PSA: Read the Rules, Folks!

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2009-09-22 4:24 PM

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Subject: PSA: Read the Rules, Folks!

I'm seeing a lot of misunderstandings of the USAT rules all over the forums today. I know this is

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But before you do your first race, for the sake of safety and fairness, you should know and understand the rules of the sport. USAT rules are here, if you race under another governing body, find those rules and learn them.

Thank you very much!

2009-09-22 4:34 PM
in reply to: #2420721

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Subject: RE: PSA: Read the Rules, Folks!

I find the blocking rule ambiguous.  What if two lanes are established but both moving along slowly (ie. slow and medium pace) and a fast rider comes along but since the slow lane is jammed packed and the medium lane is technically passing in the required timeframe, I typically create a third lane while yelling to your left and hugging the yellow lane.  Would that be illegal?  I've only been in a couple races and accidently ghosted the bike leg on one this weekend on my Sunday ride, but it seems like since 1. I'm not the fastest swimmer and 2. the combination of being in a late wave, I'm fighting the uphill battle of having to pass a substantial amount of people.

At what point is it blocking in practical application I guess is my question? and am I allowed to go for the "third" lane if I see a little daylight and make some room?

2009-09-22 4:43 PM
in reply to: #2420742

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Subject: RE: PSA: Read the Rules, Folks!
acumenjay - 2009-09-22 4:34 PM

I find the blocking rule ambiguous.  What if two lanes are established but both moving along slowly (ie. slow and medium pace) and a fast rider comes along but since the slow lane is jammed packed and the medium lane is technically passing in the required timeframe, I typically create a third lane while yelling to your left and hugging the yellow lane.  Would that be illegal?  I've only been in a couple races and accidently ghosted the bike leg on one this weekend on my Sunday ride, but it seems like since 1. I'm not the fastest swimmer and 2. the combination of being in a late wave, I'm fighting the uphill battle of having to pass a substantial amount of people.

At what point is it blocking in practical application I guess is my question? and am I allowed to go for the "third" lane if I see a little daylight and make some room?



No, as long as you (like any vehicle) don't cross a solid yellow line in your lane or pass on the right, you can use whatever part of the lane you need. It's blocking if someone is in your way for no apparent reason, not if he's passing someone else.

I'm in a similar boat as you (crappy swimmer, decent cyclist) and have often passed three or more cyclists in a lane, often gone into the other lane when there is no solid line or oncoming traffic. It's actually an advantage, not a handicap, having to pass all those cyclists as you can legally take advantage of all those draft zones.

I have made myself hoarse by "hollering on your left" or "get over to the right please." Again, passing (apparently) inexperienced riders who won't stay in their proper postions.

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