[TriLUG] [OT] TriLUGger on the news

[MG]

I think it would be great if more money were put into wider roads or 
more bike paths.  As a once and future bicyclist and current driver, it 
gives me the willies to see bicyclists on the secondary roads in the 
Triangle.  Posted speed limits are already too high for those narrow, 
winding, potholed, randomly obstructed speedways.   Then the 
I-gotta-qo-15-miles-over-or-die-trying guy in the pickup or SUV comes up 
on someone moving about a tenth of the speed limit and pulls around 
whenever, wherever. I know it's not the bicyclist's fault, but if not 
for them there'd be fewer front bumpers coming at me on blind hills and 
corners, heck, even on straightaways where the drivers just don't give a 
#$!. 

MG



Dave Sorenson wrote:
> 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.
>>   
>>