Sharing The Road: Cyclists & Motorists

It's been nearly a year since Thomas A. Scheuer, an 82-year-old by a hit and run driver as he rode his bicycle on Oenoke Ridge. As the weather warms and the seasons change from winter to spring, cyclists are coming back out on New Canaan roads.

Since both motorists and our Lycra clad two-wheeled friends will be on the same roads at the same time, it is important we all recognize and respect each other’s rights and responsibilities to enjoy safe experiences on our beautiful Connecticut roads.

Bicycles are deemed “slow moving vehicles”, and have as much right to be on our roads as motorized vehicles. According to the CT Department of Transortation, every person riding a bicycle upon traveled portions of the highway shall be granted all the rights and be subject to all the duties of a driver of any motor vehicle.  Cyclists are required to obey all the traffic laws which apply to motorists!

 This means bicycle riders must:

•   Ride in the same direction as motor vehicles
•   Ride as far to the right as practical and safe
•   Stop at all stop lights and stop signs, just like motor vehicles
•   Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, just like motor vehicles
•   Use hand signals for stops and turns, just like motor vehicles
•   Cyclists should ride single file and not hog the road and impede traffic

It is strongly suggested that cyclists wear a helmet – properly fitted and worn – no matter how short the trip, and almost all organized cycling clubs require use of a helmet on their rides. Cyclists should also ride predictably – in a straight line and not swerving or between parked cars.

Cyclists should always give cars the right of way at intersections unless the driver makes eye contact and waves the cyclist on (many drivers do, thank you). In any collision between a cyclist and a motor vehicle, the cyclist always loses, no matter who “had right of way."

Visibility is important – cyclists should wear bright colored clothing and use a bright white light on front and a red light on the back if riding at night or in diminished lighting.

Although it is obvious, motorists must pay attention to the road while driving. Distracted driving can be deadly.

When encountering cyclists, drivers should:

• Reduce speed and make sure to provide plenty of space when passing. IT IS THE LAW in both NY and CT that when a motor vehicle overtakes a cyclist, they must pass on the left at a safe distance – at least (preferable more) three feet. Motorists should wait to pass until both the road and traffic safely permit you to do so.
• Do not tailgate cyclists – there is no rationale for that. If you need to prove that your car is faster than a bicycle, you also need to seek ‘professional help’.
• At intersections, motorists should look for bicycles as well as other motor vehicles and permit cyclists sufficient time to clear intersections.

If we all – motorists and cyclists alike – consistently practice courtesy and defensive driving practices, keeping safety utmost in mind, we can “share the road” effectively and peacefully.

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