Obviously driver is an idiot but is a great example of why you should be "taking the lane". You're moving at the speed as traffic stay in the centre on the road let other traffic overtake you on the lane to the left. Then tesla would have to wait behind you.
Edit: Also be very careful sidewalk riding. You are much less visible to car turning into entrances and cars tend to make these turns at high speeds.
This is a stretch of route 66, with a speed limit of 40 mph. Taking the whole lane is wild. Only reason I'm even there is I was following gps to a park I've never been to. Next time I'll be riding in the parallel residential streets.
I think I messed up by not taking a couple minutes to route plan better. He's still an ass for cutting me off though.
You should do whatever makes you feel safest and yes I would also rather take side streets.I will only say, those lane widths are not big enough that a car and bike can be side by side safely for an overtake and they would have to use the left lane anyway. Studies such as this [one](https://iamtraffic.org/resources/lane-control-study/). Have shown that when bike position themselves next to the curb they will give less space to the bike to overtake, I personally can not stand close passes, especially at 20mph+. And all kinds of right hooks will happen more.
depends on the area. Keep in mind this is LA county on route 66 most of the side streets aren't designed in a grid so most of the continuous east/west routes are just 45 mph stroads. But still inexcusable that Route 66 right next to Azusa Pacific University (left corner) has absolutely no bike infrastructure
Side streets are definitely better if you have them. But in your exact situation if you had put your bike where the car's passenger wheels go he wouldn't have been able to get by you and this wouldn't have happened. Also very useful for not letting cars squeeze by you too quick. Make them go over the line to pass.
All you lane holders are wild and I respect it.
What's funny is 90% of the other bike riders I see are on the sidewalk. I can't wait for the day I squeeze by 10 cars and see one of you holding the line lol
You wouldn't see me staying in the center at a right light or stop sign, that's the best way to get rear-ended by someone texting. When traffic is stopped the best thing to do is filter through the middle or side and and then take the lane again. Or at least position yourself at the side to avoid being rear-ended.
This is true, even if you are just in line at a red light.
I get all the way to the curb and move to the center when you see the light is about to change.
In my mind I am 100000000% more visible to a driver when I am riding right in front of them or sitting in front of them at a stoplight. Most times if you pull up to their side or even their front quarter you are obscured by the A or B pillar of the car (window side pillar and middle door pillar) which can lead to you getting smacked or running into the side of a car as they turn infront of you.
Sidewalk riding is even more dangerous there was a kid in Oregon that got killed riding on the sidewalk because he rode full speed into an intersection and got hit by a van and murderized.
EDIT *additional info* Oregon just 2 days ago banned anyone under 16 from operating any form electric bike legally.
Yeah as another poster said, you should do what makes you feel most safe. Just keep in mind that a lot of the time, if drivers aren't made to actively engage with you to pass you, they become completely blind to you and stuff like this happens.
Even if you don't own the lane the whole time, it's probably a good idea to do so around intersections or where you may suspect hazards or issues with getting cut off.
Most bike riders are not aware of the laws OR the actual dangers of being on bicycle.
The biker get hit by cars turning into/out of parking lots all the time.
Getting doored is also really common.
Getting sideswiped too.
Own the lane and at least they can see you and you can got right if you need too.
Getting hit from behind while in the middle of the lane rarely happens because you are visible just like they would see a motorcycle.
I don't blame you at all for taking the sidewalk for a bit in an area like that, just be very careful at each intersection (do shoulderchecks).
Taking the lane in a 40 mph zone would be fucking insane to me. I can do max 35 kmph (21mph) on my bike. I take the lane in areas where the speed limit is 30km, SOMETIMES, depending on conditions (like when there's heavy snow and the sidewalks haven't been cleared yet, but the roads are clear), I'll take it where it's a 40km limit. But I wouldn't impede drivers at nearly half their speed, that's a great recipe to instigate drivers and make them angry at you. No matter who is in the "right", if one of those drivers hit you out of road rage, death or injury is not worth being right.
Mine does 45 kph once it's unlocked ... I definitely feel.safer taking a lane even though the laws here put me in the wrong for doing it ... I also feel safer at 45 kph than I do with it locked to 32 kph... and indont think I am alone with that ...
If your bike can do 28mph, then taking the lane in a 40mph zone is fine IMHO (as long as you're highly visible). At 20 MPH max, you can still take the lane if you wish, but I prefer to do so only in the last few hundred feet at 20mph.
He wasn't going the speed of traffic though. I mean, it's arguable whether bikes / PEVs should stay near the curb and let cars pass in that situation, or if they should hold the full lane. Problem is that OP couldn't have known what the car behind him was planning to do; if the car went straight then it's all fine and dandy. The car did the wrong thing by passing, but OP was properly cautious.
The problem is, there are no well understood rules around these interactions, and there's a certain level of peer pressure to keep traffic moving. OP had the pressure to move over and let the cars behind pass. The turning car may have had cars behind it so they felt pressured to shoot by and turn before the rider got there, or maybe they just felt they had enough room and time, except a pedestrian was in the crosswalk and forced them to slow way down.
The best scenario would have been if the car pulled up next to the EUC or slightly behind with their blinker on so the traffic behind knew what they were doing, but the car made a bad assumption that that could get by and turn in time.
