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]

"So your solution for how to improve bicycle-driver relations is that people should just not go certain places by bicycle?"

I'm saying that if a road presents you with the two options of riding unsafely or violating the rules of the road, you're an idiot to ride on it, and you'll piss off drivers who have to worry about accidentally killing you.

And yes, while I think bicycling is great, I'm unwilling to bicycle in most of Boston because I don't think it's safe. That's practicing what I preach.

[qwrrty.livejournal.com]

I'm saying that if a road presents you with the two options of riding unsafely or violating the rules of the road, you're an idiot to ride on it, and you'll piss off drivers who have to worry about accidentally killing you.

For the record, this is an example of one of the places where you said "the bike isn't welcome to take up a whole regular lane if it's obeying the rules of the road."

Another one is here: (http://community.livejournal.com/davis_square/2298752.html?thread=26781568#t26781568) "Then it's just plain not safe to bike on that road, and you shouldn't be there."

I just don't understand where you drew this conclusion that if there is a bike lane on a road, that's the only place where a cyclist can bike safely on that road (and if it's in a door zone, then there is *no place* where a cyclist should be on the road).

[tfarrell.livejournal.com]

Actually I checked and the state's manual does say (of bicyclists) "On a roadway with more than one lane in the direction of travel, you must stay in one lane and not unnecessarily restrict a passing vehicle’s ability to overtake you."

So, maybe I was wrong above in saying that a bike can use a regular lane if there's a bike lane. Sorry.

[emannths.livejournal.com]

Yeah, "unnecessarily." I would imagine "avoiding the door zone" is considered a necessity.

[tfarrell.livejournal.com]

Actually the very first thing it says about biocycles is "When riding on public ways, bicyclists must obey the same basic traffic laws and regulations that apply to motor vehicle operators."

I don't think straddling lanes while driving is generally accepted for motor vehicle operators.

And now, folks, I'm going to stop replying here, because the logjam that was preventing me from being able to work has just cleared so I have to be responsible now.

[ukelele.livejournal.com]

Bob Mionske (a lawyer specializing in cycling issues) has dissected language like this for a variety of states' laws on his web site. That "unnecessarily" has a lot of leeway to it (personal safety, for instance, is necessary). Bicycles are not usually restricted to bike lanes.

[m00n.livejournal.com]

There is no "rule of the road" that says I have to stay within the marked bike lane.

And I believe the correct solution to addressing unsafe riding conditions is not to avoid bicycling, but to advocate for better bicycle safety and practice defensive cycling techniques.

I might also add that most of that danger is ENTIRELY dependent on the way that people drive. Most roads are only dangerous because of the way that people choose to drive on them. I am not increasing the danger to the driver by being there, therefore it is the drivers that need to change their ways.