[TriLUG] [OT] TriLUGger on the news

[William Sutton]

yes, but it doesn't say that a bicyclist is at fault if he gets run over 
for riding in the lane.....

-- 
William Sutton


On Tue, 22 May 2007, Warren Myers wrote:

> see the bicycle laws I linked to - there is a full description of the law,
> and it say to ride to right - unless impracticable.
> 
> WMM
> 
> On 5/22/07, Scott Chilcote <scottchilcote at earthlink.net> wrote:
> >
> > Dave Sorenson wrote:
> > > Apples and oranges. Bicycles are classified as slow moving vehicles and
> > > are supposed to maintain as far right as possible. Motorcycles being
> > > vehicles that can maintain regular traffic speeds are not subject to
> > > that. I speak as a former TV news photographer who covered way too many
> > > of these types of accidents. If you are on a bicycle, and are in the
> > > middle of a traffic lane you will not get the same leeway from the
> > > investigating LEO in an accident, in fact you could be cited for
> > > impeding the flow of traffic and contributing to the cause of the
> > > accident. The car driver will likely get a ticket for running you over
> > > either way, but the bike rider certainly has responsibility to not
> > > impede traffic the same as other slow moving vehicles (farm equipment
> > > etc...)
> > >
> > > Dave
> >
> > I need to correct this, because it is a misunderstanding of the law that
> > deprives bicyclists of their rights.  There is no special "slow moving
> > vehicle" classification for bicyclists.
> >
> > From the NC Driver's Handbook, Page 95:
> >
> > "Because bicycles are vehicles, bicyclists must obey the same traffic
> > laws as other drivers."
> >
> > "Bicyclists usually ride on the right side of the road, but are entitled
> > to the use of a full lane."
> >
> > "A bicyclist staying to the right in their lane is accommodating the
> > following drivers by making it easier to see when it is safe to pass,
> > and easier to execute the pass.  Drivers wishing to pass a bicyclist may
> > do so only when there is abundant clearance and no oncoming traffic is
> > in the opposing lane.  When passing a bicyclist, always remember the
> > bicyclist is entitled to the use of a full lane."
> >
> > The penalty for failing to yield right of way to a bicyclist,
> > motorcycle, or motor scooter is higher than than for another car.  I
> > didn't know that until I looked just now.
> >
> > The guideline that I have heard cited most often is that bicyclists need
> > to ride as far to the right as is safe under the circumstances.  This
> > allows the full lane to be used when it is dangerous to ride near the
> > shoulder, for example when broken glass or gravel is present.
> >
> > I do oppose a bicyclists blocking the lane unless it is very important -
> > it certainly does not make life easier for other bicyclists.
> >
> > --
> > Scott C.
> > --
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> >
> 
> 
> 
>