General Cycling Discussion - Not acceptable to pass someone on a bridge?

So today on my ride I was doing the MUP speed limit of 15 mph. I came behind two people riding at about 10mph. The couple were riding in a way that one was slightly in front of the other but also side by side enough to talk. They entered the bridge before I could pass them, so I once I entered the bridge I called out that I was passing on the left. As I was passing I got an earful from both of them. Keep in mind that the bridge was the same width as the trail we were riding so there would have been the same amount of room to pass. Am I missing something, was I in the wrong?

No, but that doesn't mean you won't startle or annoying someone by passing on a bridge.

That's where "passing aggressive" met "passive agressive".

Keep in mind that the bridge was the same width as the trail we were riding so there would have been the same amount of room to pass. Am I missing something, was I in the wrong?

The bridge has railings, yes? Those give a more hemmed-in feeling. If they are bar height they limit how far to the side you can as compared to when there is no railing. Some riders are fearful on bridges -- you'd be surprised. They may already have been feeling tense due the bridge and the railings, and you just happened to come by at the wrong moment.

That's on them, not you. Should have given them an earful back about keeping right.

I've been passed, and have passed others on the bridges/overpasses on The Pinellas Trail and haven't had any problems in either situation.

The only real problems that I have with riding the trail are people who are walking their dogs off leash or who have their dogs on leashes that are longer than 6' or who are walking on the bicycle side of the trail, or who are riding two abreast even though they can see that there is another cyclist approaching them. And instead falling in single file will continue to ride two abreast forcing the other cyclist into the pedestrian side of the trail.

The only time that I have a problem with people passing me is when I'm going around a curve or over railroad tracks.

Just yesterday I had a car do just that, pass me going around a curve. Fortunately for the driver there wasn't another car coming from the opposite direction. But why do I think that if there had been and the car that passed me hit it or had to take defensive measures. That the driver would have blamed me saying that I had "forced" them to pass me.

No longer than most bridges are it's best to wait to pass for safety and simple good manners , which by the way, the OP demonstrated a serious lack of.

Life's to fricking short to be in THAT much of a hurry.

I love the way a certain subset of cyclists make up rules that everyone else is expected to know and follow. If you can hold a line you can make a pass anywhere. As I said before, riding 2 abreast and conversating without getting single file when someone is approaching from behind is way more obnoxious than safely passing someone in some imaginary no passing zone.

No longer than most bridges are it's best to wait to pass for safety and simple good manners , which by the way, the OP demonstrated a serious lack of.

Life's to fricking short to be in THAT much of a hurry.

No way.

Aside from politely announcing his presence and his intentions, what else could he have done? Offer them freshly made cookies?

If the couple really had that much of a problem with the situation, maybe they could've said something to him before the actual "pass" happened. Something like "Would you mind not passing until the bottom of the bridge? My husband is terribly scared up here, and you're wearing those dangerous clipless shoes"

This is like someone with social anxiety yelling at people who bump into them at a large outdoor festival.

Life's too frickin' short to try and impose all of your little "rules" on everyone else in the world. Live and let live.

No longer than most bridges are it's best to wait to pass for safety and simple good manners , which by the way, the OP demonstrated a serious lack of.

Life's to fricking short to be in THAT much of a hurry.

Bullhockey. Utter bullhockey.

If there's no difference in width, there no difference in passing on the bridge compared to passing anywhere else.

No longer than most bridges are it's best to wait to pass for safety and simple good manners , which by the way, the OP demonstrated a serious lack of.

Life's to fricking short to be in THAT much of a hurry.
Me thinks you like to ride slowly two abreast and not be passed?

I am glad to see that I didn't violate some highly regarded unwritten rule then. I have been riding for about three years consistantly and have never had a problem passing people on a bridge nor being passed on a bridge. But there are still some cycling "norms" I am unaware of and just thought this might have been one.

I am glad to see that I didn't violate some highly regarded unwritten rule then. I have been riding for about three years consistantly and have never had a problem passing people on a bridge nor being passed on a bridge. But there are still some cycling "norms" I am unaware of and just thought this might have been one.

If there had been opposing bike traffic sure bad form.. and I hope we can all see why? but yeah.. I'd have passed them as I understand the situation.

I wouldn't, just because you can't bank on them staying put while you pass. bk

I love the way a certain subset of cyclists make up rules that everyone else is expected to know and follow. If you can hold a line you can make a pass anywhere. As I said before, riding 2 abreast and conversating without getting single file when someone is approaching from behind is way more obnoxious than safely passing someone in some imaginary no passing zone.

