Just pointing out that considering other people's safety, even if they are driving a truck, is also important. IMO at least.

Oh of course I agree. I was just making the point that unless a bicyclist is behaving very very erratically, it is nearly impossible for a cyclist to pose a safety hazard to others.

Mmm - it is possible. Enough is just one second of inattention, either when pulling in, or changing lanes. Cars will often do panic stops and/or swerves in order to avoid hitting the cyclist - bringing other people in danger.


At low speed, if I'm driving and a car suddenly moves in front of me, taking my right of way, I try to stop, but if I can't stop in time, I'd rather hit the car, than swerve, potentially hitting another car, or killing a motorcyclist taking me over (no time to check the mirrors or look over my shoulder). I know driver isn't likely to be killed from a low(er) speed impact.

If a cyclist moves suddenly in front of me, I know there's a high chance of killing them, so I'd more likely swerve if I can't stop in time, potentially hurting some other people.

improper yielding of right of way is a real problem in Central Pennsylvania. I have seen one person get charged with it when they contributed to causing an accident. The thing is, not everyone agrees to yield their row at the same time. And it usually takes more time than if they just had cleared the intersection, because nobody expects it to happen. It is annoying while driving, but it's even worse while riding a bike

Maybe it differs from town-to town. Or Europe differs. Here, for example, if there's a road narrowing from 2 lanes into one, and the right lane "disappears", the drivers in the left lane have a right of way. However, if there's two rows of cars in both lanes, you are obliged to let one car merge from the right lane, before taking your right of way. That way it ends up one car from each lane going - alternately. Not sure I explained it right.

Also, in some city intersections, jam gets so big, that it's only polite to give your right of way for other cars to pull in, otherwise they would be waiting for half an hour and a total collapse would occur. Drivers here flash their lights when giving right of way - it's like a commonly known signal to pull in.

This is called a "zipper merge".

While traveling to Minneapolis, I notices several times specific signage indicating that's exactly what your supposed to do, form 2 lines and take turns. Several contruction zones on the interstate (outside of Minneapolis) had it when going from 2 lanes down to one as well as many of the entrance ramps in Minneapolis.

Only state I have noticed this. I assume they do the same thing on smaller roads also.

In my experience, a lot of motorists wait for me at 4-way stops. That's because they don't know if I'm going to run it - like a lot of people in this forum advocate to do - or not. Of course, I never run the stop signs. And we all take our turns. Some but not all waive me through. Others, but not all, cut me off. These latter behaviors I witness also when I drive.

I was specifically talking about stop signs and places like that where ROW is clear. Making space to let someone merge is a much different situation, and places where drivers don't let others merge are the worse for it.

We have a signal controlled 5 way stop, here..