If you see a bicyclist on the road...in a street lane... what do you do?

Question

Cyclist here and I can't begin to tell you how many people have come close to knocking me off my bike... aggravating!!!!

Answer 1

"The best thing to do when coming up to a cyclist is to make sure they are on the white line. If they aren't then honk slightly, but just enough to let them know you're there."

WRONG! Cyclists KNOW you're there, so why tailgate them and honk? That's a good way to startle a cyclist into traffic! If we're on the road, we know what we're doing, so just pass us quickly. Yelling anything or being a jerk won't stop us from riding, so don't waste your breath.

"The biggest problem with this is that cyclists don't always stick to the white line. Many think being in the general area of the line works but that's not the law, so one way to make it easier is to make sure you personally are on the white line."

WRONG! There is no law stating how much of the lane a cyclist may take, and in many areas there isn't a shoulder to ride on. Bicycles are considered to be VEHICLES in most states, are allowed the exact same priveledges as cars and are held to the same rules as cars.

The biggest problem is that drivers have conveniently forgotten that portion of the DMV rulebook. As a cyclist, it is your RIGHT to be within a lane if necessary. Don't be intimidated by ignorant or ****** drivers that think you shouldn't be there.

In Colorado, there is a cell phone hotline to call if you are harassed in any way by a driver. It's *CSP (*277), and they will want the license plate, type of car, location and behavior of the driver. Check your local laws to see if there is a similar tool for you.

The quoted poster may mean well, but it is obvious that he is NOT a cyclist and is giving an answer based on what he sees behind the wheel.

Answer 2

I'll start by saying that riding on the side walk is not wise (in response to this answere):

"if there is no sidewalk to ride on, i slow down to pass, if there is a side walk and they just dont wanna use it, i speed up and barley move over and yell, GET ON THE EFING SIDE WALK!"

First of all side walks are for walking on, not riding a bicycle at 20 to 30 mph. It is also more dangerous to ride on the sidewalk because as you approach ingersections turning vehicles will not see you.

One more thought about cars approaching from behind. Cars are to remain behind a bicycle until it is safe to pass. If the bicycleist decides that it is not safe for the car to pass, the bicycleist may emphasise this point by moving from the white line to the center of the lane. This tactic is obviously not good for every situation. For example a car approaching very quickly, or one that is determined to pass no matter what. If it is not safe to pass, and the cycleist moves over to the white line, the car starts to pass, then sees oncoming traffic, the car may swerve to avoid oncoming traffic, and wipe out the cyclist.

Answer 3

In my state, Oklahoma, it is illegal to be within 3 feet of a cyclist and anytime for any reason! What I can't stand is when people get up right behind you and bare down on the horn for a long time. It scares the crap out of you because you think your going to die! It's hard to decide whether the guy is being a jerk or whether you seriously need to hit the ditch! Some people get stuff thrown them. Of course I get the cat call stuff...but I generally don't get cussed at like others do. But I do like it when people stay a good three feet behind you and are blaring good music while you are going up a hill!

Answer 4

aight this is a tough one but annoys me very much because I live in an area where cyclists are many. The best thing to do when coming up to a cyclist is to make sure they are on the white line. If they aren't then honk slightly, but just enough to let them know you're there. Then look for a spot in the road where you can clearly see oncoming traffic and go around the bike when its clear. The biggest problem with this is that cyclists don't always stick to the white line. Many think being in the general area of the line works but that's not the law, so one way to make it easier is to make sure you personally are on the white line. Now this works two ways, many drivers don't slow down, don't let the cyclist know they are there and zoom past which means the drivers being a little more courteous. to make sure that you personally are safe, stick to the white line as best you can, it's a tough thing to do but do that. And maybe get a rearview mirror on your bike so that you can see cars that aren't slowing down so you know to maybe pull off the road or start flipping them off. hope that helps.

Answer 5

I too am a cyclist. They do not like to share the road so I pretty much stick to the sidewalks. Even tho there is a law where I live stating no bikes, skateboards, Rollerblades, on the sidewalks. They do not even watch cross walks. Then, they give you the finger because they almost hit you and they think it is your fault because they are bigger and better. The reasons I have yet to learn to drive. And I'm 20 years old already.

Answer 6

Just had to way in on the person above who suggested that cyclist should ride against traffic.

That's illegal in most cities, and just plain stupid in all cases. Driver taking a right turn won't see you, and you will get plowed. And it will be your fault.

To answer the question, treat them as you would want a driver to treat you if you were riding a bike. And don't honk, even if you're just trying to be helpful. When I'm driving and I see a cyclist, I give them all the room possible, and I try to drift past rather than gun my engine.

Answer 7

Have you ever seen those flexible fiberglass rods that stick out from behind tractor-trailers to help guide the drivers when they back up? Some even have an alarm that sounds when they make contact.

They are adjustable in length and are virtually weightless. Get a pair and attach them to your bike in the rear. You will be surprised at how cars will avoid making contact with them. If they do, you'll know they've entered your "Danger Zone" and you can take action. It's better to jump the curb than get hit by a careless driver.

Answer 8

try riding further out into the lane so they *have* to move over to pass. some may still cut you close just to "get back" at you, but you have the right to use the lane by law. plus you'll avoid debris on the shoulder. as far as what i do when seeing a cyclist? see if it is anyone i know, follow with 4-ways on until safe to pass with a wide berth, then check out the bike as i pass....

Answer 9

Personally, as a cyclist, I try to give fellow cyclists as much room as possible when I'm driving. Unfortunately, it seems that a lot of drivers seem to think there's some sort of contest for coming as close as they can. I often think some drivers are trying to hit me on purpose.

Answer 10

It's always a risk when you ride your bike out in traffic situations. Trust me. Once, my dad got nailed because he got distracted and some guy opened a car door and he slammed right into it. At first, it was funny, but afterwards we realized it could've been serious. Anyway, the best advice I can give you is that you should try to ride in the opposite direction as traffic. That way you can see what's coming your way. That is, unless your city or state considers you as a part of traffic and therefore you would get a ticket for going in the opposite direction.

It's better to try and use bike paths, or go to parks, or anywhere where you wouldn't come in direct contact with oncoming traffic becuase heaven forbid you might have a serious accident.