You will frequently find bicyclists throughout the city and,
for as often as they can be seen on roadway, we are lucky to have so few
incidents. Last year there were 17
reported bicycle related incidents and this year there have been 4. These numbers are either a reflection that
people are following the laws regarding bicycles, or that we've been
lucky. To make sure it’s not just luck,
we’ll take this opportunity to review a few things with the end goal being everyone’s
safety.
Wherever a usable path for bicycles has been provided
adjacent to a roadway, bicycle riders have to use the path, not the
roadway. This is one rule that surprises
a few people because many think that bicycles have to remain on the roadway.
Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway has the same
rights as any motor vehicle, but is also held to the same laws as the motor
vehicles. That means they have to obey
all traffic control devices (stop lights and stop signs) and they must signal
lane changes. And for the speed racers, this means obeying speed limits, as
well.
When bicyclists do use the roadway, they have to ride as
near to the right side of the roadway as possible in almost every case. The few exceptions to this have to do with
preparing to make a left turn, overtaking another bicyclist, or avoiding an
obstruction or hazard.
One of the least known parts of the ordinance restricts bicyclists
from riding in large packs that block a lane of traffic. It says they cannot ride more than two
abreast, except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use
of bicycles.
Now, it’s not all about the bicyclists minding the
rules. Those who operate motor vehicles
have to understand that if a bicycle is on the roadway, you have to give them
the same respect as another vehicle. The
ordinance that allows drivers to pass another vehicle allows vehicles to pass a
bicyclist in a no passing zone when it’s safe, but-- and this is important--
you have to pass on the left and at a distance of not less than three (3)
feet.
Striking a bicyclist is the same as striking another vehicle
or pedestrian. It’s a motor vehicle
accident and, if you leave the scene without exchanging information or
stopping, you can be charged with hit and run, in addition to any other charges
that may be coming your way.
In short, when it comes to bicycles and vehicles trying to
utilize the same roadways, everyone has to follow the rules. Continuing to follow the rules will keep
everyone happy and safe.