Comments on: Cyclists’ Lane Position When Not Keeping Right http://flbikelaw.org/2009/12/cyclists-lane-position-when-not-keeping-right/ Questions, answers and news about Florida bicycle laws and law enforcement Sun, 13 May 2012 12:08:51 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Mighk Wilson http://flbikelaw.org/2009/12/cyclists-lane-position-when-not-keeping-right/comment-page-1/#comment-79 Mighk Wilson Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:09:35 +0000 http://flbikelaw.org/?p=256#comment-79 The cyclist's lane position is going to depend on the potential conflicts and hazards in that given situation. For example, when I'm at the tail end of a long queue of cars and motorists are waiting to turn left from the on-coming direction, I will usually be at the far left side of the lane in order to keep from being hidden behind the cars. The left-turning motorist can then see me well before I get into the intersection. The law doesn't tell cyclists where they should be when they are not required to keep as far right as practicable, because the whole point is to give the cyclist the freedom to handle the situation in such a way as to maximize his/her safety. Lawmakers can't foresee every possibility. The cyclist’s lane position is going to depend on the potential conflicts and hazards in that given situation. For example, when I’m at the tail end of a long queue of cars and motorists are waiting to turn left from the on-coming direction, I will usually be at the far left side of the lane in order to keep from being hidden behind the cars. The left-turning motorist can then see me well before I get into the intersection.

The law doesn’t tell cyclists where they should be when they are not required to keep as far right as practicable, because the whole point is to give the cyclist the freedom to handle the situation in such a way as to maximize his/her safety. Lawmakers can’t foresee every possibility.

]]> By: Sondra http://flbikelaw.org/2009/12/cyclists-lane-position-when-not-keeping-right/comment-page-1/#comment-77 Sondra Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:53:16 +0000 http://flbikelaw.org/?p=256#comment-77 What would be the proper position for a cyclist when she approaches traffic on a busy street? Can she continue on the right edge (and pass the automobiles) until she reaches the intersection and go ahead if the signal permits? What would be the proper position for a cyclist when she approaches traffic on a busy street? Can she continue on the right edge (and pass the automobiles) until she reaches the intersection and go ahead if the signal permits?

]]> By: John Hopkins http://flbikelaw.org/2009/12/cyclists-lane-position-when-not-keeping-right/comment-page-1/#comment-65 John Hopkins Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:58:02 +0000 http://flbikelaw.org/?p=256#comment-65 The ambiguity in the Florida law serves a useful purpose that's often overlooked. By leaving it to the cyclist's discretion how much of the lane to occupy, the Legislature recognizes that a safe lane alignment for a skilled cyclist may not be safe for a rider who is unsteady on wheels. Weather and road condition also could affect when it's safe to ride to the right or when it's prudent to take center lane. We cyclists need to protect our latitude in this regard by being aware and courteous to other road users, and not taking more road than we need. Riding three and four abreast feels cool -- there's definitely a rush in it -- but it is costing us friends we need. The ambiguity in the Florida law serves a useful purpose that’s often overlooked. By leaving it to the cyclist’s discretion how much of the lane to occupy, the Legislature recognizes that a safe lane alignment for a skilled cyclist may not be safe for a rider who is unsteady on wheels. Weather and road condition also could affect when it’s safe to ride to the right or when it’s prudent to take center lane. We cyclists need to protect our latitude in this regard by being aware and courteous to other road users, and not taking more road than we need. Riding three and four abreast feels cool — there’s definitely a rush in it — but it is costing us friends we need.

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