+1

That's on them, not you. Should have given them an earful back about keeping right.

+1

No longer than most bridges are it's best to wait to pass for safety and simple good manners , which by the way, the OP demonstrated a serious lack of.

Life's to fricking short to be in THAT much of a hurry.

-10

No way.

Aside from politely announcing his presence and his intentions, what else could he have done? Offer them freshly made cookies?

If the couple really had that much of a problem with the situation, maybe they could've said something to him before the actual "pass" happened. Something like "Would you mind not passing until the bottom of the bridge? My husband is terribly scared up here, and you're wearing those dangerous clipless shoes"

This is like someone with social anxiety yelling at people who bump into them at a large outdoor festival.

Life's too frickin' short to try and impose all of your little "rules" on everyone else in the world. Live and let live.


Bullhockey. Utter bullhockey.

If there's no difference in width, there no difference in passing on the bridge compared to passing anywhere else.


Me thinks you like to ride slowly two abreast and not be passed?


-10

Lotta rude and dangerous people anymore. http://s20.rimg.info/26d7b2f98a598a3332ebbf7cacd70438.gif (http://smiles.int-world.com/smile.176952.html)

Oh yes, I forgot! We're in the "me first" generation. http://s20.rimg.info/b4a8370b7df94f8abf33fc0e70e052a3.gif (http://smiles.int-world.com/smile.172693.html)

Lotta rude and dangerous people anymore. http://s20.rimg.info/26d7b2f98a598a3332ebbf7cacd70438.gif (http://smiles.int-world.com/smile.176952.html)

Oh yes, I forgot! We're in the "me first" generation. http://s20.rimg.info/b4a8370b7df94f8abf33fc0e70e052a3.gif (http://smiles.int-world.com/smile.172693.html)
The me first generation? How is riding two abreast and making up rules of the road to suit yourself rather then moving over not the offensive part of this to you?

No longer than most bridges are it's best to wait to pass for safety and simple good manners , which by the way, the OP demonstrated a serious lack of.

Life's to fricking short to be in THAT much of a hurry.


Lotta rude and dangerous people anymore. http://s20.rimg.info/26d7b2f98a598a3332ebbf7cacd70438.gif (http://smiles.int-world.com/smile.176952.html)

Oh yes, I forgot! We're in the "me first" generation. http://s20.rimg.info/b4a8370b7df94f8abf33fc0e70e052a3.gif (http://smiles.int-world.com/smile.172693.html)You still ride tricycle, right?
http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/1927/bikeyoungupsett460.jpg

So today on my ride I was doing the MUP speed limit of 15 mph. I came behind two people riding at about 10mph. The couple were riding in a way that one was slightly in front of the other but also side by side enough to talk. They entered the bridge before I could pass them, so I once I entered the bridge I called out that I was passing on the left. As I was passing I got an earful from both of them. Keep in mind that the bridge was the same width as the trail we were riding so there would have been the same amount of room to pass. Am I missing something, was I in the wrong?Yeah, while I was cycling home from the grocery store pulling the trailer on the downhill side of the road bridge going the speed limit, the same two people passed me in their car with the bikes on the car rack, yelling I was holding up traffic and I should get the **** off the road.

Wow, the unwritten rule of not passing other cyclists while riding over a bridge.

Who knew?

I don't pass on mup bridges, because there are (blind) turns on both sides which you can't even see entering the bridge due to the hump. When I come around one of those bends and enter the bridge it's annoying - and dangerous - to be suddenly confronted with some guy in my lane passing a knot of people because he won't slow down from 15 mph.

Just like we have rules and laws for auto drivers, we should have rules and laws for cyclists!

It may vary from state to state, just like some driving rules do, but we should have those laws for cycling. That way, we wouldn't have doubts and questions like this here on Bike Forums.

As cycling becomes more prevalent and gains in popularity, there will become an ever increasing need for more precise and judicious cycling laws, upon which we shall be held accountable.

In the future, there will be no doubt and no question. There will just be a code to follow, written about cycling on bridges within our state.

My opinion is that the 3 foot rule applies whether you are in a car or on a bike. In other words none of us likes to have someone go past really close because it would mean that if we had swerved a little, for any reason, it would have resulted in an accident including most likely some broken bones and/or bike damage and no riding for a week or two. So if we use the old "do unto others....." rule - you should only pass someone closer than 3 ft, if YOU would like someone to pass YOU closer than 3 ft.

My opinion is that the 3 foot rule applies whether you are in a car or on a bike. In other words none of us likes to have someone go past really close because it would mean that if we had swerved a little, for any reason, it would have resulted in an accident including most likely some broken bones and/or bike damage and no riding for a week or two. So if we use the old "do unto others....." rule - you should only pass someone closer than 3 ft, if YOU would like someone to pass YOU closer than 3 ft.

