The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Your View

September 9, 2010

Your View: Don't make bicyclists target of road rage

Joe DeLory, Janesville



A response to the Your View letter published last Friday. First, I agree that bike riders have rules, too.

They are the same rules that apply to motorists. Bikes do not belong on sidewalks. The law states that we ride as close to the right side of the road as “practicable.” The meaning of this varies with the width of the lane, the conditions of the pavement at the extreme edges of the roadway or the destination of the cyclist.

When making a left turn, I will move out into the left turn lane or to the left part of the only lane. I will move out into the lane if it is too narrow to share with a motorist side by side, it is called taking the lane.

I will move over when safe to allow a car to pass, but I will not ride swerving from shoulder to lane to shoulder. I will ride in the bike lane if there is one, but not if it is blocked by parked cars, and I will ride far enough out to avoid getting “doored” as people exit their parked vehicles. I will ride the shoulder if there is a rideable shoulder.

I grant you that there are inconsiderate cyclists — we are working to change that. As a motorist, you must remember that we have a right to the road, too. Don’t make us the target of your road rage.

Most of us will show you courtesy; all we ask is that you do the same.

 

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