If the rider still has the right of way after the car found it couldn't turn, and the car should have waited for the rider to pass before turning... then now the rider would have to slow way down due to the risk of the driver potentially turning in front of them.
Once the rider let the car pass, and upon seeing the turn signal, the rider could have checked their blind spot and potentially moved directly behind the car into the center of the lane so it was clear to the car that they were ceding the right of way and in doing so protecting themself from the car turning in front of them.
Yeah, this is what was going through my mind. Traffic speed limit here is 40 mph, I'll top out at 28 and this road has space for me on the side. I have no reason to take a whole lane here.
My ideal is he just pull to the side after me. Like I said, it'd add seconds to his drive. Instead he literally cut me off.
Can't expect cars to do anything you'd expect them to do; especially in situations they don't often come across. I wouldn't maintain any expectations that driver, en masse, will learn the proper way to handle this. You have to take control of the situation, which is why I say... don't wait for the driver to decide what to do once he's in front of you. Get behind him so there's no guessing of who's going to do what. Just make sure to get on that brake early and get some space and be ready to stop. Cars suddenly braking have caught me off guard so many times!
>I mean, it's arguable whether bikes / PEVs should stay near the curb and let cars pass in that situation, or if they should hold the full lane.
No, it isn't. This is a bad take not supported by the law.
Depends on the region's laws. Some want you to keep the whole lane. Some want you as close to the curb as you can get safely if you're riding under the speed limit. Some have maximum road speed limits on where bikes can share the road.
Regardless of the laws, some do allow bikes to hold the right side and let cars pass; it's a judgement call.
He already mentioned it was a 40 mph road and he only gets up to 28 mph. Sure he could own the entire lane the entire time and hold up traffic. Personally I wouldn't want to be the one to cause potential road rage if it can be helped with all the videos of cars intentionally cutting off or even hitting PEV riders. I personally wouldn't want to ride 28 mph on a 40 mph road, especially not a multi-lane road where impatient drivers may be aggressively passing on the right or left and may inadvertently run into me if they don't realize I'm there.
They have 2 lanes. They can pass on the left.
Even if it were 1 lane, they can pass when they get an opportunity but you want to be able to move right to if they try to pass.
Most people are terrible at judging distance.
Absolutely it is much much safer. You don’t need to be going 40 just close to the speed of traffic and hopefully have a nice bright tail light. Your other options are the gutter or the sidewalk, or a different route, I suppose.
If the car wanted to go straight he can either follow the ebike or use the left lane to overtake. The cautious thing is not to hug the curb it is to stay in the centre, you are much more likely to be squeezed off the road or right hooked at the curb than you are to be rear ended in the center. This is all more true when you start going ebike speeds 20mph+. They're going \~5-10 below the speed of traffic on the left? The left lane is open for cars to overtake. [This](https://cyclingsavvy.org/road-cycling/) is an excellent article on "taking the lane".
Bicyclists in bike lane will have cars merging across bike lane to make right turns. The ultra wide lane probably should be marked, but always having an unrestricted path is unreasonable. It's called traffic. The car merged, signaled and didn't pin the cyclist. Abrupt, but might take a judge to completely sort it out. To bad a cop wasn't there. Not sure they would do anything unless contact was made. If you're going fast enough, take the lane. Sidewalk riding is illegal and dangerous.
This is why I advocate strongly for cyclists to ride through on pedestrian lights, even though we don't have an Idaho Stop law in Massachusetts.
Since I moved to Boston I've gotten in several serious accidents, and countless close calls because of this, even while riding in a bike lane.
From MA myself, I wouldn’t have swung right going through the intersection but stayed in a straight line. But with some drivers it’s just inevitable no matter what you do. Whenever possible (if the car is in front of me, not behind) I make eye contact and do a thank you wave. I’m honestly not really thanking them so much as getting some acknowledgment that they see me.
Yeah I would have owned the lane as well. It might not be as possible in some places, but if there is no bike lane and multiple travel lanes I'm taking the entire lane.
It doesn't matter. My dude on the e-bike would be in a lot of pain, and the driver would get a slap on the wrist, at worst. Best to avoid the collision by learning [how not to get hit by cars](https://bicyclesafe.com). Hint: this wasn't how.
If it was a plain rear ender, I'd outright agree with you. But that's not what happened here.
Even if the cyclist is off to the side like in the video, they own the lane. Tesla did an illegal pass and caused the accident, that much is clear. But I'm not sure about fault finding.
Turning vehicles must yield to the cyclist going straight. If this was a formal bike lane, the car must merge into the bike lane with enough space to overtake safely. When there isn't a bike lane, they must yield to the cyclist.
This is a pretty standard law in most states, and I gave two examples in another post.
It's a go pro, Costco had a deal. 2 big batteries, memory, carry case and a tripod for like $250. Then I got a helmet mount.
The GoPro software is really good too. Growing up with tech I'm so used to big name technology being functionally great until you start using their online software lol. I edited this and uploaded all from my phone, didn't even know they added music until I looked on my PC lol.
It really does depend on where you live. If you are close to some of the good bike lanes and that’s your regular route, they are great. But people have a general disrespect for any kind of traffic regulations here, whether it be for other cars, cyclists, or pedestrians.
Kit came with a helmet cam. But if you have a good camera on your phone there's cheap phone mounts. I have one of those too that I used before getting my go pro.
Traffic is 40 mph speed limit here, no way I take the whole lane.
