Share the Road: Cyclists rights and wrongs

It seems that not a day goes by on one of my commutes or group rides where a motorist takes umbrage for me riding my bike on the road.  It seems that these drivers believe the road was built solely for their use and that anyone else who dares use the same piece of tarmac they chose to drive on are the devil’s spawn!  To be honest I don’t think they only pick on cyclists; this class of driver hates ANYONE who dares to hinder their ability to cause havoc.

Based on my experience and talking with other non-cycling motorist, I think there is a general lack of understanding as to what cyclists rights are.  In fact I’d say that most cyclists aren’t aware of the rules they are expected and/or required to follow.  Both sides are guilty of not following the rules and executing some truly bone-headed moves.

So why is it so hard for motorists and cyclists to just get along and play nice?

I don’t think there is any easy answer to the “play nice” question.  On both sides of the argument you’ll find a group of numpty’s (translation: idiots) who are hell bent on breaking every rule they can and believe they operate outside the laws of the land and the laws of physics.  These are the people who overtake on blind corners, run read lights, mount curbs, ignore stop signs, use the footpath when the road is blocked.  It doesn’t seem to matter if these people are riding a bike or driving a car (truck, motorcycle, etc…), they are simply Numpty’s!  They have no right to continue breathing, let alone form part of our society.  These people are down right dangerous.

The problem with Numpty’s, tother than them being everywhere, is that behind the wheel of a motor vehicle they are potentially deadly.  Those within the protective shell of another motor vehicle have a fair chance of surviving an encounter with these fools, but other more vulnerable road users (ie, cyclists) generally aren’t so lucky.  Even those Numpty’s on a bike that run red lights, stop signs, and routinely mount the curb are just as dangerous.  Either to themselves or any pedestrian who crosses their path.

OK, so that gets rid of one class of motorist/cyclist.  No matter what you tell these people, they will continue to do what they like and to the hell with everyone else.  It not worth the breath to try and educate these people.  The only thing you can do is hope you can avoid them and escape with your life/skin intact.

So onto the real purpose of this post…to discuss some of the rules of the road/land that everyone who rides a bike or drives a motor vehicle should be aware of when they encounter each other:

1. Cyclists are legally entitled to ride on the road unless the road is designated as off limits to cyclists (ie, Freeways and motorways).
2. In most states, it is illegal for a cyclist aged 12 years or older to ride on a footpath unless accompanying a minor (ie, a child under the age of 12).  Path suitable for cyclists are designated as such.  These paths are generally known as Bike Paths, Cycle Paths, or Shared Paths.
3. Cyclists have the option of using a Bike Path at parallels a road or not. They are not required to use this path unless it is illegal to ride on that section of road.
4. Cyclists *MUST* obey all of the normal road rules just like the driver of a motor vehicle.  The same penalties apply as a motorist for disobeying these rules.
5. Cyclists are legally entitled to ride 2-abreast and occupy a full lane of a roadway.  With large groups, this makes sense and ensures the group is more visible.  However, on single lane roads it is wiser to ride single file to allow other road users to easily overtake.
6. On roads with no wide shoulder it is best to avoid that road.  If avoidance is not an option, then it is recommended that cyclists ride at least 0.5m from the curb.  This is both legal an recommended by the various local authorities.
7. In Australia, it is *illegal* to ride a bicycle without wearing an approved crash helmet.
8. When in doubt, if the other party is bigger, they *ALWAYS* win!  In the case of a cyclist verses any other vehicle this is always the case.  You might be right, but you might also be dead.  Keep that in mind.

Ok, so that’s a fairly cyclist centric view of the rules of the road.  However, it is one that I don’t think many motorists are aware of.  Even some rules (the fact that it is illegal to ride on the footpath) is not widely known by most cyclists.

The WA Government (Transport WA) has published a wealth of information about cycling. Specifically, they have published an excellent brochure about “Cycling and the law”. This brochure is specifically for Western Australia, though many other states and territories have very similar rules. Please check with your local authority for specific regulation regarding cycling.

Transport WA have also published a significant amount of “Fact Sheets” that help answer a number of questions relating to cycling in general.  A great resource for anyone considering cycling.

I suppose the point of my post is simply this:

Ignorance is the primary blocker for motorists and cyclists to be able to successfully share the road.  This is an issue for all parties concerned.

The secondary issue is that of arrogance.  All parties seem to fixate on the fact they have a right to be on the road.  They seem to forget the key part of the message: Share.

So the next time you are out on the road and encounter a cyclist or motorist, remember to share the damn road:

1. Cyclists – remember you move slower than others on the road, so try and avoid hindering other road users from getting to their destination.  You might have to use a different route, ride single file, or even stop for a moment on the side of the road to allow cars to pass.  Oh, and don’t be tempted to ride on the footpath or run a red light!  Yes, it might upset your flow and training, or even delay you, but there’ll be a better chance you’ll get home alive!
2. Motorists – you’ve got more power, can go faster and are bigger.  Take a few moments to safely move around any cyclists you encounter.  It might delay you a little bit, but the cyclists will appreciate getting home alive and you won’t have to live with the reality that your impatience killed someone.

We all chose to travel on our public roads using various forms of transport.  Above all else we are all trying to achieve the same goal: to arrive at our destination alive.  Be safe, be smart, and be considerate of each other.