Education

Education of both cyclists and motoring public is the key to safety and the successful sharing of our roads. Education, in all matters, is a never ending process, In regard to cycling matters and sharing the road, it is most often a case of way too little for way too long a time. As a citizenry, we have much catching up to do. The increasing numbers of cyclists on local roads will lead to both more run-ins with motorists but will also serve to help motorists develop new awareness of other alternative modes of transportation. Both cyclists and motorists need to slow down, calm down, and learn a little from each.

There are certain facts that are set in law in all States and specifically in North Carolina.

Cyclists have the same rights to use the roads as any other form of transportation except where specifically prohibited. At this time, ONLY interstates specifically prohibit bicycle traffic. As a motorist, you may or may not like the idea but that is irrelevant. Bicycling is recognized as an official vehicle of transportation and has the same rights as cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
Cyclists are responsible for obeying the traffic laws just like motorists are responsible for obeying the traffic laws. Cyclists should ride in a consistent manner in the same direction of traffic. While they have the full use of the whole lane of travel, they should ride as close on the right as is practicable for the situation, which is always fluid and subject to change.
Throwing an object from a moving vehicle at a cyclist is against the law and is a form of assault. Severe penalities can be the result of a loss of temper or act of stupidity by both cyclists and motorists.
South Carolina and many other states now require a 3 foot clearance when passing a cyclist. North Carolina will hopefully consider this regulation in the near future although the current law requires 2 feet of clearance by motorists when passing..

To view a very good educational video feature Robbie Ventura and created by the Illinois Leagues of Bicyclists, CLICK HERE!

For a look at two brief videos online discussing Bicycle Safety and how to avoid accidents, check out the blog An Adventure Called Cycling. The two videos are shown on posts for October 24th and 25th. While there, take 20 minutes and watch R.J.'s (Rebecca Jensen) excellent video on her cross country trip on bicycle! It is inspirational and depicts some of the best qualities of Americans!

Attorney and Cyclist Bob Mionske addresses the 3 most common types of incidents involving cyclists: right hooks, left hooks, and dooring. Check out this brief video from RoadID.

Additional information with graphics on the 5 most common types of car/bike encounters can be found at Bicycling Magazine.

To review some practical steps to take and, quite importantly NOT to take, check in at BikingInLA and read parts 1 and 2 of "What to do when the Road Rage Bites". Part 1 is posted on November 30th and Part 2 is posted on December 2nd. The author is speaking from personal experience and candidly reports that he did most everything wrong when he was struck by a vehicle. This resulted in his loss of appropriate recourse in the Courts. Sometimes we can learn best from mistakes that are made and he does an excellent job of making this point.

Dave Moulton, renowned frame builder and long-time cyclist, offers up some solid information on riding in traffic. Dave is now a resident of the S.C. Low Country living and riding in Charleston. Check out is very useful information by CLICKING HERE. Navigate to his February 8th post titled "The Invisible Cyclist, Part 1" if it has already scrolled off the opening page. Dave also offers up very interesting posts on cycling history for those readers so inclined to enjoy the building blocks of today's cycling world.

This video, while focusing on buses and bikes in larger cities, still offers excellent advice on sharing the road safely! Thanks to EcoVelo and StreetsBlog for this effort.

Share the Road - Buses and Bicycles from Chicago Bicycle Program on Vimeo.

Dave Moulton provides an excellent case for "taking the lane" in his post of 03/25/2010 on his blog at Dave Moulton's Blog. To read this piece, click HERE! Dave is a renowned frame builder, author, and musician now calling Charleston, SC and the Low Country home. Check out his various posting for similiarly helpful advice on riding and also peruse his many entries that depict the history of our sport/endeavor. Thanks Dave!

BicycleHaywoodNC

Education