Originally Posted by
hshearer
You should check your local laws so that you can be prepared in case you ever get any flack.
Just looked, Here's what I find in Philly laws.
§12-804. Riding on Roadways and Bicycle Paths.
(1) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride other than single file except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
(2) Whenever a useable path for bicycles has been provided adjacent to a roadway bicycle riders shall use such path and shall not use the roadway.
This seems against me, unless my safety concerns mean that the bike lane is not "useable."
Pennsylvania law seems more lenient.
Section 3505.
(a) General rule. -- Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), every person operating a pedalcycle upon a highway shall obey the applicable rules of the road as contained in this title.
Comment: This statement reiterates the necessity for cyclists to conform to the expectations of other road users in order to ensure the safety of all.
(b) Operation on shoulder. -- A pedalcycle may be operated on the shoulder of a highway and shall be operated in the same direction as required of vehicles operated on the roadway.
Comment: A bicycle may be operated on either a shoulder or on the roadway (the travel lanes). The locations will be based upon traffic volume, the physical condition of the travel lanes or the shoulder, traffic speed, the bicyclist's intended direction, and other safety factors.