Nope! That won't work for a number of reasons. First of all, it's a judgement call, and subject to subjective human error. I can just hear it all right now:

Judge: Why didn't you give the plaintiff three feet, before passing?

Defendant: I did give that idiot three feet!

Judge: Did the defendant give you three feet before passing, plaintiff?

Plaintiff: No, absolutely not! That moron didn't even give me one foot! That's why my collar bone is broken! I was startled, and it threw me off course!

So you see, you'd have to practically bring a yardstick, in order to make that determination!

Also, there's the real moron, who just doesn't give a darn. He passes you at 20 mph within an inch of clearance. What's his penalty for ignoring the three-foot rule?...Nothing! Therefore, the rule is unenforcible. That means that it's meaningless!

We've just got to have written laws that are enforcible!

I could imagine some anal person right now, sticking his yardstick out, just to see if it's legal (not necessarily safe) to pass. :lol:

@Nightshade

In my original post I mentioned that I did call it out and that they did move over, but as I passed they got mad. I also said that the bridge was no more constricting than the path we were riding; it was the same width. On top of all that they were going way slower than the speed limit and I was going the speed limit, to pass them I slowed down which is how I know they were doing about 10mph. I am not trying to pick a fight with you but I just dont see what is wrong with passing someone given the situation described.

Yeah, while I was cycling home from the grocery store pulling the trailer on the downhill side of the road bridge going the speed limit, the same two people passed me in their car with the bikes on the car rack, yelling I was holding up traffic and I should get the **** off the road.

Yea thats really sad. I mean you expect that from non cycling people but from some who have bikes on their car?! I mean really they should understand.

Just like we have rules and laws for auto drivers, we should have rules and laws for cyclists!

It may vary from state to state, just like some driving rules do, but we should have those laws for cycling. That way, we wouldn't have doubts and questions like this here on Bike Forums.

As cycling becomes more prevalent and gains in popularity, there will become an ever increasing need for more precise and judicious cycling laws, upon which we shall be held accountable.

In the future, there will be no doubt and no question. There will just be a code to follow, written about cycling on bridges within our state.

Every sate in the Union has a "Rules of the Road" Book for ALL vehicles drivers to follow that INCLUDE bicycles!

also.......


For those struggling with the fact that passing (overtaking) on a bridge is against the rules of the road for bicycles ,as well as motor vehicles, should look it up in their states motor vehicle code (which includes bicycles) or google it to see that overtaking on a bridge is unsafe and illegal !

You still ride tricycle, right?
http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/1927/bikeyoungupsett460.jpg

The fickle finger of fate to you, mate!

Since you're avoiding answering me Mr Nightshade, I'd like to point out in my state it's perfectly legal to pass on a bridge. So now would you like to answer me? FYI I'm not trying to draw you into an argument, I am quite honestly flabbergasted at your take on the situation and would like to know why YOU think that way, not what your states driver manual says.

I wouldn't, just because you can't bank on them staying put while you pass. bk

Don't think you were in the wrong, but especially if it's a short bridge or you don't have perfect view that no one is going to come the other way, I agree with this and probably wouldn't do it myself because there are no escape routes if someone gets squirrely (after having gotten pinch flats having to jump off trails while passing unpredictable noobs - after warning them - I tend to be a bit cautious about passing when I have escape routes).

I think a lot of people don't realize they have a negative emotional reaction to being passed. I don't see a problem with passing other cyclists on a bridge.

Whoever said 3 foot rule should apply must ride on a different class of bike path than we have around here. I think that would pretty much remove any possibility of passing except on a very few paths.

You still ride tricycle, right?
http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/1927/bikeyoungupsett460.jpg

Watch it there buddy!... NightShade's too cool for ridicule!

:lol: :roflmao2: :lol:

Yea thats really sad. I mean you expect that from non cycling people but from some who have bikes on their car?! I mean really they should understand.

Sadly, they're probably the "weekend warrior" trail riding variety who don't understand why we "insist" on riding in their roads.

Sounds like you passed a couple of cranks. You used proper etiquette by announcing your pass, and I trust you didn't crowd them, so whats the beef? I know of no 'no pass on bridge rule'.

Yes, there are rules we must follow, and good etiquette is mandatory where safety is concerned. Equally important are common sense and good judgement. If you hadn't announced the pass, then you'd be fair game for complaints.

They were just being rude. It's perfectly OK to pass while on a bridge when you give warning, including MUP bridges.

