Rules of the Road

An alert Blog reader pointed out that my last posting on Biking NO NOs didn’t really deliver a list of rules of the road for bicyclists. Of course, I used the title to lure in the reader so I could then shamelessly promote Wheel Fun Day, West Hartford’s first official Bicycle Festival, which will take place on Sunday, May 19, in the West Hartford Town Hall Parking Lot. Visit www.bikewesthartford.org for more information. 

Okay, so I have shamelessly plugged Wheel Fun Day again, but this time I am going to list some basic rules of the road, but first I am going to start with how CARS operate around bicyclists. I was involved in an accident on my bicycle on the roads of Alexandria, VA about 10 years ago that put me in the hospital for several days (they had to helicopter me from the scene) so I know firsthand that the issue of how CARS handle cyclists is the far more pressing issue. 

SOME RULES OF THE ROAD: Car Drivers in Relation to Bicyclists

Car drivers must share the road with bicyclists and allot three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist.

Car drivers should understand that bicyclists have the right to be on most roads.

Car drivers in the Netherlands learn to lean over and open their door with their RIGHT hand because that forces them to look over their left shoulder for bicyclists before opening the car door. 

SOME RULES OF THE ROAD: Bicyclists in Relation to Pedestrians Bicyclists need to follow the rules of the road just like car drivers, which includes stopping at all traffic signals and stop signs, signaling when turning, staying off of sidewalks and yielding to walkers in crosswalks, intersections etc.  

Now this is the simplest of primers here. What you REALLY need to do to learn more is come to WHEEL FUN DAY where many bicycle shop owners and bicycling experts will be on hand to provide advice for bicycle upkeep, bicycle safety, and bicycle fun!  

Interested in learning more about the event, contact Mary Collins at WheelFun@bikewesthartford.org.   Hope to see you Sunday, May 19.