Re: Let's hide the bicyclists behind parked cars. What could go wrong?

On 1/15/2025 1:34 PM, Frank Krygowski wrote:

On 1/15/2025 12:26 PM, cyclintom wrote:

On Thu Jan 9 19:17:51 2025 Roger Merriman  wrote:

Frank Krygowski <frkrygow@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

"Protected" bike lane hazard lawsuit:
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https://komonews.com/news/local/cyclist-green-lake-neighborhood- king-county-superior-court-aviv-litov-26-years-old-bike-lanes-life- altering-injuries-strittmatter-firm-configuration-tesla
>

I?m unconvinced by such designs seems asking for trouble and and attempting
to please everyone ie compromise the cycleway for car parking, I?m guessing
nice wide junction with no attempt to slow cars down let alone control it?
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Roger Merriman

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As a cyclist you don't have automatic right-of-way and are responsible to watch for idiots.

 ? I don't know what you mean by "_automatic_ right of way" but according to typical state laws, cyclists do have a right to use the road, and other road users must respect that.
 The phrase "right of way" does not necessarily occur in state laws. It's not present in Ohio laws, AFAIK. But detail text of laws makes it clear that in many instances - at stop signs, before pulling out of a driveway, etc. - vehicle operators must yield to other vehicles or other traffic. That includes bicycles; therefore, bicyclists do have what's colloquially called "right of way."
 Pulling out directly in front of a moving bicyclists and causing him to crash will (or should) get you a ticket.
 

I think in New Hampsire cyclists are regarded as pedestrians such that they are granted the right of way, but at least in Massachusetts:
 From https://www.mass.gov/doc/english-drivers-manual/download
at a green light: A steady green circle means “go.” But first, you must yield to other vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians in the road.
As a motorist in the presence of bicycles:
• Do Not Cut-Off After Passing: When passing a bicycle traveling in the same direction that is on your right, you must not return to the right until you have safely passed the overtaken bicycle. (Chap. 89, Sec. 2)
• Do Not Make an Abrupt Turn After Passing: When passing a bicycle near an intersection or driveway where you want to turn right, you cannot turn unless you are at a safe distance from the bicyclist and you can make the turn at a reasonable and proper speed. (Chap. 90, Sec 14)
• Do Not Squeeze Bicycles in a Narrow Lane: If a lane is too narrow to pass a bicycle at a safe distance, be PATIENT until you can safely use an adjacent lane or WAIT until it is safe to pass in the lane you share. (Chap. 89, Sec. 2) You must stay at least four feet away when passing.
• Do Not Fail to Yield When Turning Left: When turning left at an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway, you must yield the right of way to a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction, including a bicycle, if it is in the intersection or close enough to be an immediate hazard. (Chap. 90, Sec 14)
• Watch for Bicycles on Your Right: Bicycles can legally ride to the right of motor vehicle traffic. The law says it is not a defense for a motorist causing a crash with a bicycle that the bicycle was to the right of other traffic. (Chap. 85, Sec 11B)
• Do Not Open a Door Without First Looking: Drivers and passengers can be fined up to $100 for opening a vehicle door into an oncoming bicycle. (Chap. 90, Sec 14) Before opening your door, you should always check behind you to make sure that no bicyclists are approaching.
• Be aware that bicyclists can ride two bicycles side-by-side. However, on a road with more than one lane in the direction of travel, they must stay in one lane. (Chap. 85, Sec. 11B)
• Be aware that bicyclists Do Not Always Have to Signal Turns! Bicyclists must signal their intent by either hand to stop or turn. However, the signal does not have to be continuous or be made at all if both hands are needed for the bicycle’s safe operation. (Chap. 85, Sec. 11B)
It then goes to explain yielding to cyclists in bike lanes, bike boxes, and how not to 'door' a cyclist.