Age old topic – Cars vs bikes during the Tour de Putnam
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- August
- 25
Check out The Journal News story from today’s paper. There’s been a debate in the attached forums on riding single-lane and to the right. This photo is the topic of conversation.
Here’s the link if you’d like to weigh in.
How do we have fun during a ride like this on country roads but not upset drivers?
We have to follow the law of the road. During my ride I didn’t see anyone ride in a dangerous fashion. Riders showed respect when cars approached and passed. Even in this photo shot with a telephoto lens the riders are in single file. But, could some be closer to the right side of the road?
Safety is everyone’s responsibility and respect of each other is key. Cyclists have the right to enjoy most roads in our community and so do motorists.
This is pulled from the New York Department of Transpertation website in the FAQ’s
May bicyclists drive side-by-side on a roadway?
- Yes. They may drive two abreast on roadways, but they must drive single file when being overtaken by other vehicles. Bicyclists may only travel more than two abreast on a shoulder, bike lane or bike path intended for bike use if there is sufficient space. However, they must be in single file when passing vehicles, pedestrians or other bicyclists (Sec. 1234(b)).
This entry was posted
on Monday, August 25th, 2008 at 6:51 PM by Randall Wolf. 
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The photo appears that the cyclists are meeting. They are not two abreast but are one behind another. To a motor vehicle driver, they may appear to be riding two abreast (which would still be legal, but would usually irritate an mis-informed motorist). Riding in a staggered line like this does two things: Allows each cyclist to see the path directly in front of them and it increases the front and rear visibility of these riders. A motorist can see two riders better than one! (Motorcycle groups do this as a matter of course, to increase their visibility to others)
Also, look at the very small shoulder marked by the single white line. There is no room for a cyclist to occupy that shoulder. The best and the safest spot for a cyclist in this situation would be “in the lane.” If he/she were in the edge of the lane near the shoulder, it might entice a motorist to try to squeeze into the same lane. If the same motorist came upon oncoming traffic, they would usually veer away from the oncoming car (much bigger threat) and squeeze even closer to the bike on the same lane (much less of a threat.) Not a fun feeling being brushed or “mirrored” by a moving two ton vehicle.
Note also that the riders are beyond the blind crest of the hill. Any motorist coming up from the hill may not see a rider trying to hug the shoulder (many motorists are not used to scanning the side of a road) but most pay attention to what’s directly in front of them… we hope. The staggered group in this picture would be highly visible to a motorist coming from their rear.
Lloyd
Background: Longtime recreational cyclist, member Rockland Bike Club, Cascade Bike Club, Northern Frontier Bike Club. Just finished the Better Biking Class offered by the League of American Bicyclists and completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Rider Course many years ago.
Correction: The photo appears that the cyclists are following the rules of the road.
(I couldn’t find a way to edit a submitted comment)
Lloyd