Road Vogue

Position Prudence

Where you ride your bicycle within the lane has a great effect on motorists, your conspicuousness, and your comfort and safety.

What the Law Says.
§20-146 (b) says: "Upon all highways any vehicle proceeding at less than the legal maximum speed limit shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for thru traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the highway..."

What the Law means.
"Practicable" is not the same as "possible."
"Practicable" is determined by the bicyclist. 
"Practicable" doesn't mean bicyclists must teeter on the edge, ride on a narrow shoulder, or "stay out of motorists' way."

As noted earlier, per §20-4.01 (49) bicyclists are entitled to use of the full lane since no vehicle operator is required to share his or her lane. Yet, it has become accepted that bicyclists usually allow their lane to be shared with motorists, willingly giving an advantage to motorists for easier passing. However, riding too close to the edge is the worst mistake that otherwise legal riding bicyclists commit, and there are situations when a bicyclist should not share his or her lane.

Bicycle drivers should RIDE BIG. This means USE MORE LANE at all times or USE FULL LANE when necessary.

USE MORE LANE. This is counterintuitive, but riding further into the lane, whether wide or narrow, makes you more visible and prominent to motorists who are passing. They are compelled to be more cautious, and are less likely to squeeeeeze by. You are more noticeable to drivers who are oncoming or pulling out of driveways and side streets, helping avert the DRIVE OUT, LEFT CROSS, and RIGHT HOOK. It gives you added room to maneuver from other hazards like debris, water grates, and the curb itself.

USE FULL LANE. Sometimes it's not practicable, i.e. safe, for the bicycle rider to allow drivers to pass and momentarily share your lane. Your safety is more important than the passing convenience of drivers. Use the full lane to prevent passing if you're moving quite fast, the lane is too narrow for safe overtaking, when preparing to make a left turn, when approaching a busy intersection, when there is limited sight distance, to avoid parked car doors or other roadside risks, or anytime it increases your safety. YOU decide if and when it's OK to let motorists share YOUR lane.

The roads are designed so that a driver has ample time to come to a complete stop prior to hitting a stationary object in the road, such as a left turning vehicle waiting for a gap in oncoming traffic. A bicyclist who is moving in the same direction creates a great margin of error for a motorist approaching from behind. The motorist will have no problem avoiding you.

Next: Intersection Intelligence