Jeffery
12-17-04, 10:12 PM
I didn't think you could. Seems dangerous. Anyone know?
View Full Version : Can you take up one of the whole lanes when ridding a bike ?
drroebuck
12-17-04, 10:14 PM
Serge?
JBar
12-17-04, 10:21 PM
Sure, if necessary, safe and legal. In my limited experience on the road, I ride in the right third of the right lane or on the shoulder if it's good surface and clean. Take the lane at lights, left turn lanes and other ares where it's necessary to go with the flow of traffic. Motorists are usually a little puzzled/amused when I pull up behind them at a light.. You've got to make the decision if you can safely take the lane taking into account traffic speed, etc.
Raiyn
12-17-04, 10:25 PM
The law in FL is: 316.2065 Bicycle regulations.-
(5)(a) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations:
1. When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
2. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
3. When reasonably necessary to avoid any condition, including, but not limited to, a fixed or moving object, parked or moving vehicle, bicycle, pedestrian, animal, surface hazard, or substandard-width lane, that makes it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge. For the purposes of this subsection, a "substandard-width lane" is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
(b) Any person operating a bicycle upon a one-way highway with two or more marked traffic lanes may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of such roadway as practicable. Key words "as practicable" and which means if you don't want to be sharing a lane because you don't feel safe, are avoiding an obstacle, or you feel the lane is too small for you and a car then you are allowed to take the lane. Most (if not all I haven't checked everyone) states have similar wording in regards to bicycles in traffic.
I figured you didn't actually ride (much less in traffic) due to how much you obsess about flats. <shrug>
(5)(a) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations:
1. When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
2. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
3. When reasonably necessary to avoid any condition, including, but not limited to, a fixed or moving object, parked or moving vehicle, bicycle, pedestrian, animal, surface hazard, or substandard-width lane, that makes it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge. For the purposes of this subsection, a "substandard-width lane" is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
(b) Any person operating a bicycle upon a one-way highway with two or more marked traffic lanes may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of such roadway as practicable. Key words "as practicable" and which means if you don't want to be sharing a lane because you don't feel safe, are avoiding an obstacle, or you feel the lane is too small for you and a car then you are allowed to take the lane. Most (if not all I haven't checked everyone) states have similar wording in regards to bicycles in traffic.
I figured you didn't actually ride (much less in traffic) due to how much you obsess about flats. <shrug>
Jeffery
12-17-04, 10:32 PM
Raiyn I obsess about everything. Heck I even drive myself crazy. Its a horrible habit I have that is because of school. I don't like it but I can't get rid of it. I have tried.
JavaMan
12-17-04, 10:43 PM
I didn't think you could. Seems dangerous. Anyone know?
Yes, you could do it. Yes it is dangerous.
Please educate yourself first. You can start here: http://www.bicyclesafe.com/
Tom
Yes, you could do it. Yes it is dangerous.
Please educate yourself first. You can start here: http://www.bicyclesafe.com/
Tom
Jeffery
12-17-04, 11:03 PM
Thanks. I don't really like ridding in the street much though because the cars passing me by scare me. I can't see them coming behind me really with my own eyes and how close they will be. Like hummers, buses, Trucks, etc. There so wide. Cars as well but they don't scare me as much.
Though I guess I should say the heck with it and still ride on the right hand side of the street even if it does scare me sense its legal and I should not like them scare me away. I just wish all bike lanes were as wide as the shoulder on the interstate or at least half as wide. That would make me feel so much safer.
Why did they make the right side of bike lanes so skinner ? Its dangerous in my opinion. Very dangerous.
Though I guess I should say the heck with it and still ride on the right hand side of the street even if it does scare me sense its legal and I should not like them scare me away. I just wish all bike lanes were as wide as the shoulder on the interstate or at least half as wide. That would make me feel so much safer.
Why did they make the right side of bike lanes so skinner ? Its dangerous in my opinion. Very dangerous.
Anthony King
12-18-04, 01:47 AM
What state are you in?
In Texas, a bicyclist may take the lane if the lane is less than 14 ft. wide.