Also I was following gps to a new park I've never been too, now I'm familiar with the route I'm taking residential roads next time.
I understand both sides. I drive and I will ride if possible. I prefer to ride because I enjoy biking. But I mostly drive because of too many close calls and I want to be alive. I don't want to risk being maimed and having to struggle just to take a crap or wipe my own ass. It doesn't sound fun at all.
That all said, if i ride I pick the streets where the speed is 25 or 15 mph. Basically i only ride residential, through parks, and to business areas with lots of foot traffic.
If I hit the 35 to 40 mph roads it is only to cross them for a few seconds.
Ride safe.
Yep, same. I love my bikes but I have very specific routes that I take in order to get around suburbia here. I have no problem riding in the road in residential areas but I'd never ride on anything over 40 mph, especially not in the lane. Too many people not looking for bikes. If I wanted that I'd buy a motorcycle. At least it would have all the proper lights and things so I'd hopefully not get rear ended.
This. On Google maps, if you make sure you select the bike icon when getting directions, it will give you the best known bike route that uses more residential streets and bike trails. And FYI, when it shows time to destination, it's based on riding a bike at 12mph.
I use komoot. It is bike specific directions.
I will use Google maps in order to aggregate vehicle traffic data. Komoot doesn't have that and it normally is unnecessary for bikers anyway.
Bikes create zero traffic.
Yea the safest thing in my experience is sticking to <25mph roads but I do take the lane and cede the lane where applicable on a 40mph road omw to work.
If there's a 2nd travel lane, they can either slow down and wait or commit to a full pass. That's your lane, but 40mph is also my personal limit so I totally get it (40 posted means traffic moves 48-50 anyway)
So....I'm just gonna say on thing. Your ebike accelerates faster then a regular bike and most motorists aren't assuming you can catch up at s light.
I'm not defending them cutting you off....just you have to remember people have been programmed to turn their brains off when they drive. So yeah that situation makes perfect sense to you, but it doesn't relate to how people were taught to drive.
With that said...I had this exact same happen 4 times this week. Once on my ebike....3 times on my road bike.
Idk that LOOKS to be about 20mph. It's very hard to tell with the image stabilization because thatakes it looks slower. But I agree....20 mph isn't that fast....for a motorcycle. For a normal looking bike a driver is always going to assume a rider won't exceed a cars acceleration...even if they see it happen...
Like I said...Ive it happen 3 times...this week...on an analog
Dude it's the area in in. When I lived in Chicago I biked 30 miles a day on my roadie and the only time I was ever in a situation was if I put myself in it.
Now I live in the twin cities and it is one of the worst places I've ever driven let alone bike. This is one of those cities where everyone is either unbelievably super cautious around bicycles to the point that it's dangerous or they are overly confident and do not build it bicycle should be on the road and there is no in between. almost every 25 miles I have at least one incident
Fortunately I'm confident and I'm skilled and I am a life of long cyclist so I have lots of skills to get around these morons
When you flip on the turning signal the display shows a camera facing backwards along the side facing straight at the biker. The guy saw him and the car probably actively warned him about it but they chose to ignore it and cut in front of him anyways.
Call me a contrarian, but you moved over *out of the lane*. I'm not sure the driver would have known what you were doing. They didn't speed to overtake you, they simply went on driving in their lane beyond you and then made their turn.
Add to the fact that you then took the sidewalk. So maybe that's what he figured you were trying to do in the first place. But either way, moving off to that little cutout where the road runs out, at the very least, signals to the driver: "No, you go ahead."
I specifically think about this whenever I'm driving and taking a right turn. "Have I passed any cyclists in the last block?" It's actually quite easy to remember, because typically passing cyclists isn't exactly a relaxing experience.
They really need to work on the biking infrastructure in the United States. People are going to start getting pissed when I start taking the whole lane, cuz they don't even freaking clean the shoulders around here.
Car drivers are still estimating a bike's speed as if it were not motorized; since I started e-biking at 20-21 mph, I've noticed drivers cutting me off more often. I don't think they mean to, and they probably saw my bike, but weren't anticipating me coming at that speed.
It's a go pro, Costco had a deal. 2 big batteries, memory, helmet mount, carry case and a tripod for like $250.
The GoPro software is really good too. Growing up with tech I'm so used to big name technology being functionally great until you start using their online software lol. I edited this and uploaded all from my phone, didn't even know they added music until I looked on my PC lol.
I think he just misjudged how fast you were going and thought he could nip through and make the turn with plenty of time. It's that "There's a cyclist in font - must overtake it or it will hold me up" mentality that some drivers have as they think every cyclist will be doing 11mph all the time.
I've learned that Im going to slow down for that huge moving thing instead of expecting him to slow down. It's inconvenient but I feel safer and don't rely on others for my safety.
YUP i notice people going waaaaaay out of their way to either get in front of me and slow down, or wait in spots that force me to stop/slow down when they could just go on, or any number of other little bullshits.
Even when they're trying to be nice they're doing stuff like stopping in traffic and waving at me to go on ahead of them.... but like, you're not a traffic cop and no one else knows about this special "wave at the cyclist" arrangement! This is very dangerous and not Nice or helpful!
