Is it ok to ride in front of a car when there's no bike lane or a parked car is in the way?

Question

For just a short time until I can find more space

Answer 1

Cycling laws vary depending on the state you're in, but a good rule of thumb is to ride as if you were driving a car. This means riding with the traffic, stopping at red lights and stop signs, obeying street signs etc. So to answer your question, I would say that yes, it is ok to ride in front of a car. Of course, you should always wait for a break in the traffic (no different than if you were in a car looking to move right), and be very cautious of people GETTING OUT of parked cars. This can be a huge hazard for cyclists. Imagine riding with a parked car on the right and traffic on the left, and suddenly a door opens...no bueno. Ride safe!

Answer 2

Most incidents cyclist v car/truck end poorly for the cyclist.

The law does not heal damaged bodies.

The formula for calculating road rage is that is directly proportional to accelerator pedal movement and greatly amplified by brake pedal application.

Most motorists will not give you trouble but will get annoyed if slowed. Repeat most. Unfortunately there is a very small percentage of the population that could be classed as brain challenged. The proportion of motorists is slightly higher than cyclists. This is simply because a brain challenged cyclist doesn’t live that long.

That being said you have every right to occupy an entire lane it is legal. A cyclist has the same rights as any other vehicle on the road.

Take a common sense approach. If you are approaching an obstacle have a look behind you and judge if you can avoid being at the obstacle at the same time as a vehicle.(most motorists will do the same) This can be achieved by either slowing down or more often than not speeding up. Most riders can attain quiet high speeds for short periods. If timed right you can usually pass an obstacle without triggering the road rage formula above. In the very least the level of road rage will be lessened if the motorist can see that you’re putting in an effort.

If you need to ride where there is not enough room for a bicycle and a car to fit though make sure you there is no doubt in the motorists mind. Ride right in the middle. Many motorists will try to push their car though a gap even if it is marginally too small.

Never swerve into the path of a motor vehicle move across slowly and deliberately.(indicate with your hand). As your riding improves overtaking obstacles becomes less of a hassle, since the speed difference between you and a car will become less.

Live long and ride far. Don’t fall victim to road rage

Answer 3

You should be riding on the road with traffic, but probably not directly in front of the cars behind you. When there is a line of parked cars along the side of the road, you should be riding to the left of them, but in the right side of the traffic lane. When there is a break in the line of parked cars, don't move over to the right, continue in a straight line. That will make your movements predictable to drivers.

Answer 4

The UK highway code says that you can.

To do it safely,
Look over your shoulder well in advance to find a safe gap.
Signal that you are moving out.
Move out well before you have to or you might get forced to stop.
Leave plenty of space because that car door is going to swing open at you.
Move back in as soon as you can to let the traffic pass.

Answer 5

It's legal but be very careful. Many motorists do not respect cyclists' right to be on the road. Be courteous and get out of the way as soon as possible. Be sure to wave and make eye contact so the driver knows you appreciate his/her patience.

Answer 6

You have every right to "take the lane" when in your opinion it is not safe to stay as far to the right as usual. i.e. parked cars, debris, pot holes

Answer 7

you are not a car, do not ride in front of one. stay off to the side.

Answer 8

gotta do what you gotta do