Taking the lane is not dangerous. Riding squeezed against the curb is.
In Texas, a bicyclist may take the lane if the lane is less than 14 ft. wide.
Taking the lane is not dangerous. Riding squeezed against the curb is.
Jeffery
12-18-04, 02:37 AM
Louisiana.
what about the cars, huge trucks, hummers, SUVs, etc behind me honking (maybe) that want to get pass because I am going so slow then?
They could run me over if they wanted to. I know most people won't do that but still you never know.
what about the cars, huge trucks, hummers, SUVs, etc behind me honking (maybe) that want to get pass because I am going so slow then?
They could run me over if they wanted to. I know most people won't do that but still you never know.
Simplebiker
12-18-04, 06:14 AM
You are right, people could run over you if they wanted. It would be just as easy or easier than someone pointing a gun at you and firing. Nothing is 100% safe. People get killed riding in cars and tanks. You choose your method of motion and do as safely as possible. But there's always some element of risk that you cannot control. I do realize that when riding my bicycle on the streets I am placing myself more at the mercy of other road users than I am when in a cage, but as you pointed out, most people aren't that cruel. I hope I don't meet one of the cruel or stupid ones, but I am not going to ride around in morbid fear of what could be. There are many opportunities for me to get seriously hurt or die even when I am off the bike.
Da Tinker
12-18-04, 07:34 AM
Louisiana.
what about the cars, huge trucks, hummers, SUVs, etc behind me honking (maybe) that want to get pass because I am going so slow then?
They could run me over if they wanted to. I know most people won't do that but still you never know.
Louisiana laws are rather civilized on this point. A bicycle is defined as a vehicle, with full lane rights. They do have the usual bike inferiority clause, saying that you should ride as far to the right as safe & practicable (practice & practical), although the law allows you to take the full lane as needed.
Which would you rather have: honking trucks behind you while you take the lane (since they are honking, they do see you), or have the same road whales squeeze past you in the face of oncoming traffic.
By taking the lane, you force other drivers to acknowledge you presence & rights on the road, and to pass safely, using the other lane. If you cower in the gutter, you enable unsafe passing by other drivers, encouraging them to squeeze by without adequate clearance. You also train them to expect the same behavior from other cyclists.
As far as being run over, there are very, very few drivers who actually want to kill you, much less in front of witnesses. Or risk damage to their precious cage.
what about the cars, huge trucks, hummers, SUVs, etc behind me honking (maybe) that want to get pass because I am going so slow then?
They could run me over if they wanted to. I know most people won't do that but still you never know.
Louisiana laws are rather civilized on this point. A bicycle is defined as a vehicle, with full lane rights. They do have the usual bike inferiority clause, saying that you should ride as far to the right as safe & practicable (practice & practical), although the law allows you to take the full lane as needed.
Which would you rather have: honking trucks behind you while you take the lane (since they are honking, they do see you), or have the same road whales squeeze past you in the face of oncoming traffic.
By taking the lane, you force other drivers to acknowledge you presence & rights on the road, and to pass safely, using the other lane. If you cower in the gutter, you enable unsafe passing by other drivers, encouraging them to squeeze by without adequate clearance. You also train them to expect the same behavior from other cyclists.
As far as being run over, there are very, very few drivers who actually want to kill you, much less in front of witnesses. Or risk damage to their precious cage.
Helmet-Head
12-18-04, 10:13 AM
Legally, a cyclist is allowed to use the entire lane in many situations.
Most importantly, a cyclist is always allowed to use the entire lane if the lane is not wide enough to be safely shared side-by-side by a car and a bike.
Cyclists behind hit from behind by a motorist while riding in a regular lane during the day in an urban or suburban setting is an extremely rare type of collision, particularly if you also rule out early morning and near dusk when sun-in-the-eyes can also be factor.
The most important principle in cycliing safety is to be visible and predictable: riding in the lane, somewhere between the left and right tracks, is doing exactly that. Out of courtesy, and if there is room to do so without compromising safety (in terms of visibility and predictability), riding towards the the right side of the lane is fine, and the law in most states requires as much.