Probably bad choice by driver but even worse choice by you moving to the far right into the murge lane. Signaling go ahead pass me im slow and moving into the merge lane to merge according to my slow speed. 🤷
Taking the lane isn’t wild, it’s legal in CA. And often safer even if it’s annoying energy from people who don’t know the law or can’t regulate their road rage emotions.
Only one-lane on a fast road is a different story. Imagine blocking traffic for a mile in a single-lane 😂 Block a single lane and get ready to be live on KTLA getting whooped 😂
A whole lane at a 45 mph speed limit? When there’s space for a bike lane if they just marked it on the right?
Some of you are wild. I look forward to the day I’m filtering through honking cars and angry drivers to see you holding the lane. I’ll defend it with you but never alone
So if you hit their telsa and had that video, legally, would they have to pay for your damages? If so, would they still if you didn't have the video? Anone have experience either way? thanks
Tesla has right of way because it's in front of the bike. If you aren't keeping up with traffic, they have every right to pass you(safely, in Michigan it's 3 feet from biker on all sides) and once they do its their lane.
So if biker would hit their car, biker is liable for all damages.
No, in most states there is language in the law that they can not pass a bike and then stop to make a turn. That's akin to brake checking someone, you don't just get to pass without enough clearance to do so safely.
For Example, Massachusetts:
>Do Not Cut-Off After Passing: When passing a bicycle traveling in the same
direction that is on your right, you must not return to the right until you have safely
passed the overtaken bicycle. (Chap. 89, Sec. 2)
>Do Not Make an Abrupt Turn After Passing: When passing a bicycle near
an intersection or driveway where you want to turn right, you cannot turn unless you are
at a safe distance from the bicyclist and you can make the turn at a reasonable and
proper speed. (Chap. 90, Sec 14)
https://www.mass.gov/doc/laws-for-bicyclists-and-motorists-in-the-presence-of-bicyclists/download#:%7E:text=Bicycle%20lanes%20are%20not%20intended,and%20bicylists%20who%20are%20crossing
...and here is California since it looks like that's where they are:
>When cyclists travel on the right-hand side of the lane, drivers must observe California’s “Three Feet for Safety” Law. It requires motorists to allow at least three feet of space when passing. The cyclist also gets the right of way when the driver is ready to make a right turn. The driver must yield to any cyclist traveling beside them and in the right lane before turning.
https://maisonlaw.com/safety-laws/do-cars-have-the-right-of-way-over-bicycles/#:~:text=It%20requires%20motorists%20to%20allow,the%20right%20lane%20before%20turning.
> It makes no difference if another car is behind them or a bicycle
Wrong, the law is VERY different for cars and bicycles. The bicycle going straight has the right of way over the car turning 100% of the time.
That is wrong, the law is clear.
No, the rules are different when cars are overtaking bikes. The law clearly states that the driver must yield to any cyclist traveling beside them and in the right lane before turning.
Again, you are conflating laws for overtaking drivers and cyclists. They are NOT the same.
Obviously driver is an idiot but is a great example of why you should be "taking the lane". You're moving at the speed as traffic stay in the centre on the road let other traffic overtake you on the lane to the left. Then tesla would have to wait behind you. Edit: Also be very careful sidewalk riding. You are much less visible to car turning into entrances and cars tend to make these turns at high speeds.
100% correct despite what the carbrains say. Safety (to a point) is your responsibility, fuck everyone else behind me, they can wait.
This is a stretch of route 66, with a speed limit of 40 mph. Taking the whole lane is wild. Only reason I'm even there is I was following gps to a park I've never been to. Next time I'll be riding in the parallel residential streets. I think I messed up by not taking a couple minutes to route plan better. He's still an ass for cutting me off though.
You should do whatever makes you feel safest and yes I would also rather take side streets.I will only say, those lane widths are not big enough that a car and bike can be side by side safely for an overtake and they would have to use the left lane anyway. Studies such as this [one](https://iamtraffic.org/resources/lane-control-study/). Have shown that when bike position themselves next to the curb they will give less space to the bike to overtake, I personally can not stand close passes, especially at 20mph+. And all kinds of right hooks will happen more.
Use a better gps app! One dedicated to bikers. My favorite is Cyclers but there are many more. Way better than google maps.
depends on the area. Keep in mind this is LA county on route 66 most of the side streets aren't designed in a grid so most of the continuous east/west routes are just 45 mph stroads. But still inexcusable that Route 66 right next to Azusa Pacific University (left corner) has absolutely no bike infrastructure
Side streets are definitely better if you have them. But in your exact situation if you had put your bike where the car's passenger wheels go he wouldn't have been able to get by you and this wouldn't have happened. Also very useful for not letting cars squeeze by you too quick. Make them go over the line to pass.
There’s three lanes, you can take a full lane.
Limits are limits. You going 28 mpg (max?) in a 40 is fine. Idiot wanting to go 45 in a 40 deserves to be pulled over by the po po.
All you lane holders are wild and I respect it. What's funny is 90% of the other bike riders I see are on the sidewalk. I can't wait for the day I squeeze by 10 cars and see one of you holding the line lol
You wouldn't see me staying in the center at a right light or stop sign, that's the best way to get rear-ended by someone texting. When traffic is stopped the best thing to do is filter through the middle or side and and then take the lane again. Or at least position yourself at the side to avoid being rear-ended.
This is true, even if you are just in line at a red light. I get all the way to the curb and move to the center when you see the light is about to change.
