Keefer Madness

Bikes on Our Byways

// August 18th, 2008 // Cycling, Local (Raleigh Durham)

Here are a couple of well thought out responses to a recent News & Observer article about alternate commuting, etc. I wish more motorists would read and know the passage the first letter quoted:

“Bicyclists usually ride on the right side of the lane, but are entitled to the use of a full lane. A bicyclist staying to the right in their lane is accommodating the following drivers by making it easier to see when it is safe to pass, and easier to execute the pass. Drivers wishing to pass a bicyclist may do so only when there is abundant clearance and no oncoming traffic is in the opposing lane. When passing a bicyclist, always remember the bicyclist is entitled to the use of the full lane.”

The second letter talks about riders two and three across. The argument here is that a compressed group of say twenty riders in two rows (2×10) is easier and safer to pass than these 20 strung out single file. The groups I ride in, we try to tuck in as close as possible to each other when drivers are passing, etc.

This back and forth between cyclists and motorists is never going to end. There are broad generalizations on both sides (hell, see my first paragraph), but a little courtesy and patience from both groups that are on the same roads would go a long way.

Bikes on Our Byways