Serge
Most importantly, a cyclist is always allowed to use the entire lane if the lane is not wide enough to be safely shared side-by-side by a car and a bike.
Cyclists behind hit from behind by a motorist while riding in a regular lane during the day in an urban or suburban setting is an extremely rare type of collision, particularly if you also rule out early morning and near dusk when sun-in-the-eyes can also be factor.
The most important principle in cycliing safety is to be visible and predictable: riding in the lane, somewhere between the left and right tracks, is doing exactly that. Out of courtesy, and if there is room to do so without compromising safety (in terms of visibility and predictability), riding towards the the right side of the lane is fine, and the law in most states requires as much.
Serge
Guest
12-18-04, 01:48 PM
I think it depends on the state. I take the lane if I feel that a situation is out of hand and there's no way around it. I do believe that if it's one lane, and you are obstructing traffic for more than something like 5 cars, you have to pull over. Otherwise, you should stay to the right, but if you feel like you have to take the lane, then take the lane. I only take the lane if things look like they're getting out of control, like when I feel like cars are trying to squeeze me off the road. Then I take the lane and just ride it until they get the point. There is always plenty of room for the both of us if I stick to the right, and until they figure it out, my frame of mind is to take the lane if they try to crowd me out of it.
Koffee
Koffee
Anthony King
12-18-04, 05:54 PM
I've found the key to angry drivers in visibility. People don't honk because I'm taking the lane, people honk because they don't see earilier enough not to have to slow down. When I have on my yellow jacket or my blinkie is on, I find that magically, there are no cars who want to honk at me. This is because they see me early enough to switch lanes and go around me.
If someone wants to run over you, they can easily do so while you are hugging the curb as well (just a quick flick of the wheel). In addition, while hugging the curb, you are much more likely to be hit unintentionally. At least if you're taking the lane you'll know the *******'s intention.
If someone wants to run over you, they can easily do so while you are hugging the curb as well (just a quick flick of the wheel). In addition, while hugging the curb, you are much more likely to be hit unintentionally. At least if you're taking the lane you'll know the *******'s intention.
blue_neon
12-18-04, 07:27 PM
Around here, your allowed 1 meter from the EDGE of the curve, I dont think your allowed to take up a whole lane unless nessesary, I wouldn't anyway.
Becca
12-18-04, 07:32 PM
I didn't think you could. Seems dangerous. Anyone know?
I live in Charlotte, North Carolina, in the Uptown (aka "downtown" to everyone else) area. When I'm out riding, I almost always take a lane. It lets the cagers know I'm there. Too many times when I tried to be "nice" and ride to the edge, I'd come close to getting blown off the road or nailed by a idiot making a right. If I own the lane, they see me better.
Do what makes you safe *AND* comfortable.
I live in Charlotte, North Carolina, in the Uptown (aka "downtown" to everyone else) area. When I'm out riding, I almost always take a lane. It lets the cagers know I'm there. Too many times when I tried to be "nice" and ride to the edge, I'd come close to getting blown off the road or nailed by a idiot making a right. If I own the lane, they see me better.
Do what makes you safe *AND* comfortable.
2manybikes
12-18-04, 08:35 PM
I didn't think you could. Seems dangerous. Anyone know?
Many towns and states have all the vehicle laws on line. Mine did, look them up and just read them, many are the same but some vary. As far as dangerous goes, Find a good cycling book and read up on riding in traffic. Most of the time taking a lane is pretty safe, provided you know how to do it correctly. There are times when it is safe to give the lane to faster traffic, if it is not unsafe for you to move over.
For example: If the lane is so narrow that the cars will try and squeeze by, they might not judge well and they might hit you, take the lane. But , Signal first, get acknowledgement from the driver and be deliberate and predictable.
Try "Effective Cycling" by John Forrester Try "Urban Bikers tips and tricks", but ignore the stupid "sly biker" tricks.
Many towns and states have all the vehicle laws on line. Mine did, look them up and just read them, many are the same but some vary. As far as dangerous goes, Find a good cycling book and read up on riding in traffic. Most of the time taking a lane is pretty safe, provided you know how to do it correctly. There are times when it is safe to give the lane to faster traffic, if it is not unsafe for you to move over.