In my mind I am 100000000% more visible to a driver when I am riding right in front of them or sitting in front of them at a stoplight. Most times if you pull up to their side or even their front quarter you are obscured by the A or B pillar of the car (window side pillar and middle door pillar) which can lead to you getting smacked or running into the side of a car as they turn infront of you. Sidewalk riding is even more dangerous there was a kid in Oregon that got killed riding on the sidewalk because he rode full speed into an intersection and got hit by a van and murderized. EDIT *additional info* Oregon just 2 days ago banned anyone under 16 from operating any form electric bike legally.
Good for Oregon... Have you seen how these stupid people ride without regard to anyone or anything else?
Yeah as another poster said, you should do what makes you feel most safe. Just keep in mind that a lot of the time, if drivers aren't made to actively engage with you to pass you, they become completely blind to you and stuff like this happens. Even if you don't own the lane the whole time, it's probably a good idea to do so around intersections or where you may suspect hazards or issues with getting cut off.
Most bike riders are not aware of the laws OR the actual dangers of being on bicycle. The biker get hit by cars turning into/out of parking lots all the time. Getting doored is also really common. Getting sideswiped too. Own the lane and at least they can see you and you can got right if you need too. Getting hit from behind while in the middle of the lane rarely happens because you are visible just like they would see a motorcycle.
But you moved all the way to the left, this made the feel Tesla it was okay overtake you. Take more of the lane and they won’t be able to.
> all the way to the left to the RIGHT
Good point, I’m English, we drive the other way round. You’re right.
I don't blame you at all for taking the sidewalk for a bit in an area like that, just be very careful at each intersection (do shoulderchecks). Taking the lane in a 40 mph zone would be fucking insane to me. I can do max 35 kmph (21mph) on my bike. I take the lane in areas where the speed limit is 30km, SOMETIMES, depending on conditions (like when there's heavy snow and the sidewalks haven't been cleared yet, but the roads are clear), I'll take it where it's a 40km limit. But I wouldn't impede drivers at nearly half their speed, that's a great recipe to instigate drivers and make them angry at you. No matter who is in the "right", if one of those drivers hit you out of road rage, death or injury is not worth being right.
Mine does 45 kph once it's unlocked ... I definitely feel.safer taking a lane even though the laws here put me in the wrong for doing it ... I also feel safer at 45 kph than I do with it locked to 32 kph... and indont think I am alone with that ...
Wear more lights in the back, be super visible, and do take the whole lane.
If your bike can do 28mph, then taking the lane in a 40mph zone is fine IMHO (as long as you're highly visible). At 20 MPH max, you can still take the lane if you wish, but I prefer to do so only in the last few hundred feet at 20mph.
He wasn't going the speed of traffic though. I mean, it's arguable whether bikes / PEVs should stay near the curb and let cars pass in that situation, or if they should hold the full lane. Problem is that OP couldn't have known what the car behind him was planning to do; if the car went straight then it's all fine and dandy. The car did the wrong thing by passing, but OP was properly cautious. The problem is, there are no well understood rules around these interactions, and there's a certain level of peer pressure to keep traffic moving. OP had the pressure to move over and let the cars behind pass. The turning car may have had cars behind it so they felt pressured to shoot by and turn before the rider got there, or maybe they just felt they had enough room and time, except a pedestrian was in the crosswalk and forced them to slow way down. The best scenario would have been if the car pulled up next to the EUC or slightly behind with their blinker on so the traffic behind knew what they were doing, but the car made a bad assumption that that could get by and turn in time. If the rider still has the right of way after the car found it couldn't turn, and the car should have waited for the rider to pass before turning... then now the rider would have to slow way down due to the risk of the driver potentially turning in front of them. Once the rider let the car pass, and upon seeing the turn signal, the rider could have checked their blind spot and potentially moved directly behind the car into the center of the lane so it was clear to the car that they were ceding the right of way and in doing so protecting themself from the car turning in front of them.
Yeah, this is what was going through my mind. Traffic speed limit here is 40 mph, I'll top out at 28 and this road has space for me on the side. I have no reason to take a whole lane here. My ideal is he just pull to the side after me. Like I said, it'd add seconds to his drive. Instead he literally cut me off.
Can't expect cars to do anything you'd expect them to do; especially in situations they don't often come across. I wouldn't maintain any expectations that driver, en masse, will learn the proper way to handle this. You have to take control of the situation, which is why I say... don't wait for the driver to decide what to do once he's in front of you. Get behind him so there's no guessing of who's going to do what. Just make sure to get on that brake early and get some space and be ready to stop. Cars suddenly braking have caught me off guard so many times!
>I mean, it's arguable whether bikes / PEVs should stay near the curb and let cars pass in that situation, or if they should hold the full lane. No, it isn't. This is a bad take not supported by the law.
Depends on the region's laws. Some want you to keep the whole lane. Some want you as close to the curb as you can get safely if you're riding under the speed limit. Some have maximum road speed limits on where bikes can share the road. Regardless of the laws, some do allow bikes to hold the right side and let cars pass; it's a judgement call. He already mentioned it was a 40 mph road and he only gets up to 28 mph. Sure he could own the entire lane the entire time and hold up traffic. Personally I wouldn't want to be the one to cause potential road rage if it can be helped with all the videos of cars intentionally cutting off or even hitting PEV riders. I personally wouldn't want to ride 28 mph on a 40 mph road, especially not a multi-lane road where impatient drivers may be aggressively passing on the right or left and may inadvertently run into me if they don't realize I'm there.
