Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 6:25 pm Post subject: for the laymen amongst us, let's talk bicycles.
to better understand the current laws related to bicycle travel on highways, can someone help educate us?
while in Hall County today, i came up upon a group of three bicyclists traveling a paved road. one was in the right lane near the middle of the road, and two on the right edge of the right lane. i honked my horn out of courtesy to alert the driver/peddeler a vehicle was up-coming. he complied and moved over further into the right lane near the white stripe on the outside edge. the other two cyclists were close to, but a bit left of the white line as i recall.
the middle of the road was double yellow striped.
in order to give some room to the bike cyclist furtherest from the far-right white line, i veered left, and realized i was over the double yellow lines. here comes a vehicle from the opposite direction and not slowing down. so i sped around the cyclists and continued my journey.
so, what did i do wrong? i was concerned for the closest cyclist, myself and the on-coming vehicle. what should i have done differently? if i had slowed down, and creeped along, if a County Sherff's Deputy came along, and saw it, would he charge me with impeding the flow of traffic? i don't want to endanger anyone, but i don't wish to be endangered either.
should have the biclyclist moved closer to the far-edge white line so that i could more easily pass? if this happens again, what should a proper layman's response be, in order to minimize risks for everyone?
I believe that the law is still that bicycles must follow the same rules of the road as cars and are treated accordingly. Passing them on a double yellow would be a ticketable offense. Cyclists cannot travel more than 2 abreast.
Unless there is a minimum speed for the highway or a reasonable assumption that the vehicle could move faster, impeding traffic flow wouldn't apply. You, being stuck behind a group of cyclists shouldn't be charged with impeding traffic.
You can find a lot of answers here but the bottom line is that you would have been ticketed for passing on a double-yellow.
Under OCGA 40-6-294, any persons operating a bicycle on the roadway is to operate as far right as practicable (possible), with certain exceptions (such as avoiding hazards, narrow road, or turning left).
It sounds to me that the road was too narrow for you to operate around the cyclists, so it was your responsibility to stay behind them.
Posting the law below for posterity:
§ 40-6-294. Riding on roadways and bicycle paths
(a) As used in this Code section, the term "hazards to safe cycling" includes, but shall not be limited to, surface debris, rough pavement, drain grates which are parallel to the side of the roadway, parked or stopped vehicles, potentially opening car doors, or any other objects which threaten the safety of a person operating a bicycle.
(b) Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, except when:
(1) Turning left;
(2) Avoiding hazards to safe cycling;
(3) The lane is too narrow to share safely with a motor vehicle;
(4) Traveling at the same speed as traffic;
(5) Exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction; or
(6) There is a right turn only lane and the person operating the bicycle is not turning right;
provided, however, that every person operating a bicycle away from the right side of the roadway shall exercise reasonable care and shall give due consideration to the other applicable rules of the road.
(c) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on bicycle paths, bicycle lanes, parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles, or when a special event permit issued by a local governing authority permits riding more than two abreast.
(d) Whenever a usable bicycle path has been provided adjacent to a roadway and designated for the exclusive use of bicycle riders, then the appropriate governing authority may require that bicycle riders use such bicycle path and not use those sections of the roadway so specified by such local governing authority. The governing authority may be petitioned to remove restrictions upon demonstration that the bicycle path has become inadequate due to capacity, maintenance, or other causes.
(e) Bicycle paths subject to the provisions of subsection (d) of this Code section shall at a minimum be required to meet accepted guidelines, recommendations, and criteria with respect to planning, design, operation, and maintenance as set forth by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and such bicycle paths shall provide accessibility to destinations equivalent to the use of the roadway.
(f) Any person operating a bicycle in a bicycle lane shall ride in the same direction as traffic on the roadway.
(g) Electric assisted bicycles may be operated on bicycle paths. _________________ People with courage and character always seem sinister to the rest. -Hermann Hesse
The opinions expressed by me are not that of my employing agency.
I f-ing loathe the Spandex Cowboys. In my Sunny Dekalb, they believe that the roadways are akin to the Tour de France and will take up ALL lanes. And your car WILL get punched if you honk or try to pass. Deathrace 2000 days are upon us. _________________ Disclaimer: My thoughts do not necessarily reflect those of my employing agency. Also, do not take them as true, serious or accurate. Any information given should always be verified independently.
I f-ing loathe the Spandex Cowboys. In my Sunny Dekalb, they believe that the roadways are akin to the Tour de France and will take up ALL lanes. And your car WILL get punched if you honk or try to pass. Deathrace 2000 days are upon us.
just because the road bike seat get lost in your ____ is no reason to hate on the riders... _________________ There are two educations. One should teach us how to make a living and the other how to live.
Does the move over law not apply here? I thought it was any pedestrian or anybody on a bike the driver of a car/truck have to give at least 3 ft of space between the ped or cyclist
Does the move over law not apply here? I thought it was any pedestrian or anybody on a bike the driver of a car/truck have to give at least 3 ft of space between the ped or cyclist
The "move over law" applies only to emergency vehicles with activated blue, red, or amber lights. _________________ People with courage and character always seem sinister to the rest. -Hermann Hesse
The opinions expressed by me are not that of my employing agency.
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