Timeline for How do you ride on a road that doesn't have a bicycle lane?
Current License: CC BY-SA 3.0
9 events
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| Jun 7, 2013 at 19:40 | comment | added | Johnny | Right, in theory you have the same rights and same responsibilities as cars. However, you will encounter people ignorant of that, or downright hostile to bikes, so be careful and don't try to "enforce your right of way" since bikes always lose against cars. Just be careful, ride predictably and smoothly, and don't assume that a car sees you. As a motorcyclist, I was taught to "ride as if I'm invisible", and I've found that even more appropriate for cycling. | |
| Jun 7, 2013 at 19:31 | comment | added | PeteH | Under those circumstances I agree that changing lanes as the cars do makes sense. But don't forget if you do end up feeling spooked, you can always pull the bike over to the right, step off and walk the bike across when its safe. Oh, I'd also say its never safe to assume oncoming cars will yield - unfortunately as far as many motorists are concerned you're "just" a bike | |
| Jun 7, 2013 at 19:31 | comment | added | user7156 | So basically - I have the same rights and have to follow the same rules as any other vehicle in traffic. Hopefully I won't encounter anyone ignorant of that. | |
| Jun 7, 2013 at 19:28 | comment | added | Johnny | Since you said you're able to keep up with the traffic on that stretch of road, just stay to the right side of the right-hand lane and act like a car. Watch for stopping/turning cars, I've seen too many parents that suddenly decide to pull over to the sidewalk and let their child out of the car without signalling. If you need to make a left turn, signal and merge into the left lane just like a car. | |
| Jun 7, 2013 at 19:28 | comment | added | user7156 | Yes, Pete, that's exactly right. I'd have to move into the left turn lane, then cross two lanes of oncoming traffic into my school's parking lot - just like what all the cars do. Of course, oncoming cars always yield. | |
| Jun 7, 2013 at 19:26 | comment | added | PeteH | why the school zone in particular? Its not clear from the question. You say two lanes of traffic each way - do you have to make a left across all that? | |
| Jun 7, 2013 at 19:18 | comment | added | user7156 | As I've said, half of my route to school is quiet and I can comfortably ride on the road there. I AM on the right side of the road, but not hugging the curb - I'm slightly left to allow room. I stop at stop signs, signal turns, and everything. It's when I get to the the school zone with two lanes on either side of the road that I get nervous. | |
| Jun 7, 2013 at 19:11 | history | edited | PeteH | CC BY-SA 3.0 |
added 3 characters in body
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| Jun 7, 2013 at 19:00 | history | answered | PeteH | CC BY-SA 3.0 |