Take the Lane

As discussed in the November/ December 2007 American Bicyclist, the various laws for bicycle use on the highway vary very much from state to state. Most states (41) require bicycles to ride to "as far to right as practicable". While this is certainly a case where bicycles are not treated equally and under certain situations it may create problems, it still provides the bicycle with a right to road but with some limitations. Naturally it most comfortable for the bicyclist and passing motorists to have a roadway with a bike lane or wide shoulder area so it is easy and safe for passing. The problem is what do you, as the bicyclist, do when the road narrows. How far to the right is "practicable"? This varies very much with the situation. Often in urban areas with, lots of what Phil Liggett calls "traffic furniture" or various lane dividers and barriers, etc., it is easier for the bicyclist to "take the lane" and force motor vehicles to follow and not overtake. Usually in these situations traffic is slower (turning or around a rotary) so that the speed difference between the bicycle and the motor vehicle traffic is not that significant. Outside of urban areas it is very annoying when the bike lane (or shoulder area) suddenly disappears. The problem is how close to the edge should you ride. I don't think you should ride too close to the edge but you really need to be aware of traffic behind and a rear view mirror really helps. I like the Bicycle Safe guide by Michael Bluejay. The applicable case is collision type 8. Fortunately this is a rare type of collision, at least during daylight. As noted in Bicycle Safe, for night riding proper lighting and reflective materials for visibility is absolutely required. Don't trust the little reflectors that the government requires.

Michael Bluejay's approach has some differences with the Effective Cycling method developed by John Forrester. The Wikipedia discussion on Effective Cycling highlights the difference and provides other related links. I don't oppose marked bike lanes because they may be considered like other defined traffic lanes. Just ones primarily for bicycles. The defined space created by the bike lane certainly makes cycling more comfortable for most riders because you are "not getting in any body's way" and auto traffic moves along pretty much the same as if there was no bike lane. The problem and challenge is how to deal with the situation when the bike lane ends and the state DOT posts those nice signs with bicycle graphic and "shared roadway". I'm not sure how much drivers notices these signs. This situation calls for careful riding and positioning and, as I said before, using a rear view mirror helps you to be aware of overtaking traffic. Notice the traffic that is approaching from the rear as well as on coming traffic and the available sight line. Usually if there is a poor sight line such as winding mountain roads then cars tend to be more careful and cautious about passing. What bothers me the most is when you have relatively good passing conditions and drivers just don't have the patience to wait for the on coming traffic and squeeze by with little clearance. In rare cases, in this sort of situation, I have had to take defensive action and ride off the paved surface (onto gravel or dirt).

Hope this guide item is helpful. I find it interesting to follow the Effective Cycling debate.