For example: If the lane is so narrow that the cars will try and squeeze by, they might not judge well and they might hit you, take the lane. But , Signal first, get acknowledgement from the driver and be deliberate and predictable.
Try "Effective Cycling" by John Forrester Try "Urban Bikers tips and tricks", but ignore the stupid "sly biker" tricks.
my58vw
12-18-04, 09:29 PM
what about the cars, huge trucks, hummers, SUVs, etc behind me honking (maybe) that want to get pass because I am going so slow then?
They could run me over if they wanted to. I know most people won't do that but still you never know.
Exactly what happened to me 1.5 weeks ago on my training ride. I was taking the right 1/3 of the lane, legal in California, 4 lane (2 on each side) road. Guy starts getting mad at me then runs into my back wheel sending me onto the sidewalk, into a pole and to the ER for 8 hours and off the bike for 9 days and still recovering.
Lesson is, take the lane if you feel safe doing so, if the cars have to wait make them. If someone starts honking, yelling, etc then find the nearest exit to move to and let the car go. In my case I was doing 24 - 27 MPH, not exactly slow in a 35 zone. Certian people can be jerks..., if you really want get their licence and report them...
Be safe
They could run me over if they wanted to. I know most people won't do that but still you never know.
Exactly what happened to me 1.5 weeks ago on my training ride. I was taking the right 1/3 of the lane, legal in California, 4 lane (2 on each side) road. Guy starts getting mad at me then runs into my back wheel sending me onto the sidewalk, into a pole and to the ER for 8 hours and off the bike for 9 days and still recovering.
Lesson is, take the lane if you feel safe doing so, if the cars have to wait make them. If someone starts honking, yelling, etc then find the nearest exit to move to and let the car go. In my case I was doing 24 - 27 MPH, not exactly slow in a 35 zone. Certian people can be jerks..., if you really want get their licence and report them...
Be safe
cyclezealot
12-18-04, 09:56 PM
I find a need to use the whole lane when I have to merge left so as to not get cornered into a on ramp for a freeway. Cars are just rushing to a red light and when I get to the on ramp they will not stop,even when I have the crossing walk signal for pedestrans...
Yes, I believe in taking the amount of lane that one needs', but then roads are normally free enough that cars can pass me w/o any hassle; since they are rarely blocked in...
Yes, I believe in taking the amount of lane that one needs', but then roads are normally free enough that cars can pass me w/o any hassle; since they are rarely blocked in...
Chris L
12-19-04, 12:19 AM
Around here, your allowed 1 meter from the EDGE of the curve, I dont think your allowed to take up a whole lane unless nessesary, I wouldn't anyway.
As far as I'm aware, that law was repealed with the issue of the "National Road Rules" in 1999. Now it's just "as far to the left as practicable". There is a 3km stretch of my ride home from work every evening where "as far to the left as practicable" means "centre of the lane". I've never had a problem doing it, and I've done so right in front of the police on numerous occasions.
As far as I'm aware, that law was repealed with the issue of the "National Road Rules" in 1999. Now it's just "as far to the left as practicable". There is a 3km stretch of my ride home from work every evening where "as far to the left as practicable" means "centre of the lane". I've never had a problem doing it, and I've done so right in front of the police on numerous occasions.
Jeffery
12-19-04, 03:36 AM
I live in Charlotte, North Carolina, in the Uptown (aka "downtown" to everyone else) area. When I'm out riding, I almost always take a lane. It lets the cagers know I'm there. Too many times when I tried to be "nice" and ride to the edge, I'd come close to getting blown off the road or nailed by a idiot making a right. If I own the lane, they see me better.
Do what makes you safe *AND* comfortable.
Espically those big trucks, buses, hummers, SUVs, etc :( Those come way to close and I never have been on the right hand side when they did that because I felt it was way to dangerous. I always go to the sidewalk with one of those things. There so wide and big.
Thats why I feel taking the whole lane would be maybe safer with these though. Espically the big trucks and buses.
