genec

And what would be your ideal solution for this 4 lane divided roadway that is treated like a freeway by drivers who largely ignore the 45MPH speed limit?

Where the collision occurred... near one of the rare intersections on this tree lined arterial road that motorists use to get to their "isolated branch" suburban homes, has good sight lines... and the cyclist was using blinkies and a reflective vest. Motorists also use this "parkway" to avoid the rather busy highway 15, just a short distance away.

See for yourself: https://tinyurl.com/8vt99q

ChipSeal

Hello Gene, I'm glad you asked!

Make the right lane narrow (10 to 12 feet wide) and ride in the center of the lane.

1) The high speed arterial with a narrow outside lane (NOL) is common where I live. I travel on this type of ideal road (Like the one I just described) every time I ride. Because I am car-free, it is common for me to travel at night. There is never a safety issue from overtaking traffic, even on ones with 55 mph speed limits. A bicyclist is instantly identified as a slow moving vehicle, and when I am directly in front of a motorist I command their complete attention. The know they must do something to avoid me. And without a fuss, they do.

Being struck from behind is rare- even when you add in being struck while being buzzed. My experience with NOLs leads me to think that a motorist drifting toward the shoulder is the primary factor in overtaking collisions, such as this tragedy before us, but those who file accident reports seem to have no interest in lane position.

2) Seldom do I encounter debris in a NOL.

3) I have never been right hooked in Texas, but it was frequent in California with their wide laned streets.

4) I am traveling where crossing motorists expects to see traffic. This reduces the chance that I will be overlooked.

5) I have better sight-lines when I am away from the edge of the road, giving me the chance to identify crossing traffic hazards sooner.

6) I have more evasive options when riding in the travel lane and I encounter a crossing hazard.

7) I have a reduced risk of colliding with a pedestrian stepping into the street.

The ONLY downside of a NOL is that some motorists may not have the maturity to deal with a slow moving vehicle in the lane. I am indifferent to their trauma, and I wonder why so many cyclists are anxious about it.

H.A.W.G.

I think it would help if our Government took driving more seriously like many European countries do. A driver's license is seen a right in the United States, but it is really a privilege only the people that have demonstrated proper driving skills and responsibility on the road. Which almost everyone is capable of doing. We need to make our requirements and test much more stringent. It take more to be a good driver than knowing what a stop sign is, or how enter traffic. People need to learn car control, and need to spend much more time and money learning to drive, to take driving more seriously. And the privilege needs to be taken away when someone shows that cannot handle the responsibility of driving

Sadly nothing will fully solve the problem but I think this would help, and no I am not some Car-free hippy (no offense). I am a huge Petrol head, drive a pretty quick, modified Sports Hatch. Probably helps that I am the brother of a Highway Patrolman and hear all the stupid things people do

ChipSeal

None taken!

Alarmingly, suspending one's license seem to have no impact on driving behavior- And by that I mean they keep on driving without a license!

As our economy continues to deteriorate, we can expect more motorists driving around without car insurance as well. Sigh.