2) The faster vehicle is capable of overtaking and passing the slower vehicle without exceeding the speed limit. "Impeding traffic" is not defined in the law, but reducing a motorist's speed for a few seconds until it is safe to pass does not constitute an impediment or an obstruction. The less the chain is loaded, the longer it will last. O To traverse multiple lanes, move one at a time, scanning and signaling each move. Bicyclists often create unsafe situations by riding a car. Learn to make smooth controlled stops before practicing quick stops. Motorist turn/merge into cyclist's path.
O Signaling may not be necessary if overtaking traffic speeds won't allow time to see it. Do you follow behind the cyclist until your route diverges from theirs or you reach a point where the design of the road changes? Obey all traffic control devices such as stop signs, lights, and lane markings. It is important to develop the habit of using both brakes so your reflexes will be ready to respond quickly and properly when an emergency situation occurs. An operator may not overtake another vehicle by driving off the pavement or main traveled portion of the way. 1) On all roadways of sufficient width, a person operating a vehicle shall operate the vehicle on the right half of the roadway, except: …. That is, issues around motorist driving habits that are illegal and cause harm to others. This, after UCSB cyclist Kendra Payne was hit by a construction truck whose driver did not stop. The tabs to the left contain highlights and explanations of key sections of Florida law pertaining to bicycles. From my experience, most motorists seem to think the time to use a turn signal is AS a turn is being made. Cyclist unexpected turn/swerve. Shouldn't children be able to ride there? Complementing its ability to conserve power, a bicycle is one of the most frugal forms of transportation, requiring less than two cents per mile to operate. Driving and Bicycling Concerns. Following closely behind another rider to reduce wind resistance and save energy.
Watch for turning vehicles and ride outside the door zone of parked cars. If there is oncoming traffic, you wait for it to clear. Yield to traffic in destination lane. 1) No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless authorized by the provisions of this article and unless such left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completed without interfering with the operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken. Bicyclists often create unsafe situations by riding one. This is significant in that it allows bicyclists to anticipate dynamic conditions which have the potential to make a bike lane or far right lane position unsafe. To learn more about defensive bicycling, see our Info for Bicyclists page. In addition, pins are 'mushroomed' in the higher quality chains after they are pushed into the plates at the factory. In most, if not all, states, either statutes or court decisions say that whatever laws govern bicycle behavior on sidewalks will also apply to crosswalks.
They must also be swept fairly frequently as debris collects in them because there's no motor vehicle traffic to blow it away. When changing lanes, check for traffic in your rear view mirror and use a head check to the side in the direction you are moving to see what may be in your blind spot area. This is especially important to bicyclists as they are often forced to ride dangerously close to car doors. Cyclists may ride to the left when preparing to turn in that direction, approaching an intersection with a right turn lane, passing another highway user or avoiding hazards or road conditions. O Position yourself in the right-most lane that goes in the direction of your destination. Sometimes, it may be legal to ride two abreast but its safer and more courteous to ride single file. DOOR OPENING HAZARDS. Well, there are a few theories about how to keep the drive train of your bike in good working order without spending too much money. Bike Law University: Sidewalk Riding. From an actual California DMV test: This white sign means: a) You should slow down and move to the right lane. Since the definition of "roadway" excludes shoulders, a cyclist is not required to ride on a paved shoulder that is not marked as a bicycle lane, although they may prefer to do so. Drink before you are thirsty and eat before you are hungry. A prime candidate for such a fix is a provision in traffic codes that explicitly permits a driver to cross a solid centerline to pass under appropriate conditions. Except when his friend fell into the street, a car ran over his leg. This is extremely important!
Bicycle Clothing Basics. The shorts are padded in all the right places. Jerseys have pockets in the rear for carrying all sorts of gear—tubes, tires, wallets, phones, food, water bottles—and are usually bright and colorful to make us more visible on roadways. Engineers marked them extending out several hundred feet from intersections, in areas with driveways, and anywhere else that the engineers considered unsafe for passing, particularly at high speed. O Grates and gutter-pans should be avoided by positioning yourself away from them. Add an answer or comment. Bicycles on sidewalks have long been debated: Is it legal? Bicyclists often create unsafe situations by rising star. Police officers are vulnerable to the same confusion, and may stop or ticket cyclists for bogus infractions such as "impeding traffic" (which by law only applies to drivers traveling more slowly than they reasonably can). Motorists should approach cyclists in an equally alert manner. FBA continues to work with FDOT to modify this section to provide access to bridges and other roads where there are no surface street options to access destinations].
All in all, the roadway is a better place for vehicles – including bicycles – than sidewalks designed for pedestrians. If an object cannot be avoided, rise off the seat and use your legs as shock absorbers. Carrying cargo changes some dynamics. O Do not pass on the right; motorists are not looking for other vehicles there. California Vehicle Code 22107 states: No person shall turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway until such movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after the giving of an appropriate signal in the manner provided in this chapter in the event any other vehicle may be affected by the movement. O If you get caught between lanes while crossing traffic, ride the white line until clear. O Your safety is paramount while changing lanes; if traffic is too heavy, use crosswalks. This ensures that bicyclists can always use the road, and is an at this time unique provision to bolster the vehicle portion of the hybrid rights and duties of bicycles.