Originally Posted by
bmclaughlin807
This is what gets me... he shouldn't be forced into the lane if he feels it's unsafe, but he SHOULD be forced onto the shoulder even though he feels it's unsafe?
And yes... you can slow down and ride more cautiously to avoid SOME of the dangers of riding a bad shoulder, but should you be forced to do so? And what about those instances where there's no shoulder? Sure, you COULD get off the bike and walk it around (maybe) but is that a reasonable accommodation?
Good questions. A couple of years ago when I was riding across the Bay Side bridge to go visit friends in Tampa there was a FHP car in the breakdown lane behind a car that had broken down. As I got closer the officer got out and behind his vehicle and indicated that he wanted me to slow down and stop. He informed me that I wasn't doing anything wrong, but that because of his and the other car that he wanted me to dismount and walk around both cars. Saying that if didn't see them and slow down that they wouldn't see me and slow down either. My plan up to that point was to move slightly out into the right lane and pass both vehicles taking advantage of the states law requiring motorists to move over to the next lane when passing a LEO on the side of the road preforming their duties. But in this case walking around the cars was just as acceptable of an option.