Good Advice: Share the Road
The Greenwood Commonwealth published a great editorial regarding bicycle safety in the wake of two minor injuries sustained by cyclists on Money Road. Having nothing to add to the thorough piece, I repost it here with the intention of helping spread the message.
Bikes, cars can share roads safely
Originally published: Friday, July 18, 2008
In the aftermath of the accident on Money Road earlier this week between a vehicle and a couple of cyclists, we have been asked to help educate the public about the laws and the etiquette involved when motorists and cyclists share the road.
Given the rising popularity of cycling in this community and the lack of designated cycling areas that are common in larger cities and college towns, there are going to be more and more occasions for cyclists and motorists to interact and for someone (read cyclists) to get hurt if the laws and common courtesies aren't followed.
Wednesday's accident was a wake-up call and a forgiving one at that, since no one was seriously hurt.
First off, it must be stressed that cyclists, under Mississippi law, enjoy the same rights and duties as any motorist. They have as much right to peddle along Money Road or any other public road in this community as do those who drive a car or ride a motorcycle.
They are required to follow the same rules as motorists, obeying traffic control devices and using hand signals to indicate stops and turns.
They are supposed to ride on the right, in the same direction as traffic. That is different than some older residents may remember, who may have been taught to ride their bicycles facing oncoming traffic, so they could see what was coming ahead of them.
There are practical reasons, though, for riding with traffic. If cyclists are on the wrong side of the road, they're more likely to miss traffic control devices. And, if, heaven forbid, there is a collision with a motor vehicle, the chance of serious injury is less if the cyclist is clipped from behind instead of being hit head on.
If cyclists are traveling in a group, they are, under the law, to ride no more than two abreast. In low light conditions, cyclists are required to equip their bikes with a white lamp on the front and a red reflector or lamp on the back.
Now as far as etiquette, since even the fastest-peddling cyclists move slower than cars, they should stay on the right side of the furthermost right lane. They should wear brightly colored clothing so that they are more easily visible.
When motorists encounter a bike, they should initially reduce speed and then pass with care, leaving at least four feet between them and the cyclist. Motorists should not blast their horn at the cyclist. Even if they intend it only as a warning, it's likely to startle the cyclist and could cause the cyclist to lose control.
All in all, the rules are pretty basic. If both the motorist and cyclist use care and are courteous to one another, everyone will arrive at their destination safely.
Bikes, cars can share roads safely
Originally published: Friday, July 18, 2008
In the aftermath of the accident on Money Road earlier this week between a vehicle and a couple of cyclists, we have been asked to help educate the public about the laws and the etiquette involved when motorists and cyclists share the road.
Given the rising popularity of cycling in this community and the lack of designated cycling areas that are common in larger cities and college towns, there are going to be more and more occasions for cyclists and motorists to interact and for someone (read cyclists) to get hurt if the laws and common courtesies aren't followed.
Wednesday's accident was a wake-up call and a forgiving one at that, since no one was seriously hurt.
First off, it must be stressed that cyclists, under Mississippi law, enjoy the same rights and duties as any motorist. They have as much right to peddle along Money Road or any other public road in this community as do those who drive a car or ride a motorcycle.
They are required to follow the same rules as motorists, obeying traffic control devices and using hand signals to indicate stops and turns.
They are supposed to ride on the right, in the same direction as traffic. That is different than some older residents may remember, who may have been taught to ride their bicycles facing oncoming traffic, so they could see what was coming ahead of them.
There are practical reasons, though, for riding with traffic. If cyclists are on the wrong side of the road, they're more likely to miss traffic control devices. And, if, heaven forbid, there is a collision with a motor vehicle, the chance of serious injury is less if the cyclist is clipped from behind instead of being hit head on.
If cyclists are traveling in a group, they are, under the law, to ride no more than two abreast. In low light conditions, cyclists are required to equip their bikes with a white lamp on the front and a red reflector or lamp on the back.
Now as far as etiquette, since even the fastest-peddling cyclists move slower than cars, they should stay on the right side of the furthermost right lane. They should wear brightly colored clothing so that they are more easily visible.
When motorists encounter a bike, they should initially reduce speed and then pass with care, leaving at least four feet between them and the cyclist. Motorists should not blast their horn at the cyclist. Even if they intend it only as a warning, it's likely to startle the cyclist and could cause the cyclist to lose control.
All in all, the rules are pretty basic. If both the motorist and cyclist use care and are courteous to one another, everyone will arrive at their destination safely.
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