Bike vs. Car

I obey the same laws that I would if I were driving my car, including waiting at red lights etc.  I like to think it portrays a good image of cyclists in general, rather than have an auto driver thinking "What gives that cyclist the right to run a red light?"  Courtesy goes a long way in fostering good car-bike relationships as far as sharing the road.  If someone waits for me to ride by before they pull into an intersection, I always wave and say thanks.  Mama brought me up to always be polite.

Edited by max 2004-11-05 1:36 PM

I follow the same rules of the road that apply to auto driving.  And I'm always on the defensive--because they weight about 2000 pounds more than me and my bike!!!!

Evelyn

I always follow the rules of the road...just like I was in a car.  I stop for lights, hold my place in the line (don't roll up the right side to the front) and wait my turn.  I may roll a stop sign, but always slow to check traffic.  Basically, I act like a car.  I even hold my place on the road by riding in the right hand tire track.  I never ride in the 'gutter' of the roadway...that only encourages drivers to squeeze betwee you and oncoming traffic. 

TJ

If there is a shoulder, then I use the shoulder and cruise up to the front and to the light.  But, if there isn't a shoulder then I ride in the right tire track and hold my place in line.  As a motorist (I drive a car sometimes), I get frustrated with cyclist that I must pass several times because they keep going to the front of the line at every red light.  Other vehicles can't/won't/it's illegal pass on the right and go to the front of the line, so why should cyclists.

The courtesy thing works both ways.  We can give cycling a good image by being courteous and following the rules of the road.

TJ