We at Carectomy view bikes as a legitimate form of transportation, not merely an exercise method or recreational distraction. Bikes are traffic and as the popular pro-bike slogans espouse, “Bikes Belong” and “Same Road, Same Rights, Same Rules.”

One recent editorial in the Washington Post echoes an all-too-frequent perspective of motorists to keep bikes where they “belong”:

Why was his group of bicyclists riding on the road and not on the bike path? A bike path is aptly named "bike path" because that is where bicyclists should ride. A group of cyclists riding on the road is a danger to drivers and to themselves. Cars have to swerve into the other lane to avoid cyclists and risk getting hit head-on by other cars.

Commute by Bike argues the complete opposite perspective. Not only should bicycle traffic not be marginzalized to bike paths – they should stake their claim to the road and take over the lane.

Snipped from Commute by Bike, Top 5 Reasons to Claim the Lane (and why it’s safer):

1. Drivers give you more room
2. You are more visible
3. You avoid dangerous debris and obstacles
4. It’s an easier, more enjoyable ride
5. You are making a statement

Commute by Bike's assessment confirms John Forrester's findings that one of the side effects of bike paths and bike lanes is to segregate cyclists and to make the meat of the road, as well as some entire routes, off-limits. When a cyclist claims the lane, vehicles don't simply attempt to squeeze by you in one lane. Instead, if they wish to pass, they must wait for an opportunity to wait until it's safe to change lanes

In an ideal, bike-friendly environ, I agree with Commute by Bike's assessment that taking the lane is the safest route. My own personal cycling experiences have led me to adapt my preferred position to the nature of the road and traffic. On a road wide enough to safely accommodate a car and cyclist, I'll stay far enough right to allow passing but will also make sure that I'm visible. On super-fast corridors, where my speed is far below the flow of traffic, I'm more apt to ride on the shoulder. Although it's hard, I also do my best to shun my bike-messenger-speed-demon background and wait in line at stop lights and obey traffic laws. Riding safely, predictably, and legally goes a long way to legitimizing cyclists' presence on the road.

Bike paths are an excellent place to go for recreational riding or for newbies to get comfortable on a bike before they brave riding in traffic. But for cycling to be a truly practical transportation mode, riding on the road is a must for most of us. Check out the classes offered by the League of American Bicyclists.

See also Safer Cycling Video: Take the Lane.

Photo via flickr by richardmasoner.

Comments (6)

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Peter said:

We should get over there quickly to correct them before they do any more bad things.

May 25, 2008

omegaman66 said:

I won't ride a bike or a motorcycle to save money on gas because I don't want to end up in the morgue to save a few bucks. Give me a sidewalk or bike path.

May 25, 2008 | url

thePig said:

I completely agree with your approach to cycling. What surprised me the most from this post was 'Cars have to swerve into the other lane to avoid cyclists'. Cars also have to swerve for other cars that are slower, stopped etc. But this wouldn't cause quite the same reaction. There is some inherit hatred of cyclists it seems.

May 25, 2008 | url

Rebecca Buettner said:

Indeed, bring more cyclists to the roads. Bike paths do not lead to every where one is trying to go--sooner or later one on a bike path will have to take to the road. As such, a movement is needed to force drivers to get use to seeing cyclists so that they can develop the same unspoken rules and respect for fellows on cycles as they have for fellows in cars. The alternative is dead cyclists.

May 25, 2008

Christopher Reeve said:

Any competent driver would not have made that comment about it being dangerous to pass a bicycle. Maybe all the bad drivers should be taken off the roads. As the author says, if it is not safe to pass they should wait until it is. Cars irritate me more as a pedestrian than a cyclist though. Why if you are doing the right thing by walking should you be held up for ages trying to cross roads in cities while the fat lazy people drive by. Its frustrating and ridiculous!

May 28, 2008

HippieG said:

As much as I agree with the thought of "Take the Road!", it is a dangerous endeavour. I ride for fun and transportation and realize that a bicycle = car ideal is an utopia not easily achieved. In my experience, riding in the middle of a travel lane on a bicycle will make you a victim of road rage. More effort needs to be made to create bike lanes, sidewalk/bikepaths, including on interstate right-of-ways, and signs reminding drivers that bicycles are sharing the road esp. at intersections. I ride side and back streets whenever possible, sidewalks if not filled with pedestrians and obstacles, and with traffic on roads, always remembering the rule, "the bigger vehicle has right-of-way." Wear bright clothing, lots of reflectors and lights at night. Ride defensively! DO take the middle of a turn lane! Until America's streets look like Hong Kong's, the bicyclist is effectively invisible to the average motorist.

June 10, 2008 | url

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