Bicyclist Responsibilities

Bicyclist Responsibilities A bicycle is defined in Washington as every device propelled solely by human power upon which a person or persons may ride, having two tandem wheels either of which is sixteen inches or more in diameter, or three wheels, any of which is more than twenty inches in diameter. State bicycle laws also apply to people riding an electric-assisted bicycle. Electric-assisted bicycles are defined as bicycles that can be operated with pedals, but also have an electric motor capable of propelling the bike not more than 20 mph on level ground. It is essential that bicyclists understand their responsibilities to do their part for safety on the road. • Bicyclists may use the shoulders of freeways and other highways, except where signs say it is illegal. • Bicyclists must use hand signals before turning. • Bicycles can only be used to carry the number of people for which it is designed. • Bicyclists operating on a roadway at a rate of speed less than the normal flow of traffic must ride as near to the right of the roadway as is safe. Lane positioning for safety is in the rider’s judgment, and a bicyclist may legally use the full lane. Riders may move left before and during turns, or when passing another bicyclist or vehicle. Riders on a one-way road, other than a freeway, may ride as near to the left side of the road as is safe. • When riding on a two-lane road where it is unsafe to pass, and five or more vehicles are in a line behind you, bicyclists must pull over and stop when, in the rider’s judgment, it is safe to let vehicles pass. • Bicyclists have the choice to ride on the roadway, on the shoulder of a road, in a bicycle lane, or on a sidewalk where it is legal to do so. Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks or in crosswalks. Use an audible signal to warn pedestrians before passing. Local agencies may prohibit bicycling on some sections of sidewalks. • Bicyclists must not hold onto or be pulled by any other vehicle. • Bicyclists may ride in groups on designated bicycle paths and lanes. On public roads, they may ride either single file or in pairs. • Bicyclists cannot carry packages unless the rider can keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times. • When riding at night, the bicycle must have a steady white headlight visible for 5 feet and a red reflector visible for feet to the rear. A flashing taillight or a steady red taillight may be used in addition to the red reflector. • Every bicycle must be equipped with a brake that makes the wheels skid on dry, level, clean pavement. In addition to state law, the following safety tips will help motorists and cyclists prevent injuries and collisions. • Teach your children – Parents are responsible for teaching their children about traffic and bicycle safety. Children have trouble judging the speed and distance of moving cars and they lack a sense of danger. Remind them how important it is to always look out for themselves and their own safety. Teach them to always be aware of their surroundings. • Make sure your bike is safe – Pedals, seat, handlebars, tires, and brakes should be in good condition and work properly. Your bike should be the right size for you. Bike shops can help make sure your bike fits you and is safe. • Obey a traffic aws Traffic law violations cause most bicycle/motorist collisions. By following traffic laws, bicyclists help tell drivers where they are going and when. Drivers should take responsibility for knowing the laws that apply to bicyclists. • Wear a bicycle helmet – CPSC, Snell, or ATSM approved helmets are recommended for all riders. Some cities and counties in Washington have a local ordinance mandating helmet use. In some locations this applies only to children, in other places it also applies to adults. Helmets can only do their job if they fit and are properly adjusted. If you can push your helmet off your head without unbuckling it, adjust it. Always get a new helmet if yours has been in a crash. • Enhance your visibility – Make eye contact with drivers at intersections. If you have a helmet-mounted light you can use it to attract a driver’s attention at night by moving your head. Consider applying reflective tape to your helmet and bike. Wearing reflective strips at your knees and ankles provides additional night-time visibility for drivers. • Ride predictably and defensively – Avoid weaving in and out of the “parking lane.” Leave about three feet between yourself and parked cars so that an opened door will not block your path. • Scan the road for hazards – Watch out for wet or icy surfaces, low-light areas, slotted storm drains, potholes, pavement cracks running parallel to your lane of travel, and train tracks. Ride at speeds appropriate for conditions and allow for additional braking time needed in wet or icy conditions.. Always yield to pedestrians and vehicle traffic before entering or crossing a roadway. • Be responsible for yourself – When riding in a group, watch out for yourself instead of simply following the rider in front of you. • ever ride against traffic – Motorists do not look for, or expect, bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the roadway. • Ride in a straight line – Whenever possible, ride in a straight line and to the right of traffic but about the width of a car door away from parked cars. • Do not pass on the right – Do not pass on the right side of vehicles in traffic at intersections. Motorists turning right may not look for, or see, a bicycle passing on the right. • Watch for cars pulling out – Even though you look a driver in the eye, the driver might not see you and may pull out in front of you. • Turning – When turning left, a bicyclist can turn from the left lane or the left turn lane or, the rider can stay in the right lane, cross the street, and stop at the right corner, then proceed in the new direction of travel. with traffic or when the light turns green. • Scan the road behind you – Even if you use rear view mirrors, learn to ride and look back over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving. • Keep both hands ready to brake – To stop in time, you will need both hands. Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain or on a wet road. Your brakes may not work properly when wet, and tires skid more easily. • Watch for dogs – The spinning of your wheels and feet attracts Dogs. If a dog starts to chase you, ignore it or, using a firm, loud voice, yell NO If the dog does not stop, get off your bike and put it between you and the dog. Sharing the Road with Motorcycles At times, the experience of having a mix of cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicyclists, and pedestrians using the roadway complicates driving and increases hazards for everyone. The keys to minimizing those hazards are courtesy, respect for the rights of others, and a heightened awareness of potential problems. Caution and awareness on your part may save others from serious injury or death. Motorcyclist Responsibilities Motorcycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as other highway users and they must obey the same traffic laws.