Weekly Training Tip - Rules of the Road

I find it interesting that most drivers out on the road think that bicycles belong on the sidewalk.  Actually, we don't belong on the side walk, thank you very much!  Here is some stuff I took directly off of the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety:

Bike Safety and Laws
According to Arizona State law, cyclists have the very same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Respect for the rights of ALL road users will help you feel good about yourself and avoid accidents too.

Most crashes between motorists and cyclists happen at intersections. Most often, when the motorist is at fault, it is because they failed to yield the right-of-way to the cyclist. This usually happens when you turn left in front of a cyclist, or pull out from a stop sign or driveway into a cyclist’s path.

Bike Safety Boogie!  Yeah!

Arizona Bicycle Laws

• ARS 28-644 Stop for traffic lights and stop signs
• ARS 28-817 Always use a white headlight and a red rear reflector when you cycle after sunset or before sunrise
• ARS 28-792 ARS 28-904 Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and on sidewalks
• ARS 28-756 Before you turn or change lanes, look behind you, signal to show your plan to turn or change lanes, and yield to any traffic already there. Cyclists may signal their turns by extending either their left arm for a left turn or their right arm for a right turn
• ARS 28-721 Any vehicle moving slower than the normal traffic speed shall drive in the right-hand lane, or “as close as PRACTICABLE” to the right edge of the road, except when preparing to turn left or when passing
• ARS 28-704 Any vehicle on a two-lane road that has five or more vehicles behind it must pull off at the first safe pullout to allow the vehicles behind to proceed
• ARS 28-815 Special conditions that affect cyclists more than motorists are recognized in the law
• Riding two abreast is permitted by law (A.R.S. 28-815)

You may ride far enough from the road edge to stay clear of surface debris, potholes, rough pavement, drain grates, and pavement joints, as well as to avoid pedestrians, dogs, parked vehicles, and other objects.

You may occupy any part of a lane when your safety warrants it. Never compromise your safety for the convenience of a motorist behind you.

Laws for Bicycle Riders Only

• ARS 28-813 Every person riding a bicycle must have a regular seat to sit on
• ARS 28-817 Every bicycle must have at least one brake that will make the wheel skid when applied
• ARS 28-815 You may ride no more than two side-by-side, except on exclusive bike paths
• ARS 28-816 You must have at least one hand on the handlebars at all times
• ARS 28-814 You may not attach your bicycle to, or hold onto, another vehicle on the roadway

Bicycle Safety Tips

• Before using your bicycle, make sure it is ready to ride. Always wear a bicycle helmet. It could save your life!
• Inspect your bike to make sure all parts are secure and working properly.
• Inflate tires properly and check brakes before riding, see and be seen.
• Always wear fluorescent or bright color clothing when riding during the day.
• Carry books and other items in a bicycle carrier or backpack.
• Avoid riding at night; it is far more dangerous than riding during the day. If you have to ride at night, wear something that reflects light. Make sure that you have reflectors on the front and rear of your bike (lights are required)
• Arizona Department of Transportation Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Share the Road Guides in English and Spanish (pdf) (Pima County)

Safe Bicycle Riding
Bicycles are considered vehicles, and bicyclists must obey the same rules as motorists. When riding, always

• Obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings
• Signal your moves to others. Be courteous to pedestrians and other vehicle operators
• Most bicycle crashes occur at driveways or other intersections. Before you enter any street or intersection, check for traffic by looking left - right - left
• Stay alert at all times. Watch out for potholes, cracks, wet leaves, storm grates, railroad tracks, or anything that could make you lose control of your bike
• When turning left or right, always look behind you for a break in traffic, then signal before making a turn. Watch for left or right-turning traffic
• Ride so other drivers can see you. Stay out of drivers’ blind spots
• Ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars (like doors opening)

Not listed in here is the infamous "3 feet" rule.  Not sure what I'm talking about?  Well, Arizona has a "3 foot law" that was passed back in 2000 (HB2625 during the 44th Legislature, 2nd regular session).

This is the actual sign from Phoenix, AZ.  I know where two of them are posted, but more should be posted...EVERYWHERE!

Here is what the law from 2000 says:

The main provisions which passed into law in 2000 are (not the full text):
ARS §28-735. Overtaking bicycles; civil penalties
A. When overtaking and passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction, a person driving a motor vehicle shall exercise due care by leaving a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three feet until the motor vehicle is safely past the overtaken bicycle.
B. If a person violates this section and the violation results in a collision causing:

1. Serious physical injury as defined in section 13-105 to another person, the violater is subject to a civil penalty of up to five hundred dollars.
2. Death to another person, the violater is subject to a civil penalty of up to one thousand dollars.

C. Subsection B of this section does not apply to a bicyclist who is injured in a vehicular traffic lane when a designated bicycle lane or path is present and passable.

Very interesting.  From what I understand, if someone runs me down while I'm on my bike, and I die, they will be fined $1000?  Pretty hefty fine!  Or, not at all.

In conclusion, if you're on a bike, stay to the right, follow all posted signs, and stop at all intersections.  The law doesn't protect you much, so always be on the lookout.