by Lyn Michaud

Created on: May 04, 2009   Last Updated: May 09, 2009

The Urbane Urban Biker

The sophisticated biker understands the laws and respects all other commuters. Sometimes the enacted laws are vague and requesting to have legislators clarify bike laws would be helpful. However, common sense should prevail in helping everyone bikers and non-bikers to be informed of the law. While laws vary from state to state and city to city, a push towards environmentally responsible commuting is making biking more viable.

The bicyclist is responsible for knowing the law in their area though bicycles are usually considered a vehicle and must be ridden with traffic not against traffic as is safer for walking. Bicycles must follow the rules of the road and stop for stop signs and lights. Bicyclists must learn hand signals left hand up signals a right turn and left hand extended outward signals a left turn. Bicycles must not be ridden on sidewalks (though bike/exercise paths are an exception) and do have access and a right to use most roads.

My experience has been I bike therefore road users want me confined to the ditch or bike paths and other path users expect me to ride on the road. People who complain about bikes and riders often lump all of us in one category. I have observed three different types of adult bicyclists. The enthusiast has the latest gear and fastest bikes to prove prowess. The recreational rider is able to enjoy the outdoors and exercise; some thrive on the thrill and challenge of going off-road. The commuter rides a bike to gain distance in a suitable time therefore benefiting the environment with no emissions or use of fossil fuel and gaining personal fitness.

Among the three types of bike users can be witnessed a varying range of attitudes from arrogant entitlement to moderate respect to ultra-caution. The most frequent complaint I've heard is about packs of bicyclists who take up the entire road and talk loudly while ignoring traffic lights. Where bikes have the right to share the road, bikers have a responsibility to obey road rules. If your area specifies only two bikes side by side, don't exceed that and in some cases bicyclists must ride single file. The second complaint is speed; yes on city streets bikes can exceed the posted limit. Considering the source, automobile drivers often complain bicycles go too slow.

Educate other road users. Urge automobile drivers to stay aware of other drivers and road users as well as stopping being in such a hurry to prevent forcing bicyclists off the road to hit curbs or into ditches. Keep an open mind about sharing the road instead of focusing on the negatives. Encourage your fellow bicyclists set a good example and make it easier for all of us by obeying the laws when sharing the road and paying attention to surroundings.

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