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The tragic news that another bicyclist was killed in the Rockbridge area last week reminds us that, with warmer weather, there are more cyclists on our streets and roadways. Over the past decade, there have been three bicycle fatalities and one serious injury involving bicycle/ automobile collisions. We have written on this topic before but it’s one that needs repeating.
Bicycles can be ridden on roadways, sidewalks, paths and trails, except where prohibited such as on interstate highways and where marked by signage. Bikes have the same rights and responsibilities on roadways as motor vehicles.
State law requires drivers to slow down when approaching cyclists, and keep the right edge of their vehicle, including the mirrors, at least 3 feet to the left of the bicycle and rider. If the travel lane is not wide enough for a driver to pass a bicyclist with the required 3-foot or greater gap while in that same lane, the driver must change lanes. Drivers may cross any centerline to pass a bicyclist with the required 3-foot or greater gap. Drivers should always stay behind the rider until they are certain they can overtake safely, ideally by changing lanes.
Cyclists need to practice safe and legal riding. Ride in the same direction as traffic whenever bicycling on a roadway. Obey all traffic signs, signals, and pavement markings. Stop and look both ways before entering the street from a private road, driveway, alley or building. When bicycling on a sidewalk or shared-use path, slow down and look for any approaching traffic at all un-signalized intersections. At signalized intersections, cross with the green light or “walk” signal but watch for turning traffic.
Be courteous when sharing a sidewalk, path or trail with pedestrians and other slower users. Give others an audible warning before overtaking and pass carefully at a reasonable speed and ample distance when overtaking is safe. Ride predictably when using roadways. Avoid right-turn-only lanes and paved shoulders when proceeding straight through an intersection, and don’t weave in and out of parking lanes. Use your roadway and lane position, hand signals, and even your voice to communicate your intended movements to other road users. Before moving laterally or turning, use hand signals if safe to do so and look for — and yield to — any nearby traffic behind, ahead, and/or on the cross-street.
Plan your route carefully. Low-speed and low-volume neighborhood streets may provide safe and efficient route options. Consult a bicycle map or app for your area. Ride defensively — anticipate the actions of other road users and watch for road hazards. Ride near the center of most travel lanes to improve one’s visibility and vantage, avoid various hazards near the roadway edge and discourage unsafe passing by overtaking drivers. Pass vehicles with extreme care — the drivers may not see you.
Be aware of motor vehicle blind spots while riding or when stopped at an intersection. Be cautious when passing vehicles on their right and watch out for vehicles preparing to turn right. Use extreme caution before approaching any truck or other large vehicle on its right side —it may turn right unexpectedly, and its driver might not be able to see you. Walk your bicycle when you get into traffic situations beyond your cycling abilities. Park your bicycle so you do not block sidewalks, disabled accesses, building accesses or emergency lanes.
Bicycles, like motorcycles, offer no protection to the rider in the event of a collision. Always wear a bicycle helmet to help prevent brain injury in the event of a crash. Maximize your visibility by wearing bright colored clothing, and having white front lights and red rear lights when riding at night, and consider lights for daytime riding as well. Use a rear-view mirror to increase your awareness of vehicles behind you.
Cycling is fun and great exercise, and we have a beautiful place to ride. Just remember to be safe so that a fun ride is not spoiled by an avoidable accident.
