vol

We are vacationing in China. The friend who was driving us around told us that he was once fined when his car got on the bike lane while making a right turn. Impressed, I told him that in the U.S. it's the opposite: cyclists are fined for riding outside the bike lanes.

Are there any other countries that treat cyclists with such great respect?

degnaw

Last I was in China, the person driving us around (this was in Taizhou) shamelessly, and repeatedly, used the separated bike lane as a contraflow lane to get back to a turn we missed or to make an 'advance left' prior to meeting oncoming traffic.

There's definitely countries that treat cyclists with great respect, such as NL, DK, etc, albeit it's illegal to ride outside bike lanes in those countries. I can't imagine China is one.

vol

The one I was talking about happened in Beijing. The fine was 200 RMB (more than $30), which was quite a sum for a Chinese like this driver friend (most Chinese are far from being millionaires).

Because of the large number of people riding bikes, the drivers here are very aware of them, plus many bike lanes are separated from vehicles by dividers, so it feels quite safe to ride bike here, although I have seen many "salmons" here. They all ride slowly by our standard, which is another reason it feels safe.

genec

Well I don't know about tickets and the like, but when I was in Oulo Finland, and on a side path and came to an intersection, I stopped to wait for the car that was making a right across the path... and they stopped and honked at me to go. I thought this was odd, so at the next crossing (different motorist) I timed myself to be at the cross just as a driver was turning right (classic right hook set up). The driver stopped for me. I did it again and had the same thing happen. Now I would not recommend putting one's self in a right hook situation, but I was quite amazed that these drivers saw me, waited for me, and actually honked for me to go... unlike what I might encounter in the US. Cyclist modal share there is about 28%... and there were fantastic paths all over.

alhedges

Interesting. Although I think there are only a few places that fine cyclists for not using bike lanes. Also - where I live at least - cars are supposed to impinge on the bike lane while making a right turn. Specifically, they are supposed to merge into the lane (when it's clear) and turn from the lane. This is safer than turning across the lane from outside the lane because you can't right hook someone in the bike lane.

degnaw

The bike lanes I was referring to was the type separated by a divider - perhaps this is less common in Beijing (since it's the capital, enforcement is likely higher there for symbolic reasons), but in Taizhou and other smaller cities, the bike lanes are generally treated as de facto service roads.

I think it's important to note that the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Germany, and Portland OR are all places where you can be fined for riding outside a bike lane.

RolandArthur

Thatīs a tad far fetched. In the Netherlands you wonīt be fined if you choose to ride on the road if that makes your ride safer (or faster). The only exemption is the highways at 100 km/h or more. Riding on the sidewalks however will get you a warning or fine if you are caught. And obey the rules of the road when you are on them

degnaw

Interesting. Isn't there a law that requires cyclists to use cycle paths when available? I've only spent 2 days in the Netherlands but in that time, I didn't see a single cyclist riding on a road in lieu of an available cycle path.

RolandArthur

As far as I know that rule is only enforced at roads with a speed limit at 100 km/h or more. The cycling paths in NL are pretty well maintained, Iīm only taking the road when the bike path is obstructed by snow, cars, road work, kids going to school (those are a road hazard) or if I feel like it. Iīve never been stopped by the police when taking the road. I did get a warning last year for taking a shortcut through a pedestrian area though.

I hope you enjoyed your stay in Holland and riding here!