Annoying Cyclists

[bluegoose]

Originally Posted by Spaz

That said, Utah law actually states that you're required to yield to someone approaching from the rear traveling faster than you - regardless of how fast that person is going in relation to the speed limit.

I therefore feel completely justified in saying that that biker did NOT have as much right to the lane of traffic as I did.

I very seriously doubt that.

[SteelBlue]

Cyclists who ignore stop signs and traffic lights really piss me off as they give us all a bad name. There's no shortage of these types either, unfortunately. I am noticing that there is a lot more of this type of stuff as more people commute due to gas prices. I'm seeing a ton of sidewalk riding, no helmet wearing, crosswalk using, stoplight running types. They all have the $99 Mongoose "full suspension" special from Wal-Mart.

There is only one street during my commute where I take the lane right down the middle, even though I am going 10-15 mph slower than the flow of traffic. The reason I do it is that there are parked cars lining the street and the lane is not wide enough for cars to safely pass me. The problem is that they will try to pass me regardless of how tight a fit it is so I take the lane. It's about a sixth of my commute.

[Spaz]

Originally Posted by bluegoose

I very seriously doubt that.

Doubt all you want. Next time you're in the DMV, grab a book and read it.

[bluegoose]

Not that I really care about the Utah cycling laws, but here is what the law specifically says about staying to the right of the lane:

Bicyclists traveling less than the normal speed of traffic must ride as near as practicable to the right-hand edge of the roadway except to: pass; make a left turn; when there is a right-turn only lane; and to avoid hazards.

I see nothing in there about yielding to upcoming traffic, regardless of their speed. Maybe its in the regular state vehicle code, but I doubt it.

http://health.utah.gov/vipp/pdf/Utahbicyclelaws.pdf

Edit: Note at the bottom of the link, taken directly from the Utah Driver Handbook

[Spaz]

Originally Posted by bluegoose

Not that I really care about the Utah cycling laws, but here is what the law specifically says about staying to the right of the lane:

I see nothing in there about yielding to upcoming traffic, regardless of their speed. Maybe its in the regular state vehicle code, but I doubt it.

http://health.utah.gov/vipp/pdf/Utahbicyclelaws.pdf

Sorry, I should have been more specific.

The law, as defined in the standard Utah motor vehicle book, which you can find at any DMV, pertains specifically to motor vehicles.

[bluegoose]

Originally Posted by Spaz

Sorry, I should have been more specific.

The law, as defined in the standard Utah motor vehicle book, which you can find at any DMV, pertains specifically to motor vehicles.

Fair enough. Next time I am in a Utah DMV I will be sure to pick one up.

[Spaz]

Originally Posted by bluegoose

Fair enough. Next time I am in a Utah DMV I will be sure to pick one up.

You do that

Actually, I found the handbook. It looks like they've changed the language a bit - they've removed the part about "even if they are traveling faster than the speed limit".


At any rate, this:

If another vehicle wants to pass you,
you must move safely to the right, and you may
not increase your speed until the other vehicle
has passed you.

Combined with this:

Bicycle riders on public streets and highways have the
same rights and responsibilities as automobile drivers.
Drivers of motor vehicles must treat bicycle riders the
same as drivers of other vehicles.

Seems to get pretty much the same meaning across, doesn't it?


http://driverlicense.utah.gov/pdf/20...20Handbook.pdf


It's interesting that they have to put "common courtesy" into the handbook so often. If only more drivers (of cars & bicycles alike) would be more courteous on the roads, I think the world would be a much happier place.

[Spaz]

BTW, the handbook has nine "tips" for cyclists, at least three of which the cyclist in question broke:

Tips for Bicyclists
1. Obey traffic signs and signals - Bicyclists must
drive like other vehicles if they are to be taken
seriously by motorists.
2. Never ride against traffic - Motorists do not look
for or expect bicyclists riding on the wrong side of
the roadway.
3. Use hand signals - Hand signals tell motorists
what you intend to do. Signal as a matter of law, of
courtesy, and of self-protection.
4. Ride in a straight line - Whenever possible, ride
in a straight line and to the right of traffic but about
the width of a car door away from parked cars.
5. Follow lane markings - Do not turn left from the
right lane. Do not go straight in a lane marked for
right turns only.
6. Do not pass on the right - Do not pass on the
right side of vehicles in traffic at intersections.
Motorists turning right may not look for or see a
bicycle passing on the right.
7. Watch for cars pulling out - Even though you
make eye contact with drivers, you must assume
that they do not see you and may pull out in front
of you.
8. Scan the road behind you - Learn to look back
over your shoulder without losing your balance or
swerving left. Some riders use rear-view mirrors.
9. Keep both hands ready to brake - You may not
stop in time if you brake one-handed. Allow extra
distance for stopping in the rain or on wet surfaces
because brakes are less effective when wet.

[creekster]

Originally Posted by Spaz

Sorry, I should have been more specific.

The law, as defined in the standard Utah motor vehicle book, which you can find at any DMV, pertains specifically to motor vehicles.

What? You're saying that if you are driving on a one lane road and someone comes up behind you at a higher rate of speed you need to move over to let them pass regardless of your speed? I was licensed in Utah for many years and I do not recall that one. Are you sure this is the law?

[creekster]

According to my "find" function in acrobat, the handbook only includes the quotation you refernced in one place, which is under the heading "Freeway Driving." Inoterhwords, if you are in the left lane and someone wants to pass, then you need ot move over and let them pass. Otherwsie, this rule does not apply to other streets and certainly not to one lane surface streets (bicycles are typically not allowed on the freeway in any event, making this rule inapplicabel to bicycles as a practical matter).

9.

Do Not Drive in the Left Lane - The left lane on
freeways is for passing only, unless there is
heavy traffic. If another vehicle wants to pass you,
you must move safely to the right, and you may
not increase your speed until the other vehicle . . .