Recreational riding is nice, but when someone uses a bicycle to commute it shows they’ve discovered a significant way of integrating pedaling into their everyday routines.
I’ve noticed, though, that the new wave of bikers – probably spawned by gas prices -- includes people who, apparently, have no idea of the rules of the road that govern them.
Maybe I’m wrong, but my understanding is that bicyclists, as long as they’re mounted up, are supposed to abide by the same laws as motorists. When dismounted and walking their two-wheelers, bicyclists become pedestrians.
All laws aside, a great deal of biking is (or should be) a matter of protecting one’s self. In other words, I don’t need a law to tell me not to ride without any hands.
My biggest “pedal peeve,” however, is bicyclists who, presumably for the sake of convenience, ride on the wrong side of the road.
All too often I find myself an unwilling participant in a game of “chicken,” as an oncoming bicyclist and I try to read each other’s eyes to see who’s going to veer off first, and which way.
On narrow streets with cars buzzing by, that’s a game I’d rather not play. Welcome to the wonderful world of bicycle commuting, newcomers, but please follow a few simple rules, for your own good. The right side of the road is the right side of the road.
When in doubt, follow the universal rule: ACT LIKE A CAR and you'll be safer.
--Wordsmith 1953
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