For those struggling with the fact that passing (overtaking) on a bridge is against the rules of the road for bicycles ,as well as motor vehicles, should look it up in their states motor vehicle code (which includes bicycles) or google it to see that overtaking on a bridge is unsafe and illegal !Then you should have no problem linking to all 50 state laws that make it illegal to pass on all bridges.

Some bridges may have 'no passing zones' on them, but that is a different story.

<yawn>

<yawn>Who let you out of 41 and foo?

So today on my ride I was doing the MUP speed limit of 15 mph. I came behind two people riding at about 10mph. The couple were riding in a way that one was slightly in front of the other but also side by side enough to talk. They entered the bridge before I could pass them, so I once I entered the bridge I called out that I was passing on the left. As I was passing I got an earful from both of them. Keep in mind that the bridge was the same width as the trail we were riding so there would have been the same amount of room to pass. Am I missing something, was I in the wrong?
Obviously - you interrupted their conversation!

It might be illigal to pass on a bridge on the MUP - I've bever checked. I do know for a fact that here in Montreal its illegal to ride in any manner except single file. But most cyclist respect that about as much as they do stop signs anyway.

It might be illigal to pass on a bridge on the MUP - I've bever checked. I do know for a fact that here in Montreal its illegal to ride in any manner except single file. But most cyclist respect that about as much as they do stop signs anyway.
Unless there is a sign prohibiting overtaking, it's not illegal to overtake on a bridge.

Wow, the unwritten rule of not passing other cyclists while riding over a bridge.

Who knew?

+1

You've got to "read the room" when passing on a MUP which it appears the OP did. We pass a lot of cyclists on our tandem as well as families with baby carriages, dog walkers, families with small kids on bicycles, sketchy adult riders. runners. Our passing speed is appropriate to the passee, but we would definitely pass on a MUP bridge, although the only MUP we ride on has bridges too narrow to pass side-by-side cyclists.

What I really dislike is cyclists riding side-by-side coming toward us, the one cyclists right on the yellow line. These are generally folks conversing and not paying a whole lot of attention. I'm not concerned about hitting them, but I'm sure concerned about the near cyclists loosing concentration and plowing into us.

My bridges are not everyone else's, but please do not pass on this bridge for instance. You won't see who's coming (might be me), and overtaking 10mph at 15 mph, you're liable to take half the length to get by, and this is the longest bridge on my loop with the clearest site path. Just slow down until it's clear, please.

Since you're avoiding answering me Mr Nightshade, I'd like to point out in my state it's perfectly legal to pass on a bridge. So now would you like to answer me? FYI I'm not trying to draw you into an argument, I am quite honestly flabbergasted at your take on the situation and would like to know why YOU think that way, not what your states driver manual says.

What state do you live in? I'd like to be able to verify what you claim.

Then you should have no problem linking to all 50 state laws that make it illegal to pass on all bridges.

I bet he can't come up with ONE, let alone all 50.

Edited for the sake of both politeness and my sanity.

Edited for the sake of both politeness and my sanity.And I was hoping for a really great white text post.

What state do you live in? I'd like to be able to verify what you claim.Truly, there is only one persons credibility in question in this thread, and RaleighSport is not that person.

What state do you live in? I'd like to be able to verify what you claim.

Even if cyclists must obey traffic laws, you'd have to be [redacted] to think that there is a general traffic law that prohibits passing on bridges under any circumstance...otherwise, bridges would only be one lane in each direction with double yellows. On my planet (earth), this type of bridge is actually the exception and not the rule.

Anyway, in Virginia (DC's laws are basically identical), this is the law regarding passing, and to my knowledge there is no specific law governing MUPs...note that there is no law that dictates a cyclist must announce when passing, leave 3 feet, or refrain from passing on a bridge. I suspect that every other jurisdiction in the country is the same in this regard.




http://www.vdot.virginia.gov/programs/bk-laws.asp

Passing Bicyclists may overtake and pass another vehicle only when safe to do so. Bicyclists may pass another vehicle on the right or left, and they may stay in the same lane, change lanes, or ride off the road if necessary for safe passing. Please note that passing motor vehicles on the right side may be extremely dangerous if the motorist does not see the bicyclist and attempts a right turn.

A person riding a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, motorized skateboard or scooter, or moped shall not travel between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, except where one lane is a separate turn lane or a mandatory turn lane.
Motorists must approach and pass a bicyclist at a reasonable speed at least two feet to the left of the bicyclist.

Reference: §§46.2-839 (http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+46.2-839),46.2-907 (http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+46.2-907)