Being a nicer cyclist

[erikgarrison.livejournal.com]

What are some ways that cyclists can positively engage drivers, gain their respect, and encourage them to use caution when they are sharing the road with cyclists?

Comments

[tfarrell.livejournal.com]

Biking on the sidewalk IS allowed unless the specific town has banned it.

[erikgarrison.livejournal.com]

Biking on sidewalks is allowed in Massachusetts unless signage or town law dictates otherwise. You are expected to maintain a speed not above a walk and communicate with pedestrians as you pass them.

In the Boston area most CBD's (central business districts) have signage and sidewalk markings indicating that bikes are not allowed to travel on the sidewalk. Davis Square has them, as do Harvard and Central.

I often 'transition' to being a pedestrian and back to utilize walk signals at busy intersections during heavy traffic, or to safely make right hand turns where there is ample sidewalk, few pedestrians, and little space on the road. Generally, however, it can be pretty unsafe to ride on the sidewalk, particularly when crossing side streets, driveways, and parking lot inlets. A cyclist can move a lot faster than an exiting car expects, where they do not expect them and can't see them.