[tomwed]

Originally Posted by outlaw

A bit of biased misinformation. In FL, I think the laws state that a cyclist is required to ride as far to the right of the lane as safely as possible. It does not say that the cyclist is supposed to force passing autos into the other lane by riding near the center line. If you want courtesy from drivers, be a courteous rider.

A cyclist with common sense.

s. 316.083 – Overtaking and Passing A Vehicle

(1) …. The driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle must pass the bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle at a safe distance of not less than 3 feet between the vehicle and the bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle.


s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations

(5)(a) 3. For the purposes of this subsection, a “substandard-width lane” is a lane too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.

The unsafe condition of substandard-width lanes is that drivers may unlawfully and dangerously attempt to pass within the lane or use the adjacent lane when there is conflicting traffic. Although that practice subjects the overtaking motorist and the on-coming motorist to some danger, the bicyclist is the one most likely to suffer harm in those circumstances.

The provision in the Bicycle Regulations allows bicyclists to protect their space for their own safety.

The way they do that is to control the lane. They are not required to keep right. It is legal and it is the safest cycling practice under many circumstances.

[outlaw]

Originally Posted by Bosoxfan

No its not below me to ride on the ( " cart" ) multimodal path if I were on a casual ride but not if I want to move at a cardiovascular workout pace. There are more problems on the paths then you'd realize. Cyclists have the right to be on the roads I just wish ALL motorists would accept this and respect the safety of everyone on the road.

Cyclists have a right to be on the road, but they also have the requirement to ride safely as far to the right as possible. You do not have the authority to enforce traffic laws. That's what the police are for. Instead of forcing drivers into another lane, record the offending car's license number and report it to the authorities. Now, from a practical standpoint, you are NEVER going to convince a significant portion of the driving population that you have as much right to the whole lane as they do. It ain't gonna happen. How long have cyclists been beating this drum? It seems like forever. So you can keep trying to dangerously enforce your interpretation of the laws, possibly/probably resulting in a competition of wills between two stubborn users of the road that may end with tragedy for both, but especially for you. Or you can accept that roads were built and primarily paid for by drivers, and learn to not only share the road, but try to defer to the driver and win them over one at a time. When I ride on the road (seldom), I try to accommodate drivers. For instance, when riding on a side street in TV, and I am riding abreast with someone else, I ALWAYS convert to riding single file as far to the right as safely as possible, giving the driver almost two lanes to pass. What I find is 95% of the time, the driver goes all the way over almost completely into the other lane to pass me. And probably 100% of the time the driver gives me ample room, even though still partially in my lane. You are not helping the cycling community by insisting on drivers complying with your interpretation of sharing the road. You only hurt the cyclists that are willing to accommodate drivers, since it is obvious the roads were designed and built for autos, not bicycles. Drivers you p!ss off, then resent ALL cyclists.

[outlaw]

Originally Posted by tomwed

s. 316.083 – Overtaking and Passing A Vehicle

(1) …. The driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle must pass the bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle at a safe distance of not less than 3 feet between the vehicle and the bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle.


s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations

(5)(a) 3. For the purposes of this subsection, a “substandard-width lane” is a lane too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.

The unsafe condition of substandard-width lanes is that drivers may unlawfully and dangerously attempt to pass within the lane or use the adjacent lane when there is conflicting traffic. Although that practice subjects the overtaking motorist and the on-coming motorist to some danger, the bicyclist is the one most likely to suffer harm in those circumstances.

The provision in the Bicycle Regulations allows bicyclists to protect their space for their own safety.

The way they do that is to control the lane. They are not required to keep right. It is legal and it is the safest cycling practice under many circumstances.

I went to the statute and did not see this (bolded and underlined). Looks like "interpretation" of the statute.

I did see this, pasted with NO added interpretation: (6) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway may not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Persons riding two abreast may not impede traffic when traveling at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing and shall ride within a single lane.

[Polar Bear]

In my opinion as a lifelong Professional Engineer in the transportation field, bicyclists (and I am one) should not be on roads with automotive travel speeds (not speed limits) averaging in excess of 30-35 mph. Irrespective of the law...there is simply no way to make it safe for all concerned. Again...just my opinion.