Do what makes you safe *AND* comfortable.
Espically those big trucks, buses, hummers, SUVs, etc :( Those come way to close and I never have been on the right hand side when they did that because I felt it was way to dangerous. I always go to the sidewalk with one of those things. There so wide and big.
Thats why I feel taking the whole lane would be maybe safer with these though. Espically the big trucks and buses.
Jeffery
12-19-04, 03:39 AM
Exactly what happened to me 1.5 weeks ago on my training ride. I was taking the right 1/3 of the lane, legal in California, 4 lane (2 on each side) road. Guy starts getting mad at me then runs into my back wheel sending me onto the sidewalk, into a pole and to the ER for 8 hours and off the bike for 9 days and still recovering.
Lesson is, take the lane if you feel safe doing so, if the cars have to wait make them. If someone starts honking, yelling, etc then find the nearest exit to move to and let the car go. In my case I was doing 24 - 27 MPH, not exactly slow in a 35 zone. Certian people can be jerks..., if you really want get their licence and report them...
Be safe
Did anyone else see it happen ?
Lesson is, take the lane if you feel safe doing so, if the cars have to wait make them. If someone starts honking, yelling, etc then find the nearest exit to move to and let the car go. In my case I was doing 24 - 27 MPH, not exactly slow in a 35 zone. Certian people can be jerks..., if you really want get their licence and report them...
Be safe
Did anyone else see it happen ?
pjbaz
12-19-04, 11:19 AM
I always go to the sidewalk with one of those things. There so wide and big.
.
Riding on the sidewalk is illegal in many places.
And yes, I take the lane when I feel I need to...threatened or turning. I have no problem making someone wait another 15 seconds so I don't get hit- AGAIN!
PJ
.
Riding on the sidewalk is illegal in many places.
And yes, I take the lane when I feel I need to...threatened or turning. I have no problem making someone wait another 15 seconds so I don't get hit- AGAIN!
PJ
Marlin523
12-19-04, 02:24 PM
My opinion. Ride always on right side, out from edge. This leaves you a little room to move over AND it make you more visible to oncoming cars. I wear a rear view mirror and watch on busy rodes for approaching cars. I move over slightly when I know someone wants to pass. As for turn lanes and stop lights. I take the center of the road. When traffic moves, I move and take my "respectable position" In my state (Indiana) bicycles have a right to be on the road.
kiwi4shore
12-19-04, 10:17 PM
Down in NZ you can take up the whole lane if you dare.Legal but man do you become a target.Best to use what you need and leave the rest to others.
K4s
K4s
Helmet-Head
12-20-04, 10:37 PM
Ride always on right side, out from edge.
Always? Instead of choosing your position relative to the right side, consider choosing relative to the faster traffic. That is, assuming there is faster traffic, and the lane is wide enough to be safely shared side-by-side by a bike and car. Specifically, ride about 3 feet to the right of the outside (right) edge of the faster traffic. This leaves room for cars to pass you within the lane safely, while at the same time keeping you reasonably visible.
I do agree with you about using a mirror and moving over to let motorists pass, though while there is no one there I probably would ride closer to the middle of the lane than what you describe. Again, to be visible, but also to be predictable - get too close to the right and others are likely to predict that you're preparing to turn right at the next opportunity (driveway, mall entrance, intersection, what have you). I also agree with you about riding in the center of the lane in tunn lanes and at intersections, though I wouldn't only do it at major ones with stop lights. The same reasons to do so (increased visibility and predictability - hence safety) apply at minor intersections.
you can take up the whole lane if you dare.Legal but man do you become a target.
This is a common myth in many areas, not just NZ. Consider this: are you aware of any (much less many) instances of anyone actually intentionally hitting a cyclist for "taking up the whole lane"? Then what do you mean by "you become a target"? It's nonsense. If you believe you have the same right to the roadway as do motorists, and your riding, including your lane position choices, is consistent with this belief, then motorists do respect you, and treat you accordingly.
