Nov 17 '08 - 440 W - Vote Good + 4 :: Bad - 7 Rules of the road apply to bikes and cars alike
Published November 16, 2008 by Sacramento Bee
By Walt Seifert
The California Vehicle Code is not always a paragon of clarity, but it's clear when it says, "Every person riding a bicycle upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle ..."
Bicyclists have the right to be on the road, whether or not there is an off-street bike path nearby. Bicyclists do not belong on the sidewalk, where it is less safe.
When traffic lanes are too narrow to share with a vehicle, bicyclists have the right to "take the lane," riding in the middle so passing motorists don't try to squeeze by.
Bicyclists should position themselves on the road according to their speed and direction. Bicyclists can make left turns just as vehicles do.
When changing lanes, bicyclists should communicate with motorists. They should signal, check for and yield to overtaking traffic.
Bicyclists have the duty to obey traffic laws. Bicyclists should be riding with, not facing, traffic.
They should not disregard traffic signals. If riding at night, they must have a headlight and a rear reflector. Bicyclists, like motorists, are required to cease forward motion at stop signs - yet many in both groups roll through stops.
Bicyclists are motorists' neighbors, friends and relatives. Motorists should look for bicyclists, should not speed, and should not drive drunk, drugged or distracted. Motorists must pass bicyclists at a safe distance (no honking necessary, thank you). Motorists should enter bike lanes when making a right turn (where bike lanes are striped, not solid), but otherwise should not drive in bike lanes. Parked motorists should look for bicyclists before opening car doors. Motorists should be patient and considerate even if delayed for a few moments.
Scofflaw bicyclists are a problem for me. They attract attention and tarnish the image of all bicyclists - and make it harder for me to do my job. Bicyclists don't deserve a free pass because of all the good they're doing for the environment, traffic congestion and their own health.
Along with too many irresponsible and uninformed bicyclists, there are too many heedless drivers who pose a much greater danger to everyone using the streets, including pedestrians and other drivers. We all need to do better.
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