[outlaw]

Originally Posted by biker1

Wrong again, as you were the last time you tried posting this misinformation. On substandard width roads, as we have in The Villages, cars must pass in the other lane as a car and bike cannot lawfully exist in the same lane. Cyclist should move to the center of the lane during those instances where a car may squeeze them off the road. This is the safe way to ride.

Please educate me by pasting those sentences where they appear in the Florida statute? Thanks in advance.

[outlaw]

It's a bit of a stretch to think of Buena Vista Blvd as a substandard road. It has to be in the top 5% of Florida roads regarding condition, width (excluding interstates), and beauty.

[Miles42]

Right or wrong if you tangle with an automobile or a truck you lose. It is just that simple. Accidents occur on roadways all the time. One is at fault the other may not be. Being not at fault but Severely injured or dead does not mean a lot. except in a court of law.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by outlaw

I went to the statute and did not see this (bolded and underlined). Looks like "interpretation" of the statute.

I did see this, pasted with NO added interpretation: (6) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway may not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Persons riding two abreast may not impede traffic when traveling at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing and shall ride within a single lane.

Well, it is section 5, right above section 6 that you are citing:

Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine

[tomwed]

Originally Posted by outlaw

It's a bit of a stretch to think of Buena Vista Blvd as a substandard road. It has to be in the top 5% of Florida roads regarding condition, width (excluding interstates), and beauty.

It's the width of a single on BV that is in question, not the surface.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by tomwed

s. 316.083 – Overtaking and Passing A Vehicle

(1) …. The driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle must pass the bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle at a safe distance of not less than 3 feet between the vehicle and the bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle.


s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations

(5)(a) 3. For the purposes of this subsection, a “substandard-width lane” is a lane too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.

The provision in the Bicycle Regulations allows bicyclists to protect their space for their own safety.

The way they do that is to control the lane. They are not required to keep right. It is legal and it is the safest cycling practice under many circumstances.

Please read the statute again. THEY ARE REQUIRED to keep right except under the three conditions in a,b and c. The debate is going to be what is a substandard lane width. Federal Highway Department states the "standard width" of a local/county road is 9-12 feet. I doubt BV or Morse is "substandard" by the federal definition. Personally, I think a 9 foot lane would be cutting it too close, but , as stated above, a 12 foot wide lane leaves 6 feet for the cyclist and therefore, on such a road THE LAW REQUIRES THAT THEY KEEP TO THE RIGHT. PERIOD. Now, for those who have stated these boulevards are "substandard, do you know the width of the lane? I'd rather not go out and play in traffic with a tape measure (although I think some cyclists would like me too) After all, I've confused the partisan opinions with FACT.

[tomwed]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

Department states the "standard width" of a local/county road is 9-12 feet.

Where did you find that fact [Question Mark]
If only there was a golfer on this thread who knows how to pace off 5 yards.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by tomwed

Where did you find that fact [Question Mark]

Mitigation Strategies For Design Exceptions - Safety | Federal Highway Administration

[karostay]

Originally Posted by Miles42

I share the road but would also like it if bike riders obeyed all traffic laws.

[tomwed]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

Mitigation Strategies For Design Exceptions - Safety | Federal Highway Administration

well done

12 ft makes a road

Would you agree that the width of a car or minivan with mirrors is 90 inches

Would you agree that the law indicates you need to give a bike 3 ft to pass?

36+90=126 10 1/2 ft

You bike. How far is your front wheel to the curb? 1 1/2 ft?

Oh sh.., That's 12 ft. [i'll go away now,,,]

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by tomwed

well done

12 ft makes a road

Would you agree that the width of a car or minivan with mirrors is 90 inches

Would you agree that the law indicates you need to give a bike 3 ft to pass?

36+90=126 10 1/2 ft

You bike. How far is your front wheel to the curb? 1 1/2 ft?

Oh sh.., That's 12 ft. [i'll go away now,,,]

Agree with width of SUV----my Enclave is 89 inches edge of mirror to edge of mirror

Agree with 3 feet to pass

agree 36 + 90 =126 or 10 1/2 feet

but 10 1/2 + 1 1/2 is 12 except in common core math

But we still need to know the actual width of the lanes on BV and Morse