[TriLUG] [OT] TriLUGger on the news

[Dave Sorenson]

It's been my experience at numerious accident scenes that that is how 
L.E.O.'s interperet the law. YMMV. I however choose to ride as far to 
the right as possible when I'm riding as I know which vehicle will "win" 
when a bicyclist trys to enforce their "right" to use the road. It 
probably comes from seeing too much blood and brain tissue on the 
road... I don't miss that part of the job.

Be safe!

Dave

Scott Chilcote 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.
>