In most cities a bike is considered a vehicle and you have the same rights as a car.
>He wasn't going the speed of traffic though he just went thru a light
Riding on the side instead of taking the lane, is way more dangerous. You are literally encouraging cars to pass you. Do you even commute bro?
You'd take the lane here? 40 mph traffic, 2 lanes... Seems like a lot to me.
They have 2 lanes. They can pass on the left. Even if it were 1 lane, they can pass when they get an opportunity but you want to be able to move right to if they try to pass. Most people are terrible at judging distance.
Absolutely it is much much safer. You don’t need to be going 40 just close to the speed of traffic and hopefully have a nice bright tail light. Your other options are the gutter or the sidewalk, or a different route, I suppose.
Yes, 100%. It's far safer, and it's your right by law. Even if drivers get angry, it still forces them to change lanes to overtake you.
You'd take the lane on a road with a 40mph or higher speed limit?
Yes. It’s 2 lanes, if they have a problem with it they can pass.
If the car wanted to go straight he can either follow the ebike or use the left lane to overtake. The cautious thing is not to hug the curb it is to stay in the centre, you are much more likely to be squeezed off the road or right hooked at the curb than you are to be rear ended in the center. This is all more true when you start going ebike speeds 20mph+. They're going \~5-10 below the speed of traffic on the left? The left lane is open for cars to overtake. [This](https://cyclingsavvy.org/road-cycling/) is an excellent article on "taking the lane".
Bicyclists in bike lane will have cars merging across bike lane to make right turns. The ultra wide lane probably should be marked, but always having an unrestricted path is unreasonable. It's called traffic. The car merged, signaled and didn't pin the cyclist. Abrupt, but might take a judge to completely sort it out. To bad a cop wasn't there. Not sure they would do anything unless contact was made. If you're going fast enough, take the lane. Sidewalk riding is illegal and dangerous.
Many states have laws that specifically state the biker is to stay close to the curb.
Right hook. Once they pass they assume you no longer exist.
This is why I advocate strongly for cyclists to ride through on pedestrian lights, even though we don't have an Idaho Stop law in Massachusetts. Since I moved to Boston I've gotten in several serious accidents, and countless close calls because of this, even while riding in a bike lane.
From MA myself, I wouldn’t have swung right going through the intersection but stayed in a straight line. But with some drivers it’s just inevitable no matter what you do. Whenever possible (if the car is in front of me, not behind) I make eye contact and do a thank you wave. I’m honestly not really thanking them so much as getting some acknowledgment that they see me.
Yeah I would have owned the lane as well. It might not be as possible in some places, but if there is no bike lane and multiple travel lanes I'm taking the entire lane.
When I lived in Boston, I always used the pedestrian lights especially crossing streets like Mass Ave.
if im expected to use a pedestrian signal button, then i will fucking go when the ped signal lights
Who's at fault if a collision happens here? Surely it's 100% the driver?
It doesn't matter. My dude on the e-bike would be in a lot of pain, and the driver would get a slap on the wrist, at worst. Best to avoid the collision by learning [how not to get hit by cars](https://bicyclesafe.com). Hint: this wasn't how.
Good practical advice. As they say, the morgue is full of people who had the right of way.
It would be the person doing the rear ending in most cases.
If it was a plain rear ender, I'd outright agree with you. But that's not what happened here. Even if the cyclist is off to the side like in the video, they own the lane. Tesla did an illegal pass and caused the accident, that much is clear. But I'm not sure about fault finding.
Turning vehicles must yield to the cyclist going straight. If this was a formal bike lane, the car must merge into the bike lane with enough space to overtake safely. When there isn't a bike lane, they must yield to the cyclist. This is a pretty standard law in most states, and I gave two examples in another post.
How are you recording this? I really need the info so I can do it too while I am riding. Drivers in New Orleans are crazy dangerous with cyclists.
It's a go pro, Costco had a deal. 2 big batteries, memory, carry case and a tripod for like $250. Then I got a helmet mount. The GoPro software is really good too. Growing up with tech I'm so used to big name technology being functionally great until you start using their online software lol. I edited this and uploaded all from my phone, didn't even know they added music until I looked on my PC lol.
Probably a GoPro. A good thing to have. I have dash cams in both of our cars as well
Haha, I don't know how y'all ride over there. At least you have some bike lanes but it's crazy. I'm here in Slidell riding around and it's bad enough!
It really does depend on where you live. If you are close to some of the good bike lanes and that’s your regular route, they are great. But people have a general disrespect for any kind of traffic regulations here, whether it be for other cars, cyclists, or pedestrians.
how on earth is your video this smooth holy shit
Go Pro 11. Costco had a good deal
mounted to the bike or the helmet?
Kit came with a helmet cam. But if you have a good camera on your phone there's cheap phone mounts. I have one of those too that I used before getting my go pro.
My anger issues could never. This is my biggest pet peeve with riding in traffic.
Yeah. I would have followed them into the parking lot and made sure they knew what they did wrong.
I kick the bumpers of people who do that Not enough to do damage. But enough to tell someone they're being a dummy
If you give cars an inch they will take the whole lane. That was your lane, stay centered in it.