Serge
Always? Instead of choosing your position relative to the right side, consider choosing relative to the faster traffic. That is, assuming there is faster traffic, and the lane is wide enough to be safely shared side-by-side by a bike and car. Specifically, ride about 3 feet to the right of the outside (right) edge of the faster traffic. This leaves room for cars to pass you within the lane safely, while at the same time keeping you reasonably visible.
I do agree with you about using a mirror and moving over to let motorists pass, though while there is no one there I probably would ride closer to the middle of the lane than what you describe. Again, to be visible, but also to be predictable - get too close to the right and others are likely to predict that you're preparing to turn right at the next opportunity (driveway, mall entrance, intersection, what have you). I also agree with you about riding in the center of the lane in tunn lanes and at intersections, though I wouldn't only do it at major ones with stop lights. The same reasons to do so (increased visibility and predictability - hence safety) apply at minor intersections.
you can take up the whole lane if you dare.Legal but man do you become a target.
This is a common myth in many areas, not just NZ. Consider this: are you aware of any (much less many) instances of anyone actually intentionally hitting a cyclist for "taking up the whole lane"? Then what do you mean by "you become a target"? It's nonsense. If you believe you have the same right to the roadway as do motorists, and your riding, including your lane position choices, is consistent with this belief, then motorists do respect you, and treat you accordingly.
Serge
mtbikerinpa
12-21-04, 04:44 PM
Pennsylvania(same as when I lived in Virginia and Guam)
The cyclist has the right to use the lane as needed. The letter of the law in PA states a cyclist may take the lane as deemed practicable for safety, but will when able defer to the safe distance of 3 feet to the left of the white line. In PA we also have a lot of tractors and Amish horse carts so it is not so much a shock. I quite often will ride in the middle of the lane purposely to prevent passes. Not maliciously, but the roads here are very winding and hilly, thus making many places where passing is Very unsafe. Add to that the typical shoulder on said roads is less than 4 inches past the white line before a ditch. Thus I do what I call budgeting space. Ride a foot or 2 out as space permits and they can pass, then when you do get buzzed by someone or thier wake knocks, you can at least have a recovery area. Most of the lanes here are wide enough on straightaways to allow passing even as stated.
The cyclist has the right to use the lane as needed. The letter of the law in PA states a cyclist may take the lane as deemed practicable for safety, but will when able defer to the safe distance of 3 feet to the left of the white line. In PA we also have a lot of tractors and Amish horse carts so it is not so much a shock. I quite often will ride in the middle of the lane purposely to prevent passes. Not maliciously, but the roads here are very winding and hilly, thus making many places where passing is Very unsafe. Add to that the typical shoulder on said roads is less than 4 inches past the white line before a ditch. Thus I do what I call budgeting space. Ride a foot or 2 out as space permits and they can pass, then when you do get buzzed by someone or thier wake knocks, you can at least have a recovery area. Most of the lanes here are wide enough on straightaways to allow passing even as stated.
blue_neon
12-22-04, 10:38 PM
As far as I'm aware, that law was repealed with the issue of the "National Road Rules" in 1999. Now it's just "as far to the left as practicable". There is a 3km stretch of my ride home from work every evening where "as far to the left as practicable" means "centre of the lane". I've never had a problem doing it, and I've done so right in front of the police on numerous occasions.
Yeah I wan't really sure. Were you down here for the 'critical mass' not that long ago?
Yeah I wan't really sure. Were you down here for the 'critical mass' not that long ago?
Chris L
12-23-04, 02:56 AM
Yeah I wan't really sure. Were you down here for the 'critical mass' not that long ago?
Never actually ridden a critical mass. I understand they're on every month, and I know there's one up in Brisbane in the unlikely event that I ever wanted to attend one.
Never actually ridden a critical mass. I understand they're on every month, and I know there's one up in Brisbane in the unlikely event that I ever wanted to attend one.
blue_neon
12-23-04, 10:16 PM
They took up all of the Burnley Tunnel, which is extreemly busy, but its just makes cyclists appear incredibaly more unpopular to drivers each time they do something like this. I think there is a limit to when and where a critical mass should be held. I havn't attended one and I also do not plan to.
barenakedbiker
12-24-04, 10:51 AM
It is much safer to encourage motorists to slow down, change lanes, and pass bicyclists like any other vehicles on the roadway.
