I just started riding a bike for some general exercise. I have been riding it around my neighborhood (small, dead end, with a bunch of cul-del-sacs, takes about 10 minutes to go all the way around). I'm getting a little more comfortable now and am thinking of venturing out on the road.
What are the road rules for riding a bike? I know you are suppose to go with the flow of traffic (ride on the right side of the road), but what are the rules beyond that?
What if there is a sidewalk and a road are you still suppose to ride on the side of the road?
I will mostly just be on a fairly busy road to go from my subdivision area to other subdivision areas. This makes me a little nervous (about 15 years ago my brother was hit by a car while riding with the flow of traffic, he was okay, but you can see where I would be nervous). So I just want to make sure I am doing everything I can to be safe. Thanks for your help!
2006-08-29 05:03:23 · 3 answers · asked by Sherry 4 in Sports ➔ Cycling
When you are riding your bike on the street, you need to follow all of the traffic laws (stopping at signs or red lights, signaling your turn, etc...) Also, you should ALWAYS ride with the flow of traffic. The reason being if you are riding against traffic at 20 mph, and the car is travelling at 40 mph, that is the equivalent of a 60 mph collision. Now, if you are riding with the flow of traffic at 20 mph, and a car hits you doing 40 mph, it is the equivalent of a 20 mph collision - much less damage! Also, make sure you're wearing a helmet. I personally prefer to ride on sidewalks if they are available, but there is no rule against riding on the street if there is a sidewalk.
2006-08-29 06:08:43 · answer #1 · answered by dlapasky 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ya we would all perfer to ride on the sidewalk but it is illiegal. Think of your bike as just a car with less stuff on it. You are required to follow all the same rules on your bike as you are in a car. If a bike lane is avalable thats where your suppost to be. Stop at all stop signs and obay all trafic signs as well. Sounds stupid but I got a ticket on my bike for going to fase down a side street. stupid but the law non the less.
2006-08-29 14:02:16 · answer #2 · answered by Mike C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dlapasky: "...there is no rule against riding on the street if there is a sidewalk."
Yes, there is. Many municipalities have laws against riding bicycles on sidewalks, particularly in business districts. Check with the local authorities before riding on sidewalks.
2006-08-29 14:11:43 · answer #3 · answered by AF 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