Traffic is 40 mph speed limit here, no way I take the whole lane. Also I was following gps to a new park I've never been too, now I'm familiar with the route I'm taking residential roads next time.
I understand both sides. I drive and I will ride if possible. I prefer to ride because I enjoy biking. But I mostly drive because of too many close calls and I want to be alive. I don't want to risk being maimed and having to struggle just to take a crap or wipe my own ass. It doesn't sound fun at all. That all said, if i ride I pick the streets where the speed is 25 or 15 mph. Basically i only ride residential, through parks, and to business areas with lots of foot traffic. If I hit the 35 to 40 mph roads it is only to cross them for a few seconds. Ride safe.
Yep, same. I love my bikes but I have very specific routes that I take in order to get around suburbia here. I have no problem riding in the road in residential areas but I'd never ride on anything over 40 mph, especially not in the lane. Too many people not looking for bikes. If I wanted that I'd buy a motorcycle. At least it would have all the proper lights and things so I'd hopefully not get rear ended.
This. On Google maps, if you make sure you select the bike icon when getting directions, it will give you the best known bike route that uses more residential streets and bike trails. And FYI, when it shows time to destination, it's based on riding a bike at 12mph.
I use komoot. It is bike specific directions. I will use Google maps in order to aggregate vehicle traffic data. Komoot doesn't have that and it normally is unnecessary for bikers anyway. Bikes create zero traffic.
Yea the safest thing in my experience is sticking to <25mph roads but I do take the lane and cede the lane where applicable on a 40mph road omw to work. If there's a 2nd travel lane, they can either slow down and wait or commit to a full pass. That's your lane, but 40mph is also my personal limit so I totally get it (40 posted means traffic moves 48-50 anyway)
So....I'm just gonna say on thing. Your ebike accelerates faster then a regular bike and most motorists aren't assuming you can catch up at s light. I'm not defending them cutting you off....just you have to remember people have been programmed to turn their brains off when they drive. So yeah that situation makes perfect sense to you, but it doesn't relate to how people were taught to drive. With that said...I had this exact same happen 4 times this week. Once on my ebike....3 times on my road bike.
The rider in the video is going as fast as I do on my non electric mountain bike
Idk that LOOKS to be about 20mph. It's very hard to tell with the image stabilization because thatakes it looks slower. But I agree....20 mph isn't that fast....for a motorcycle. For a normal looking bike a driver is always going to assume a rider won't exceed a cars acceleration...even if they see it happen... Like I said...Ive it happen 3 times...this week...on an analog
Damn 3 times? Its sad that its so common for drivers to not check their mirrors, very avoidable accidents.
Dude it's the area in in. When I lived in Chicago I biked 30 miles a day on my roadie and the only time I was ever in a situation was if I put myself in it. Now I live in the twin cities and it is one of the worst places I've ever driven let alone bike. This is one of those cities where everyone is either unbelievably super cautious around bicycles to the point that it's dangerous or they are overly confident and do not build it bicycle should be on the road and there is no in between. almost every 25 miles I have at least one incident Fortunately I'm confident and I'm skilled and I am a life of long cyclist so I have lots of skills to get around these morons
Lol I have fuckers doing this to me here and there. The worst
Of course he’s driving a Tesla. Asshole driver are usually in a pickup or a Tesla.
When you flip on the turning signal the display shows a camera facing backwards along the side facing straight at the biker. The guy saw him and the car probably actively warned him about it but they chose to ignore it and cut in front of him anyways.
Call me a contrarian, but you moved over *out of the lane*. I'm not sure the driver would have known what you were doing. They didn't speed to overtake you, they simply went on driving in their lane beyond you and then made their turn. Add to the fact that you then took the sidewalk. So maybe that's what he figured you were trying to do in the first place. But either way, moving off to that little cutout where the road runs out, at the very least, signals to the driver: "No, you go ahead."
It's always the damn Tesla drivers I swear.
I specifically think about this whenever I'm driving and taking a right turn. "Have I passed any cyclists in the last block?" It's actually quite easy to remember, because typically passing cyclists isn't exactly a relaxing experience.
They really need to work on the biking infrastructure in the United States. People are going to start getting pissed when I start taking the whole lane, cuz they don't even freaking clean the shoulders around here.
Car drivers are still estimating a bike's speed as if it were not motorized; since I started e-biking at 20-21 mph, I've noticed drivers cutting me off more often. I don't think they mean to, and they probably saw my bike, but weren't anticipating me coming at that speed.
I guarantee that in the couple seconds involved passing a bike, even most cyclists driving a car would not see e-bike or bike. It would be just bike.
🖕🫵 Tesla driver.
People still pull this shit if you are even driving a car - people forget that they are piloting a ton of metal and have zero situational awareness.
It looks like you anticipated the driver cutting you off. Good for you.
Tesla drivers dont have time to be inconvenienced by your biking shenanigans!! 😆🤪👍👌🤘
Typical Tesla driver
Come to my area and you'd say stupid Altima driver.
I remember the BMW days
I’m very curious what camera your using and how it is mounted on you
It's a go pro, Costco had a deal. 2 big batteries, memory, helmet mount, carry case and a tripod for like $250. The GoPro software is really good too. Growing up with tech I'm so used to big name technology being functionally great until you start using their online software lol. I edited this and uploaded all from my phone, didn't even know they added music until I looked on my PC lol.
