But a bicycle is a VEHICLE! So, it is perfectly reasonable (and stated as such in state law) to hold adult bicycle riders to the same standards as if they were driving a car or truck. In fact, if a cyclist is stopped and ticketed for a traffic violation, said violation should be reported to the RMV and included on the adult's driving record.
Too bad our "all for equal responsibility" cyclist lobby doesn't agree with this very sensible idea.
This bill will make the rules regarding cars and misuse of cycle lanes explicit.
The Act To Protect Bicyclists In Bicycle Lanes (S 1640) protects bicyclists by prohibiting motor vehicle operators from parking in on-street paths or lanes designated by official signs or markings for the use of bicycles, or placing the vehicle in such a manner as to interfere with the safety and passage of bicyclists. Motorists frequently endanger bicyclists by parking in bicycle lanes, forcing bicyclists to merge into traffic. There is currently no applicable state law, and some communities are passing local ordinances that will result in inconsistent rules and enforcement unless statewide action is taken.
Not the same as the tabled vulnerable road user bill, but it is a start and provides clear guidance for cyclists, drivers, law enforcement, and insurers alike.
provided it is amended to include "Where provided, cyclists shall be required to stay within the marked area of said bike lanes, unless necessary to avoid an obstruction they cannot reasonably pass within said lane."
I routinely leave bike lanes when I approach an intersection to avoid what happened to the cyclist in the original post. One important method of avoiding a right hook is to be in the center or left of the right most lane. This way there is much lower risk of a car to my left turning right in front of me. (of course it isn't uncommon for car drivers to take a right turn from the far left turn - this is much harder to anticipate as these drivers almost never signal).
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You may not realize this
But a bicycle is a VEHICLE! So, it is perfectly reasonable (and stated as such in state law) to hold adult bicycle riders to the same standards as if they were driving a car or truck. In fact, if a cyclist is stopped and ticketed for a traffic violation, said violation should be reported to the RMV and included on the adult's driving record.
Too bad our "all for equal responsibility" cyclist lobby doesn't agree with this very sensible idea.
Help Get This Bill Out Of Committee!
http://massbike.org/blog/2014/07/30/action-alert-h...
This bill will make the rules regarding cars and misuse of cycle lanes explicit.
Not the same as the tabled vulnerable road user bill, but it is a start and provides clear guidance for cyclists, drivers, law enforcement, and insurers alike.
I would agree with this one
provided it is amended to include "Where provided, cyclists shall be required to stay within the marked area of said bike lanes, unless necessary to avoid an obstruction they cannot reasonably pass within said lane."
Nope
Cyclists are not required to stay in the lanes anymore than you are not allowed to use a second lane to pass a slow moving vehicle.
Sorry. If you can't deal with it, don't drive.
Bike lanes are often unsafe when near intersections
I routinely leave bike lanes when I approach an intersection to avoid what happened to the cyclist in the original post. One important method of avoiding a right hook is to be in the center or left of the right most lane. This way there is much lower risk of a car to my left turning right in front of me. (of course it isn't uncommon for car drivers to take a right turn from the far left turn - this is much harder to anticipate as these drivers almost never signal).
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