Originally Posted by
VeloNewbie
I have a question that I think I know the answer to but I need to ask you guys/gals just to make sure. I have been road cycling for 2.5 years. I am from the Northeast USA(cyclist friendly somewhat), but I currently reside in the Southeast(unfortunately). Lately, I have been getting motorist yelling, "get out of the road" or "get on the sidewalk"! I think its ok for me to be on the road, right? Im averaging 17-22mph so im trying to keep up with inner city traffic. And im sharing the road, giving motorist enough room also. People in the south seem to hate a person on a bicycle. I swear. I dont think they knew what a bicycle was until a year ago. LOL. They are making me feel like im in the wrong(maybe I am). So, is there ever times I should be on the sidewalk? Or should I be on the sidewalk all the time?
P.S. How do yous deal with motorist that yell things like that? I get a little agitated. I can control myself though.
Even though you mention the southeastern US, it doesn't really matter where you are. There will always be motorists' who feel not only, that the road is made only for cars. But also, that bikes should only be on the sidewalk. Apart from the misguided emotions of some motorists', if by chance(not implying you should) you want to ride on the sidewalk, check your state, county, and city(or municipal) laws first.
In Maryland, the state law says 'no' to riding on the sidewalk, but allows for the county governments' to disagree. Then the city governments' have the right to agree with the state, or the county.
My county disagrees' with the state. But the city closest to me agrees' with the state. Whereas, the next city south of me, agrees' with the county.
When someone tells me to get, off the road/on the sidewalk, I ignore them. Except when I am stopped at a traffic light. Because, Just like any motorist, if I am not paying attention to the light when it goes green, I expect them to honk at me. I go 20-30mph. But even on some local roads with 30mph speed limits, I still get yelled/honked at.
The bike has been on the road since 1880. But the motorized vehicle, only since around 1903(The Wilbur n' Orville Wright flew the Wright Flyer and Kitty Hawk, North Carolina).