1. Use a helmet-mounted rearview mirror.
2. Position the bike in the right wheel track or the middle of the lane.
3. Getting hit from behind by a car is not very common. But, if you see a car coming up your btut too fast, too close, make weaving motions, preparing your arms to jerk the bike quickly to the right. The further to the left you are the more room you will have to your right for evasive manuvers.
The main reason motorists would come up your btut too fast, too close, is because they are talking on the phone. Other reasons might include drunk drivers, asleep at the wheel, or a police chase suspect.
By staying away from the curb, you create visibility, the major crash countermeasure. Also, you allow room to take emergency evasive manuvers, in case the goomba, aka idiot motorists, insists on trying to kill you with a dangerous weapon.
And, because the law restricts bicycles to that "portion of the roadway as far to the right as practicable," encouraging motorists to make the lane change before passing is non-violent, direct action civil disobedience. Don't be surprised if some overzealous police officer insists on issuing a ticket, and the judge backs up the goomba.
The law, the cops, the criminal (in)justice system, doesn't give a siht about bicyclists' safety, only motorists' convenience.
1. Use a helmet-mounted rearview mirror.
2. Position the bike in the right wheel track or the middle of the lane.
3. Getting hit from behind by a car is not very common. But, if you see a car coming up your btut too fast, too close, make weaving motions, preparing your arms to jerk the bike quickly to the right. The further to the left you are the more room you will have to your right for evasive manuvers.
The main reason motorists would come up your btut too fast, too close, is because they are talking on the phone. Other reasons might include drunk drivers, asleep at the wheel, or a police chase suspect.
By staying away from the curb, you create visibility, the major crash countermeasure. Also, you allow room to take emergency evasive manuvers, in case the goomba, aka idiot motorists, insists on trying to kill you with a dangerous weapon.
And, because the law restricts bicycles to that "portion of the roadway as far to the right as practicable," encouraging motorists to make the lane change before passing is non-violent, direct action civil disobedience. Don't be surprised if some overzealous police officer insists on issuing a ticket, and the judge backs up the goomba.
The law, the cops, the criminal (in)justice system, doesn't give a siht about bicyclists' safety, only motorists' convenience.
Helmet-Head
12-24-04, 01:05 PM
visibility, the major crash countermeasure.
That's a great phrase. I'm going to use it, if you don't mind.
That's a great phrase. I'm going to use it, if you don't mind.
Giant_CFR3
12-25-04, 09:27 PM
What i normally do is stay to the right. I will take the lane if it is in heavy traffic, there have been to many times where i have been just blown off the road by a large group of cars trying to get to dairy queen faster.
One specific case, i took the lane ( it was a narrow road at rush hour) and this b**ch had the nerve to try to force me into oncoming traffic, and then at the stoplight she rolled down her window, and cursed at me telling me to ride on the side walk.
this struck me as funny, because i was wearing full garb, and riding a very expensive road bike.
Natrually i followed her home, and road around her block for about 30 minutes. She wasent so big when she wasent in her car. lol ; p
That quite honestly scared the sh*t out of me for a couple of weeks. I did not like being forced into oncoming traffic.
One specific case, i took the lane ( it was a narrow road at rush hour) and this b**ch had the nerve to try to force me into oncoming traffic, and then at the stoplight she rolled down her window, and cursed at me telling me to ride on the side walk.
this struck me as funny, because i was wearing full garb, and riding a very expensive road bike.
Natrually i followed her home, and road around her block for about 30 minutes. She wasent so big when she wasent in her car. lol ; p
That quite honestly scared the sh*t out of me for a couple of weeks. I did not like being forced into oncoming traffic.
eubi
01-05-05, 03:52 PM
In California, we are entitled to the entire lane if necessary. I only have to do that when a cyclist - no, someone riding a bike - is riding on the wrong side of the street.
I don't want to anger anyone driving an SUV.
In the many years I have been riding, very, very seldom have I had problems with drivers. I don't think they are out to get me.
