05-24-2017, 01:26 PM
(This post was last modified: 05-24-2017, 01:27 PM by danbrotherston.)
The recommendation is to bike 1 meter from the curb. If drivers don't like this, then they have a problem with the HTA not cyclists. Any driver who's only courteous to cyclists who don't mind being run into the curb isn't courteous to cyclists.
Reasons for riding away from curb:
1. Gravel collects there
2. Larger debris, pieces of car, etc.
3. Glass collects there
4. Potholes are often there.
5. Sewer grates.
6. Doors may open into this space.
7. It gives me space to swerve inward if needed without being forced into a crash.
Now, all of these things are intermittent. You can ride close to the curb and then swerve out as needed. I consider that much more dangerous.
I also consider riding close to the curb an invitation for cars to pass similarly close to me. I will ride 1 meter out from the curb, if that doesn't leave sufficient room to pass me within the lane, then I ride in the middle of the lane. Smart drivers will understand this in no way impedes them more than if I were to ride at the right hand side, because they'd still have to move into traffic. Other drivers don't understand this and believe I'm impeding them. This is because they'd likely just try to push past within the same lane if I let them.
This is what I do. I don't judge others for doing differently, but it's backed up by all the HTA.
Now I find that 94% of drivers are courteous and careful. 5% are on their cell phones or otherwise not paying attention at the moment they pass and 1% choose to be dangerous because they object to my road positioning. The last 6% are a problem, and will continue to be always until we build better infrastructure.
I am always dismayed by people who say they never meet drivers who are discourteous to them. They must have a very high tolerance. I have been screamed at to get off the road while biking through a park.
Reasons for riding away from curb:
1. Gravel collects there
2. Larger debris, pieces of car, etc.
3. Glass collects there
4. Potholes are often there.
5. Sewer grates.
6. Doors may open into this space.
7. It gives me space to swerve inward if needed without being forced into a crash.
Now, all of these things are intermittent. You can ride close to the curb and then swerve out as needed. I consider that much more dangerous.
I also consider riding close to the curb an invitation for cars to pass similarly close to me. I will ride 1 meter out from the curb, if that doesn't leave sufficient room to pass me within the lane, then I ride in the middle of the lane. Smart drivers will understand this in no way impedes them more than if I were to ride at the right hand side, because they'd still have to move into traffic. Other drivers don't understand this and believe I'm impeding them. This is because they'd likely just try to push past within the same lane if I let them.
This is what I do. I don't judge others for doing differently, but it's backed up by all the HTA.
Now I find that 94% of drivers are courteous and careful. 5% are on their cell phones or otherwise not paying attention at the moment they pass and 1% choose to be dangerous because they object to my road positioning. The last 6% are a problem, and will continue to be always until we build better infrastructure.
I am always dismayed by people who say they never meet drivers who are discourteous to them. They must have a very high tolerance. I have been screamed at to get off the road while biking through a park.