Advocacy & Safety - cyclists for a driving test

I just had a think.

What if the DMV had an actual cyclist on the road for people taking their driving test. I'd be more that willing to volunteer time. This may be the only time a driver would ever hear about a 3 foot law, and getting points off on the test would surely drive the point home.

Somehow I doubt the evaluator will notice the bike and deduct points for passing close...

..not unless its specifically an item on the checklist, and changing that is probably going to involve beuracracy and comittees and whatnot. Just think about how bad it is waiting in line(s) at the DMV and multiply that by 1000.



Now, you might be able to guerilla it... most DMV places have a route nearby the facility picked out that they always use. Move some of your liesure rides onto that route, the evaluator won't even notice the close passes, but when they happen you can catch them at the next stop sign and educate them. Who knows, the interruption may even invalidate the test, the punishment for passing too close becomes a fail instead of just a point or two...

..not unless its specifically an item on the checklist,

And shouldn't it be?
Shouldn't we be "driving home" the idea to noob drivers that peds and cyclists share this space with them - that it isn't the domain of cars, alone?

Actually, I will say that it's a brilliant idea. It would be best if the local bike clubs can contact the DMVs to make arrangements. Something else that's related would be to include a "share the road" type reminder when either (1) cars come up for reregistration, or (2) when drivers licenses are renewed. If produced in bulk, a slip of paper with the rules of the road pertaining to bikes shouldn't cost more than a cent each. The cost can even be, say for drivers licenses, borne by donations collected from bike advocacy groups. Alternatively, since IIRC there was a anti-DUI reminder printed last time around here, "share the road" can be put into circulation with anti-DUI for next to nothing.

Would you be on a mountain bike riding against traffic and jumping on and off the sidewalk, going out into the lane suddenly then swerving back? You need to imitate the average cyclist in your area.

Around here I reckon the examiner would give the student bonus points for running the cyclist off the road during the test!

Too late for Texas.... they don't even require a driving test anymore.

Would you be on a mountain bike riding against traffic and jumping on and off the sidewalk, going out into the lane suddenly then swerving back? You need to imitate the average cyclist in your area.

+1 . In my opinion the only 'correct' way to ride is close to center of the lane. This way cars are forced to overtake in the adjacent lane. Therefore, I don't see a point in having to test if a new driver can overtake a slow moving vehicle.

Too late for Texas.... they don't even require a driving test anymore.

I didn't even know that. Got my license 10 years ago. I wasn't required to take a driving test, but I did take the driver's education course which involved driving time. Some of the other students scared the crap out of me. I mean, jeez, I don't think they knew how to properly use brakes on anyhting (bike, go kart, motorcycle, car... ANYTHING)... much less follow rules. They were still mastering ability of the driving it self.

It is pointless to place any new obstructions for the road test. Sure new drivers have their problems, but older drivers with impaired sight regularly get their driver's licenses renewed. I have been in line for license plate or DL renewal and have seen at least two drivers passed after asking what light during the part of the eye exam where they have a light on either side of the testing unit that lights up. I have written the BMV with no response.