1. SHARING THE
ROAD…..The other side’s view
Much has been written about motorist’s need to “share the road” with other
users, such as pedestrians and bicyclists, and the need to obey the laws
governing how these other users are to be treated.
UNFORTUNATELY, very little is done on the OTHER side of the equation. These
other users have their own set of laws to be obeyed, and when they are not, a
motorists doesn’t always know WHAT they are going to do.
With that in mind, here are some basic laws governing bicyclists, in this first
part of a series.
Copyright 2013, GAM Consulting, Clearwater, FL

2. In most states, a cyclist is REQUIRED to ride WITH the traffic, not against
it, if on a roadway or bike lane. This is probably one of the most often
violated rule, and one that can cause grief for drivers.
When making a right turn, the LAST thing a driver expects to see is a
wrong-way rider coming at him/her. This sudden meeting can cause a
collision with the cyclist (head-on!), or cause the driver to swerve
suddenly, with a potential for hitting a car in the next lane, or losing
control.
It is important to remember that BOTH road users are
subject to the same rules. Just as a car cannot drive on the
sidewalk, neither can a cyclist (SOME local jurisdictions DO
allow for this). If a cyclist wants to make a left turn, (s)he
has the right to do so, IF they get to the left-turn lane or
left side of a driving lane. On right turns, a cyclists may not
overtake, on the right, a car that is turning right (ONE
MORE good reason for car drivers to use their turn signals!
Copyright 2013, GAM Consulting, Clearwater, FL

3. Remember when your Mother taught you to look both ways before
crossing the street? That rule still holds! I see way too many
cyclists, on a sidewalk OR in a bike lane, barrel right through an
intersection without bothering to stop and look. A moment of time
can save thousands of moments in a hospital.
In 39 states, the law specifically allows cyclists to
ride two abreast. In 21 of these states, cyclists may
ride two up only if they are not impeding traffic.
Three states–Massachusetts, New York and Virginia–
specifically require cyclists to roll single file when
being overtaken by a passing vehicle. Even if your
state allows riding two abreast, be aware that there
may be nuances to the law, and that local and state
laws might differ: Some cities or municipalities
prohibit two-up riding, even though it is legal
elsewhere in the state. And if your ride takes you
through an Indian reservation, tribal law trumps
state law. Be sure to check the laws in your area
before heading out.
Copyright 2013, GAM Consulting, Clearwater, FL

4. This New Mexico law sign sums it up quite well. A
CROSSWALK (which, by definition, is an extension
of the SIDEWALK) is for pedestrians. Most states
have similar laws, in that a cyclist on a sidewalk or
crosswalk, must either WALK their bike across, or
ride at a speed equal to or less than the foot traffic
of pedestrians.
The laws for both motorists and cyclists only work when they are
adhered to, and respected, by BOTH groups. SHARE the road
means exactly that…no ONE group has more “rights” than the
other, on today’s increasingly crowded roadways.
Copyright 2013, GAM Consulting, Clearwater, FL