Quote:
Originally Posted by alzjr
Almost all bicyclists also drive cars. We don't instantaneously become idiots just because we are on a bicycle.
Most car drivers do not ride bicycles on our streets in The Villages so they cannot have any idea what is safe for a cyclist.
How many times have you been out in your car and not seen a bicycle? Bicycles are not that big a problem.
Driving a bicycle in the middle of a lane is safer because I know from driving a car I do not run into the back of slower vehicles in front of me. If I did run into a slower vehicle in front of me it would really delay getting to my destination. (wait for the sheriff and he would have to call the FHP because it is a personal injury accident, and then the time in court for a ticket for hitting a vehicle from behind, and then the increase in insurance for an at fault accident)
It is much easier and little effort (power steering) to signal and move over to the other lane.
Besides, regardless of our interpretation of the law the Sumter County Sheriff's deputies' have agreed that on our four lane roads a bicyclist can use the whole lane, and they are the ones that write the tickets.
|
You're right, but maybe a bit late to the party. I started out to show that cyclists should generally stay out of the middle of the road, but through posting the actual law, the actual lane widths and the size of motor vehicles, I think I proved that cyclists are CORRECT riding in the lane, when appropriate.
As far as "Almost all bicyclists also drive cars. We don't instantaneously become idiots just because we are on a bicycle." goes---some do
Just like some drivers become idiots in a golf cart. I don't think too many would let their 8 year old grandchild drive their Mercedes SL 550, but have no problem handing over the wheel to a kid. Some drivers become idiots as pedestrians, walking and texting with no idea of their surroundings. Some drivers just start off as idiots in the first place, just watch traffic at the average RB. Enjoy your ride!