intersections either. I'd rather know that traffic behind me realizes where I am and what I'm doing. Often the only way to accomplish this is to be in front of them.


Well honestly that is an issue on high speed arterials too... as the speed difference goes up, such merging becomes increasingly difficult.




If I was presented with bumper to bumper traffic at a ramp crossing, I'd honestly prefer to get into the right lane and lane split to the left of the stopped traffic on the way past the exit to avoid any late exiters. I see this late exit manuever all the time on the arterial on my way home from work. People stop for the light then suddenly decide they want to go to the supermarket and pull out of the straight lane into the turn lane. I'm waiting for the light stopped in the lane with traffic so it's not an issue for me but if I was passing on the right like every other cyclist I've seen, it would be more of an issue.


In bumper to bumper traffic, you can merge... but don't try it a full Freeway speed.



What you describe here is similar to what I'm suggesting only that I don't think the cyclist has to be matching, or even within 10 or 20mph of traffic, to make this work.

My experience has shown that communicating and merging always work best when traffic speeds are near equal.

The greater the speed differential, the less likely motorists will see you or voluntarily slow for you. Remember that as a motorist drives faster, there is a form of tunnel vision that occurs. Trying to slow down a motorist moving at 70MPH to say 20 MPH on a freeway is dangerous folly.

You really haven't done this have you? Forget trying to slow down Freeway traffic... it just doesn't happen. Cyclists are not even a blip on a motorist's radar when they are driving "limited access freeways."

No, I haven't ridden any freeways which I already admitted many posts ago. I have, however, ridden roads with similar construction, traffic, and speeds to freeways and these techniques have worked well for me.


Don't even think about taking a lane. And consider the possible chain reaction on a freeway when someone does suddenly slow down.

The same thing could be said for riding on any high speed arterial. I monitor traffic to my rear and make sure the lead vehicle takes notice of me long before it's necessary to make a move. On a freeway, you won't even be taking a lane for very long since you are just crossing one exit ramp. It's as easier situation than some high speed arterials here with multiple consecutive turn lanes.


Well honestly that is an issue on high speed arterials too... as the speed difference goes up, such merging becomes increasingly difficult.

In bumper to bumper traffic, you can merge... but don't try it a full Freeway speed.

My experience has shown that communicating and merging always work best when traffic speeds are near equal.

The greater the speed differential, the less likely motorists will see you or voluntarily slow for you. Remember that as a motorist drives faster, there is a form of tunnel vision that occurs. Trying to slow down a motorist moving at 70MPH to say 20 MPH on a freeway is dangerous folly.

In my experience, I can successfully merge even with a huge speed differential. Perhaps I try harder than you though. I do pick and choose my battles though and if traffic, or a single motorist, is going far too fast to safely slow for me, I don't bother trying to get them to yield. I'm not against slowing way down or stopping to get a gap to merge into when necessary, which might be a lot more common on a freeway than a typical arterial.

Please be careful if you are bicycling on any Interstate Highway.

Today someone died on I-10.

Read the story:

http://www.kpho.com/news/17181501/detail.html#-

Riding a bike on the interstate, regardless of where you live, should be a first-class ticket to, being put in a straightjacket and, locked up 24/7 in a psychiatric hospital.

It is insane to ride a bike on the interstate.

No, I haven't ridden any freeways which I already admitted many posts ago. I have, however, ridden roads with similar construction, traffic, and speeds to freeways and these techniques have worked well for me.


Interesting, so you are going to sit there and debate me in spite of the fact that I have ridden and toured and commute on Freeways. You with no experience on such roads are now going to tell me how you think it works.

OK. Fine.

Riding a bike on the interstate, regardless of where you live, should be a first-class ticket to, being put in a straightjacket and, locked up 24/7 in a psychiatric hospital.

It is insane to ride a bike on the interstate.

Since this poster brought up the subject of riding as if one had mental deficiencies see: http://67.201.16.77/showpost.php?p=7306166&postcount=152

Maybe the victim of the collision had the same attitude as this poster.

Riding a bike on the interstate, regardless of where you live, should be a first-class ticket to, being put in a straightjacket and, locked up 24/7 in a psychiatric hospital.

It is insane to ride a bike on the interstate.

This is total anti-cycling nonsense spouted with zero knowledge nor experience with regard to cycling on interstates.

Al