I am in a power chair. I ride over to the store a lot. A Friend started to walk with me. He said that I should drive my power chair on the left side of the road with the traffic facing me(scary to me). I thought you were to walk or ride on the right side of the road with the traffic behind you. There is no side walk because there is a parking lot until we get to this very, very short drive into the Strip Mall parking lot. People who are driving their car's are turning into this drive I would be smack right there in front of them (surprise) as soon as they turn in!At least the people driving would be seeing me all along. I told him that I would ask. If I am wrong I always admit I am wrong. Please don't tell me to stay home This is my only transportation, and it keeps me in touch with the outside world.
2007-10-02 11:41:35 · 15 answers · asked by Pamela V 7 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
Straight out of the California Driver Handbook:
Bicyclists on public streets have the same rights and responsibilities as automobile drivers. Respect the right-of-way of bicyclists because they are entitled to share the road with other drivers. Here are some critical points for drivers and cyclists to remember:
• Bicyclists:
- must ride in the same direction as other traffic, not against it.
- must ride in a straight line as near to the right curb or edge of the roadway as practical—not on the sidewalk.
- must make left and right turns in the same way that drivers do, using the same turn lane.
ALSO:
Certain other types of slowmoving motorized vehicles (such
as wheelchairs, scooters and golf carts) may legally operate on public roads.
2007-10-02 11:53:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anthonylikes2...☺ 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
A bicycle is considered--in most places--to be a vehicle, so bike riders should ride in a lane of traffic or in a designated bicycle lane. That is where I ride when I use my bicycle, but I do ride defensively, meaning I watch out for idiot drivers.
When I am walking I walk on the left side of the street or road, facing oncoming traffic. In a power chair you should basically operate as a pedestrian. Do you have a marker flag for your chair? You should display one.
Your chair does not give you the ability to get out of the way of traffic that an alert pedestrian has, so you have to make sure oncoming drivers see you. Most good drivers will give you the room you need and you are safer on the left side in most instances.
You might direct this question at your local police and see what they recommend.
A note--wheelchair ramps and lanes are required in many places and a darn good idea where they aren't required. If you have any kind of support group for your handicap, you should see if they can lobby for better and safer access for handicapped people.
2007-10-02 16:28:44 · answer #2 · answered by Warren D 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I live in the city and when you walk you are supposed to go against the traffic and on a bike with the traffic. I walk against the traffic especially because many male drivers like to sneak up on women and yell disgusting remarks at you. At least when they are coming toward you, you can be more ready.
I have seen people on their motorized chairs and they usually ride against the traffic as well. Like walking. I suppose it depends on what you have experienced and what seems more safe.
I drive as well but I am more respectful to pedestrians and motorized vehicles because I walk alot. Most drivers don't realize the perils and that you are out in the elements not in a safe warm car - but they are still in a hurry nonetheless. Drivers need to just slow down and enjoy the ride rather than speed, dart, and whine...
2007-10-03 04:15:46 · answer #3 · answered by mariee64 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are right and he is wrong! It sounded scary to me just reading about those cars turning in that drive. If he wants on walk on the left side because he feels that would be safer for him that's okay for him, but I would say for you because you are at a sitting height. I think you would be safer on the right side of the road.
2007-10-02 11:51:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
In Ohio, if you are riding a bicycle, you are to travel with the direction of traffic and if you are walking, you are supposed to walk against (towards) traffic... I am not sure about power chairs.
2007-10-02 11:49:34 · answer #5 · answered by James B 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Whenever you are on a bicycle, as with any other street legal vehicle, you should ride it on the street, not the sidewalk, and you should go with the traffic flow like any other vehicle. When you are walking, you should walk against the flow, for one reason, you can easier run from somebody trying to snatch you if you are going the opposite direction.
2007-10-02 11:54:39 · answer #6 · answered by Frank 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think you are right. The traffic should be behind you, they can see you better that way. If it is a short drive & not really a road, it wouldn't matter with him.
2007-10-02 12:53:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
uh good question....i say against the traffic bc then u can see whats coming towards you...and if its behind u, u cannot see whats going on.
maybe someone got into an accident and your in the way....you can see to get out of the way in a hurry....if u cant see, u will only hear screams and such and not know what to expect.
2007-10-02 12:03:13 · answer #8 · answered by OMG!DiS iS sO kEwL 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think your best answer would come from a source that has driving rules,however bicycles and all motor driven vehicles,must flow with traffic.
2007-10-02 12:17:46 · answer #9 · answered by JIMMY G 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are both right. You should be on the right side with the traffic behind you.
2007-10-02 12:03:24 · answer #10 · answered by pkvan 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