Column: Cyclist rights and responsibilities when the rubber meets the road
Bicycling has become a very popular form of transportation, exercise and sport. We have seen a sharp increase in riders around the Carson City area and have observed both good and bad bicycle operators.
Many laws are in effect to protect bicyclists as they travel down the road but if you are a rider, there are some laws that apply to you as well. A cyclist is required to ride on the right side of the roadway so as to flow with traffic.
Riders who are in a traffic lane must stay to the far right as practicable unless preparing to turn or overtake another vehicle. They must obey all traffic signs and signals and use hand signals to let others know what they plan to do.
Bicycles ridden at night must have a white lamp in the front visible from at least 500 feet away. A rear red colored reflector which must be visible in a vehicle’s low beams from 300 feet away. Reflective material on the sides of the bike visible in low beams from at least 600 feet away or a lamp visible from both sides from 500 feet away.
As a cyclist you should obey the law, wear a bicycle helmet, dress in brightly colored clothing (be visible), and keep your bike in good repair. You should never ride on the wrong side of the road, text or talk on a cell phone, wear a headset when riding or ride at night without the required lights and reflectors.
Often times we forget that it is not just motorized vehicles we must look out for but, human powered modes of transportation as well. For both the bicyclist and the motorist it is important that you pay attention and look out for each other. Share the road and stay safe.
Jeff Moser with Muscle Powered wrote 10 Tips for Bike Commuting during Bike to Work Week. Go here for the story.
— Sgt. Scott McDaniel is with the Carson City Sheriff's Office and writes a regular column on public safety issues.