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Check List of Traffic Laws, Safety, and Group Riding
Go to general ride info and a
description of the ride rating system.
Go to the membership application.
Dick Blaine
Following are notes I use to cover traffic laws/safety and group riding
as an introduction to my A-rides.
TRAFFIC LAWS/SAFETY
- Bicycles are vehicles and are covered by DMV laws and regulations as
well as local ordinances; e.g., you must come to a full stop at stop
signs and signals.
- Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of
cars (BUT cars weigh 2000 pounds!)
- The safest way to bicycle is to do what you would do if you were
driving a car. "Go with the flow." That way you fit in with
what a driver expects you to do.
- Exceptions:
- Bikes must travel as close to the right hand side of the road as
is safe; i.e, open car doors. Stay within the bike lane, 1-2 feet
from curb, or 4 feet from parked cars. Watch for car doors being
opened, cars pulling into traffic, etc. It is OK to be in the
traffic lane if passing, not safe in the bike lane, and/or making
a left turn.
- Single file normally; 2 abreast if wide bike lane or very quiet
street. (Watch out for local ordinances/signs; e.g., Woodside.)
- Other Considerations:
- Railroad crossings, wet pavement, cracks in pavement, rough
shoulders.
- Left turn may be done as a pedestrian (crosswalk) or as a car
(left hand traffic lane).
- Where best to stop at corner? Usually safest as far forward as
possible even if you have to be in crosswalk. To left of right
turn lane, if possible. This way cars can turn right without
running through you.
- In cases where 2 or more lanes turn left and you want to turn
left, take over the rightmost of the left turn lanes because that
lane usually allows cars to go straight through as well as turn
left.
- Most bicyclists do not come to full stop at stop signs. Every
time you ride, you represent bicyclists to the motorists and help
determine their attitude toward us. Furthermore tickets for not
stopping are as high as $100 in some peninsula cities. Make your
own decision as to obeying traffic laws.
GROUP RIDING
- Single file, few bike lengths behind next rider - watch for sudden
stops.
- Be predictable, ride in straight line, avoid sudden actions - don't
surprise riders behind you.
- Signal intention to turn and to stop.
- Call out when passing - "On your left". Normally pass on
left unless the circumstances dictate passing on right and the other
rider is aware you are doing so; e.g., next rider is way over to the
left for some reason. Groups that pass may call out "Rider
right" to alert their own group.
- Do not stop suddenly in the bike lane.
- Point out glass, pot holes and other obstructions and dangers (car
pulling out) but don't overdo.
- At 4-way stop signs give cross traffic a chance to get through;
e.g., 4-5 bikes cross then let a couple of cars go through.
- Watch and learn from experienced cyclists.
See also the Guide to Ride Leaders.
8 Aug. 8 1995. Last updated Apr. 5 1999. |
