narrow uphill lanes
 

I had a meeting at a different campus yesterday afternoon, let out right at 5pm, and the shortest way home was one of the busiest streets in the area, 4 narrow lanes, no shoulder, feeding into the local interstate. Plus it was hilly. I've ridden that street in the evening with little problem, and hadn't really thought about lane position, but this was a little unnerving. The traffic was moving fast, say 40mph, and constant, zing, zing, zing, like a metronome, then backing up at the lights. I positioned to the right of the lane, even though I knew it was too narrow, as evidenced by the cars and trucks veering into the inner lane to pass. This was OK on the downhill where I was going perhaps 20-25mph, but on the uphill, I was cranking along at perhaps 8-10mph. Somehow I could not muster the nerve to take the lane on the hill. I imagined traffic backing up behind me, angry motorists. This was not just a fear, but reality because traffic was about 30 deep at each stop light. There was also a sidewalk, but did not want to ride that because I would eventually have to merge into the street. It seemed my options were 1) ride to the right like I was, 2) take the lane, yikes, 3) ride on the sidewalk, or 4) choose a different route. Advice, suggestions?

choose a different route. Is there a street that runs parallel?

Avoid it or take the lane going uphill. Using a mirror will make you feel better about where the cars are.

When you go uphill, is the sun to your back, or in your face? If it your face at 5 pm, you have extra dangers... you're backlit, cars can't see you as well

Do you wear very bright colors? If not, you should. Try a safety vest.

I take the very edge of the lane. That way, the traffic can still pass me without completely veering into another lane. Works well for me, but I live in a pretty bike conscious town.

I would ride the sidewalk.

This is a very dangerous road and I was in a similar situation last summer with NO sidewalk. I still had to walk on the grass because going uphill into a blind corner with traffic going 40 mph or more is just too dangerous. Especially if you're only going 4 - 7 mph!

I have a similar situation on my commute due to some road widening construction. During the construction, westbound La Jolla Village Drive is two lanes wide west of Via La Jolla, and, currently, between Via La Jolla and the offramp to Gilman Drive they are very narrow lanes, and it's a steep uphill. Everything to the right of the construction barriers is a mess, perhaps navigable by mountain bike, but no way on my road bike.

On the local email lists experienced cyclists are complaining about the situation, talking about using alternate routes, getting the construction crew to widen the lane, etc. But I just ride in the center of the narrow right lane (there is no oil slick). Yes, cars pile up behind me, and their motors are loud as they accelerate to pass me when they can finally change lanes into the adjacent left lane, but it really doesn't bother me. There is no reasonable alternative, and I'm not really holding them up for any significant amount of time. I know I have the right to be there, and I think they can tell from my demeanor and/or body language that this is the case, for no one has even dared honk at me yet (and this has been going on for a few weeks now).

Do not sacrifice your safety in the name of avoiding inconveniencing motorists behind you. You were there first. You have the right-of-way in that lane. Claim it. It's yours. Think of it as a good opportunity to educate others on how a bicycle should be properly ridden in this situation. You are operating a legal but low-powered vehicle in the manner that it should be operated, probably not any slower than a full cement truck would be. You are the example in your community. Others will follow.

Serge

Yeah. Then there's the point that no matter what you do, take the lane ride the edge etc. It is just too dangerous. In that case it is up to you whether you want to tempt fate. Roads with blind turns especially downhill or uphill are the worst.

Use your judgement. Don't let "oh i'll just take the lane" and I should be safe. think

Well, adding in a turn with poor sight lines and high speeds is a factor that does not apply in either situation (Bill's and mine) being discussed and thought about here.

hold the lane - you're a vehicle too and have the same rights.

Do not ride on the pavement - pedestrians are unpredictable animals especially when on cell phones or startled.

Not quite. You are definitely not a vehicle. Whether your bicycle is legally a vehicle varies from state to state, but you do have the same rights and responsibilities as does a driver of a vehicle...

We should keep the variable legal definition of a bicycle in relative perspective. Few cyclists need ever be concerned with the status that their transportation device would have in court.

On the other hand, a cyclist who enters a public right-of-way in the US needs to understand that, according to the definition used by highway planners, designers and engineers, they're operating a vehicle. BTW, English speakers will find that, in almost every dictionary, the definition of a bicycle begins with the two words A vehicle

Someone who hears and accepts that their bike isn't a vehicle, and then pedals around as if they're some kind of Pedestrian On Wheels, is more likely to make potentially serious operational mistakes because travel on wheels has important maneuverability limitations that foot travel does not.

Friends don't let friends be POWs ;)