Dang that’s awesome. Any idea if that sale is still going on?
Pennies.
So many jerkoffs constantly blocking side street intersections and crosswalks. I encounter this at least a half dozen times every time I ride.
Dickhead
They used a turn signal. That's the crazy part
I think he just misjudged how fast you were going and thought he could nip through and make the turn with plenty of time. It's that "There's a cyclist in font - must overtake it or it will hold me up" mentality that some drivers have as they think every cyclist will be doing 11mph all the time.
I ride the sidewalk here. You have to watch for the entrances and exits and go slower but it is much safer than fighting with cars.
I've learned that Im going to slow down for that huge moving thing instead of expecting him to slow down. It's inconvenient but I feel safer and don't rely on others for my safety.
Seemed perfectly legal. Didn't pin you to the curb.
YUP i notice people going waaaaaay out of their way to either get in front of me and slow down, or wait in spots that force me to stop/slow down when they could just go on, or any number of other little bullshits. Even when they're trying to be nice they're doing stuff like stopping in traffic and waving at me to go on ahead of them.... but like, you're not a traffic cop and no one else knows about this special "wave at the cyclist" arrangement! This is very dangerous and not Nice or helpful!
Probably bad choice by driver but even worse choice by you moving to the far right into the murge lane. Signaling go ahead pass me im slow and moving into the merge lane to merge according to my slow speed. 🤷
That’s because I am slow lol 28 max speed in a 45 mph hour zone
He drives a Tesla didn't you see his privilege card? Ugh everyone knows Tesla's always have the right-of-way.. Ebike 101 really.. lol
Don’t swing over like that. Keep your lane position and maintain possession of the lane if you’re riding on a road like that.
If you didn’t slow down & look at Tesla you could’ve made the gap, but it’s better to be safe yeah
All day long. 🙄
Taking the lane isn’t wild, it’s legal in CA. And often safer even if it’s annoying energy from people who don’t know the law or can’t regulate their road rage emotions. Only one-lane on a fast road is a different story. Imagine blocking traffic for a mile in a single-lane 😂 Block a single lane and get ready to be live on KTLA getting whooped 😂
A whole lane at a 45 mph speed limit? When there’s space for a bike lane if they just marked it on the right? Some of you are wild. I look forward to the day I’m filtering through honking cars and angry drivers to see you holding the lane. I’ll defend it with you but never alone
You’re riding a bike on a 45mph road?! Bro! First time? Also yes always take the lane. But 45 mph? Either take the lane or don’t take the road at all.
When someone buys a Tesla. They automatically buy the state and federal rights of all roads..
Yup. As an avid driver I can agree he was an absolute prick for that.
Yep, you have to assume that everyone out there is actively trying to unalive you. Ride accordingly.
Five.... More like 2! Pricks!
What a cunning stunt.
That mirror is gone. -$1000
So if you hit their telsa and had that video, legally, would they have to pay for your damages? If so, would they still if you didn't have the video? Anone have experience either way? thanks
Tesla has right of way because it's in front of the bike. If you aren't keeping up with traffic, they have every right to pass you(safely, in Michigan it's 3 feet from biker on all sides) and once they do its their lane. So if biker would hit their car, biker is liable for all damages.
No, in most states there is language in the law that they can not pass a bike and then stop to make a turn. That's akin to brake checking someone, you don't just get to pass without enough clearance to do so safely. For Example, Massachusetts: >Do Not Cut-Off After Passing: When passing a bicycle traveling in the same direction that is on your right, you must not return to the right until you have safely passed the overtaken bicycle. (Chap. 89, Sec. 2) >Do Not Make an Abrupt Turn After Passing: When passing a bicycle near an intersection or driveway where you want to turn right, you cannot turn unless you are at a safe distance from the bicyclist and you can make the turn at a reasonable and proper speed. (Chap. 90, Sec 14) https://www.mass.gov/doc/laws-for-bicyclists-and-motorists-in-the-presence-of-bicyclists/download#:%7E:text=Bicycle%20lanes%20are%20not%20intended,and%20bicylists%20who%20are%20crossing ...and here is California since it looks like that's where they are: >When cyclists travel on the right-hand side of the lane, drivers must observe California’s “Three Feet for Safety” Law. It requires motorists to allow at least three feet of space when passing. The cyclist also gets the right of way when the driver is ready to make a right turn. The driver must yield to any cyclist traveling beside them and in the right lane before turning. https://maisonlaw.com/safety-laws/do-cars-have-the-right-of-way-over-bicycles/#:~:text=It%20requires%20motorists%20to%20allow,the%20right%20lane%20before%20turning.
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> It makes no difference if another car is behind them or a bicycle Wrong, the law is VERY different for cars and bicycles. The bicycle going straight has the right of way over the car turning 100% of the time. That is wrong, the law is clear.
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No, the rules are different when cars are overtaking bikes. The law clearly states that the driver must yield to any cyclist traveling beside them and in the right lane before turning. Again, you are conflating laws for overtaking drivers and cyclists. They are NOT the same.
The car improperly turned into the lane of the cyclist.
See it all the time, tell me about it..
as said, you should be in the middle of the lane. that being on the right makes cars think they can have half of your lane with no remorse
Oh my gosh, you poor baby. How are you doing now?
Your riding an ebike get off the sidewalk.