I was reading a discussion over on Treehugger about laws that bicyclists should or should not obey. I’m all for obeying the laws, and I consider myself a safe driver and biker; hell, I do the speed limit on the turnpike and someone’s always swerving around me impatiently when I’m the far right lane already. Anyway, driving and bicycling on roads tends to lead to most people assuming traffic laws are merely suggestions. If everyone drove, rode, and walked/ran like they were supposed to, there would be less of an issue, but that’s not the case so I consider it a moot point. Many traffic laws are dated and could use some revision, even if it is only minor, but it can only be done at the speed of the local or state government, and then it only matters if people pay attention to them and they are enforced. Then again, we always could look at some European countries that have been dealing with the issue for longer and might have some good plans in effect already. Yes, cyclists do not always go as fast as cars (or as fast as drivers want them to go), but they still have the same rights on the roads. Just today, on the way back to the office from lunch at home, I came to a stop at four-way stop, even though there was no one coming. The car behind me stopped when I stopped, but once I started going went as well, passing me in the intersection. I’d like to say this is not common, but it is. So it goes I guess. I am glad to be seeing more cyclists on the roads though. Perhaps some laws will be changed due to the number of people taking to their bicycles for transportation.
The ODOT Bicycling Homepage. I’m throwing this up there for anyone who might be reading in BG or Ohio who do any amount of bicycling; it’s worth looking over. I enjoyed the following from near the end of the guide they have:
Some drivers try to cut across in front of you. They inch out from a driveway or stop sign and treat you as if you have no right to the road.
These drivers seem more dangerous than they actually are. Most drivers who play these tricks are only trying to bluff you. They inch forward with one foot on the gas pedal and the other on the brake pedal, waiting to see whether you’ll stop.
Giving in to this bullying will slow you down and leave your self-esteem in shambles. Stand up for your rights. Don’t let rude drivers spoil your trip.
We’re on to you, you tricksy drivers.
Wanted to mention this one:
4511.27 Passing Other Vehicles - A driver must audibly signal before passing any other vehicle and then he or she may proceed to pass on the left. The vehicle being passed must give way after being signaled and must not increase speed.
The audible part makes sense for cyclists, and I very much appreciate an “on your left!” when I’m walking on a bike trail, so I don’t get smoked by a passing cyclist. The audible part isn’t really used so much anymore by motor vehicles, though, and the slow-moving vehicle would probably think the passer was rude if they did honk before passing. I’ve always found it interesting that the ‘audible signal’ law is still on the books.
What really pisses me off is all the bikers in Providence being all high and mighty about cars not obeying traffic laws, yet the bikers here seem to think they can blow through stop signs, red lights, etc. No, bikes don’t go at the same speed as cars and shouldn’t be expected to (though sometimes they go faster if there’s traffic). However, traffic laws apply to bikers just as much as they apply to cars. If bikers expect the cars to obey them, the bikers themselves should obey them. When I used to bike around a lot (I would fear for my life doing it in Providence), I always stopped at stop signs and red lights and used hand signals when turning if there were cars around (if there weren’t any cars, I just turned without signal).
Anyway, the problem here is that no one obeys the laws, not even the bikers. Sure, some of them might be silly, but they’re there to protect others. And that bullying thing you mention… it’s not to bully the bikers here. It’s called the RI Slide. Inch your way out until you block traffic and then make your turn, cutting off like 6 cars. If a biker were to hold his ground here, he’d likely run into the side of the car or get hit by the car.
Hey! I’m in Michigan, and I ride a bicycle.
There are a number of bike lanes here, but they seem to primarily exist on busy roads (where some cyclists feel much safer on the sidewalk). I also see some cars driving without regard for the bike lanes. Oh - and the left turn lanes are a doozey - from left to right, you’ve got an automobile left turn lane, a bicycle left turn lane, an automobile straight/right turn lane, and a bicycle straight/right turn lane. Crossing over to turn left may worry some.
As far as audible signaling goes, I recall from driver’s ed that one is actually supposed to honk their horn prior to passing. Apparently this is supposed to be enforced, but then again, most drivers won’t pass others while law enforcement is around anyhow.