Originally Posted by
PlatyPius
If cyclists are going to "be" traffic, shouldn't they obey the laws of traffic? ie: Another car can't pass a string of cars on the right to get around them and pass them at a light. That's one of the things that pisses drivers off about cyclists; going to the front of the line at every light.
Depends on lane width. In wide curb lanes, there is effectively an unmarked bike lane. Basically, if a car can pass you in the same lane, you can pass cars in the same lane. However, if the lane is narrow (less than the generally accepted "safe to pass" size of 14'), then you should get in line like everyone else.
Bikes inhabit an interesting in between area in traffic law. For the most part, we follow the same rules as other vehicles, but traffic codes in most jurisdictions recognize than a bike and car can share wide lanes side by side. This is mostly for the benefit of motorists who want to pass us without changing lanes, but the law works both ways.