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Cyclists Have Same Rights And Duties As
Those Behind the Wheel
by Misty DeLashmutt
The high cost of pumping fuel into that gas tank has more people resorting to an alternative mode of transportation.... namely the bicycle.
Bicycle shop owners report a huge increase in sales since the price at the pump began to skyrocket.
"The high price of gas is definitely bringing people into the shop," said Justin Diestler, owner of Kearney Cycling and Fitness in Kearney, Nebraska. "I can't keep bikes in stock, I get them in and they're out the door. However, on a positive note, I think it is bringing the American family back together. People are looking for low cost methods of entertainment... going for family bike rides, picnics and camping, which is great."
Whether commuting to work or riding for pleasure, bicycle riders use the same streets and highways as motorized vehicles and have the same rights and duties as those behind the wheel.
According to the Nebraska Rules of the Road, basically the same provisions apply to both cars and bicycles.
· A person riding a bicycle has all the same rights and responsibilities as a driver of a motor vehicle; bicyclists must obey traffic laws.
· Bicyclists may ride on paved shoulders, as far right in a lane as is practical and when the lane can be safely shared by a bicycle and car, side by side.
· Bicyclists are not restricted to the right lane of traffic. A bicyclist may need to change lanes to make left turns or to continue through an intersection. They follow the same path any other vehicle would take traveling in the same direction.
· Motorists should merge with bicycle traffic when preparing for a right hand turn. Avoid turning directly across a path of a bicycle traveling in the same direction. When turning left at an intersection, yield to oncoming bicyclists just as you would to oncoming motorists.
· Do not blast a vehicle's horn when approaching a bicyclist.
· Always allow three to the left of the bicycle when passing. Reduce speed and move into the next lane to pass. If there is oncoming traffic, reduce speed and follow the bicycle until oncoming traffic clears.
· At intersections, right of way rules apply equally to bicyclists and motor vehicles.
"A bicyclist is entitled to their space on the road just like anyone in a car," said Garfield County Sheriff Larry Donner. " I think with the price of gas you are going to see more bikes on the highway, and people need to be aware and know that bicycles have the same rights on the road as cars. But bicycles have to obey the law too, it goes both ways."
There are special regulations regarding bicycles included in the Nebraska Rules of the Road. These laws pertain specifically to bicycle riders.
"If you are going to ride a bicycle, especially on the highway, you need to know and obey the law and you need to think about safety," said Sheriff Donner. "The rules are listed in Section 6 of the Nebraska Drivers manual." Some of the rules are:
·Bicyclists are required to ride on the ride side of the road except when passing another bicycle or vehicle moving in the same direction, preparing for a left hand turn or avoiding unsafe road conditions, pedestrians, animals or surface hazards.
· Bicyclists are required to obey stop signs and use hand signals.
· Bicyclists should ride single file except on paths or parts of the highway set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
Safety while riding on roads and highways should be a primary concern for cyclists.
In 2006, there were 244 accidents involving bicycles and motor vehicles in the state of Nebraska. Two of the accidents resulted in the death of the cyclist.
Wearing a bicycle helmet can help you survive an accident. 75% of all fatal or serious injuries to a bicyclist are from head injuries. Many could have been avoided if the bicyclist would have been wearing a helmet.
Also, be as visible as possible when riding a bicycle. Next to wearing a helmet, visible clothing is the most important item.
The best colors for day are fluorescent yellow, orange or lime green. Next in visibility are standard colors in yellow, bright orange, white or pink. Avoid black, brown, dark blues, greens, and pastels, or colors that blend into the environment.
As fuel prices continue to rise, sharing the road with bicycles and other smaller motorized and non-motorized vehicles may become a more common occurrence. Courtesy and safety should be number one in the minds of motorists and bicyclists alike.
After all, the law does go both ways.