Or maybe they figure that after looking at my bike that I can hire a good lawyer!
I don't want to anger anyone driving an SUV.
In the many years I have been riding, very, very seldom have I had problems with drivers. I don't think they are out to get me.
Or maybe they figure that after looking at my bike that I can hire a good lawyer!
sggoodri
01-06-05, 11:02 AM
I find that using an entire lane is more important when the lanes are narrow than where they are wide. A lot of western cities have very wide lanes where automobile drivers can easily pass in the same lane. But many older areas have narrow lanes, and automobile drivers really need to change lanes to pass safely. I always ride in the center of the lane if the lane is narrow and there are multiple lanes going in my direction. On narrow two-lane roads I will use the center of the lane if the sight distance ahead is poor or if there is heavy oncoming traffic. This discourages unsafe passing and gives me more recovery area if a driver tries to pass and then comes over too early.
I also use the center of the lane at intersections, to discourage drivers from overtaking and then cutting me off.
I also use the center of the lane at intersections, to discourage drivers from overtaking and then cutting me off.
scarry
01-06-05, 11:33 AM
Thanks. I don't really like ridding in the street much though because the cars passing me by scare me. I can't see them coming behind me really with my own eyes and how close they will be. Like hummers, buses, Trucks, etc. There so wide. Cars as well but they don't scare me as much.
Though I guess I should say the heck with it and still ride on the right hand side of the street even if it does scare me sense its legal and I should not like them scare me away. I just wish all bike lanes were as wide as the shoulder on the interstate or at least half as wide. That would make me feel so much safer.
Why did they make the right side of bike lanes so skinner ? Its dangerous in my opinion. Very dangerous.
Get a mirror, mounted to your helmet, glasses, or handlbar. From a bike shop.
Though I guess I should say the heck with it and still ride on the right hand side of the street even if it does scare me sense its legal and I should not like them scare me away. I just wish all bike lanes were as wide as the shoulder on the interstate or at least half as wide. That would make me feel so much safer.
Why did they make the right side of bike lanes so skinner ? Its dangerous in my opinion. Very dangerous.
Get a mirror, mounted to your helmet, glasses, or handlbar. From a bike shop.
Jeffery
01-07-05, 10:50 AM
Get a mirror, mounted to your helmet, glasses, or handlbar. From a bike shop.
I already have one. You can't look at the mirror so sometimes its hard to know because you don't want to run off the road by looking in the mirror. I know it takes less than a second to look in the mirror but sometimes its hard to when your trying to watch the cars in front of you, etc.
I already have one. You can't look at the mirror so sometimes its hard to know because you don't want to run off the road by looking in the mirror. I know it takes less than a second to look in the mirror but sometimes its hard to when your trying to watch the cars in front of you, etc.
Helmet-Head
01-07-05, 11:07 AM
You can't look at the mirror so sometimes its hard to know because you don't want to run off the road by looking in the mirror. I know it takes less than a second to look in the mirror but sometimes its hard to when your trying to watch the cars in front of you, etc.
You need more experience. This reminds me of how I felt about using a mirror when I was first learning to drive a car. I couldn't bear taking my eyes away from what was going on immediately in front of me, even for a second. Curiously, it also applies to off-trail downhill hiking in rough terrain. Beginners have to concentrate on each foot step, while more experienced hikers are constantly looking ahead planning their path down the slope while their subconcious manages the handling of immediate placement of the boots according to the path that has been laid out in the mind. The ability to be able to do so comes with time, as you learn to look further and further ahead without needing to concentrate on what's immediately in front of you.
Serge
You need more experience. This reminds me of how I felt about using a mirror when I was first learning to drive a car. I couldn't bear taking my eyes away from what was going on immediately in front of me, even for a second. Curiously, it also applies to off-trail downhill hiking in rough terrain. Beginners have to concentrate on each foot step, while more experienced hikers are constantly looking ahead planning their path down the slope while their subconcious manages the handling of immediate placement of the boots according to the path that has been laid out in the mind. The ability to be able to do so comes with time, as you learn to look further and further ahead without needing to concentrate on what's immediately in front of you.
Serge
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