Taking the Lane

[Debade]

While this happen in the USA, in one of our best bicycling cities, perhaps it could be helpful to some of you. I shared it with our local police and suggested they could use it during their training sessions. Sorry to take your time if this does not apply to your laws.

A Madison, WI USA cyclist wearing a GoPro or similar recording device is riding on Jenifer Street on Madison’s east side when a motorist comes up fast from behind him and tries to run him off the road – three times. This is a communication form the Wisconsin Bicycle Federation:

When he finally succeeds in stopping the cyclist, he gets out of his car and advances toward the cyclist in a threatening manner. They exchange strong language but it appears that the motorist is angry because the cyclist has taken the lane. He apparently doesn’t understand that the cyclist is within his legal rights. There are even sharrows on the street in these blocks underscoring that very point: motor vehicles and bikes can share the lane.

The incident, posted to You Tube on Friday morning, has had lots of views. But as ugly as it is, it’s also a teachable moment.

Cyclists have every right to take the lane when they feel it is the safest option. In this case, with a solid line of parked cars on a relatively quiet street, the cyclist was smart to stay out of the door zone. In addition, from the looks of the video, he was moving along briskly and not impeding auto traffic.

The driver in this case was clearly in the wrong and his identity should not be hard to track down. The Bike Fed has asked the Madison Police Department to find him, talk to him about what he did, and press any appropriate charges. His behavior was dangerous and inexcusable.​

http://www.channel3000.com/news/cri...e-incident-involving-a-car-and-bike/282149758

 

[Milkfloat]

A fairly normal occurrence over here. Certainly not one to make the news.

 

[hatler]

Yup. Sadly common. The main difference is that we don't have those rather natty bikes painted onto the road.

There has been a problem over here with the police accepting video evidence, though that does appear to be changing thankfully.

 

[atbman]

Checked up on the Wisconsin road rules for cyclists. Rider conforming perfectly with them; driver inconsiderate, ignorant and petulant (and drove over stop sign at first junction (to rider's left) and ignored stop sign when he turned off).

Narrow lanes

• Ride in the center of the lane.
• Keep at least three feet between yourself and passing or parked traffic.

Wide lanes

• Ride just to the right of the actual traffic line, not alongside the curb.
• Keep at least three feet between yourself and the curb or from parked vehicles. Motorists should be passing you with at least 3 feet of clearance.

Don't get the door prize!

• Ride in a straight line three feet out from parked cars. You'll avoid car doors that open in front of you and you'll be more visible to other drivers.
• Don't pull into the space between parked cars. Ride just to the right of the actual traffic line, not alongside the curb.
• Ride straight, three feet from parked cars - don't get "doored"