Can Cyclist Cycle on Highways? The answer is NO. There is no single answer as to whether cyclists should ride on highways. Cyclists should follow the Highway Code by wearing helmets and using lights at night – following this rule can only help their safety on these roadways.
Cyclists should use the appropriate lane in the direction they’re heading and avoid blocking traffic. Furthermore, they should position themselves at the center of their lane in an act known as primary position.
Traffic laws
Cyclists may legally ride on highways in North Carolina, provided they abide by all traffic laws to ensure their safety. Cyclists should stay in designated bike lanes when available and use hand signals when turning. When passing cars, cyclists should allow plenty of space when passing; motor vehicles must give at least four feet before overtaking bicycle riders to avoid hitting them directly. In addition, cyclists must always wear helmets and reflectors.
Cyclists who ride two abreast may use the wide, paved shoulder as they travel, however if the road is too narrow for shared use or has surface hazards on its shoulder then cyclists must ride in their travel lane even if this means riding two abreast. Furthermore, hand signals must be used when turning or slowing down.
Motorists should generally allow cyclists to pass them on the right side of the roadway, but must do so carefully and cautiously as this places a greater risk of collision between motor vehicles and bikes. This practice should typically only occur if there is not enough room in another lane to pass them safely.
Cyclists should always use their bicycle lights when cycling at night; at minimum this requires having at least one white headlight visible from 500 feet in front and a red reflector visible from 500 feet behind – this is required by law in all states and countries. Furthermore, state laws mandate equipping bikes with brakes capable of skidding on dry, level pavement.
Cycling on highways requires cyclists to position themselves several feet out from the travel lane – this practice is known as “taking the line.” Doing this will increase their visibility to motorists while sending a message that they’re not inviting a vehicle into sharing space safely with them. This strategy can especially useful on narrower roadways.
Lanes
Typically, cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic. There are a few exceptions; such as using bike lanes if wider than roadway or there are no other lanes; otherwise they may use shoulder if safe to do so. Before riding on any highway however, it is vitally important that riders know their rights; an estimated one third of bicycle collisions involving motor vehicles involve cyclists traveling in an inappropriate direction.
Bicyclists using roadways must stay as close to the right edge or curb as possible when riding. Bicycles must not cross into or enter into the center line unless overtaking or passing another vehicle in their same direction, preparing to turn left at an intersection, into a driveway or private road, or when lanes are too narrow for both to safely share space on one roadway lane width.
Some communities feature “bike boxes” or advisory bike lanes which serve to divide roads into separate bicycle lanes and travel lanes for motor vehicles, known as lane markings known as bike boxes or advisory bike lanes. Though not legally required to use them, such markings can help increase visibility and help prevent dangerous passes by motor vehicles.
On multi-lane roads, when riding solo you should select the travel lane closest to your riding position and maintain an appropriate speed of travel. If none are available then use the far right-hand side; but always remain alert for pedestrians or other road users.
When passing a stopped vehicle, be sure to signal and look over your shoulder to check blind spots. Avoid passing vehicles on hills or curves as this can be extremely hazardous for both yourself and the driver.
Before changing lanes, wait until there is an uninterrupted gap in traffic and signal. Check over your shoulder for cars or other bikers; leave three seconds of space when merging into traffic.
Pedestrians
Though cyclists may have the ability to ride on highways, doing so is rarely advised due to large trucks with blind spots that have the potential of killing cyclists who use these roads.
Cyclists must abide by all of the same traffic laws as motorists when cycling on roadways. This includes using bike lanes when available and only passing other vehicles when safe – also maintaining an appropriate hand position and having lights and reflectors fitted on their bikes to help other road users see them more easily.
On a multilane roadway, cyclists should use either the shoulder or right-most travel lane when cycling. If no shoulder exists, cyclists are advised to ride in the center of the roadway in order to assert their rights as vehicles on the road and require motor vehicles passing them to change lanes when passing. Doing this will lower collision risks between bicycles and cars.
Bicyclists should attempt to ride close to the curb unless prevented by obstructions such as drains or parked cars, and stay visible by wearing brightly-colored clothing with reflective tape for night riding. Furthermore, pedestrians must abide by all traffic signs when walking highways.
If a cyclist is uncertain if they should ride on a particular highway, they should contact their local government or Department of Transportation before proceeding. Also, look at any entrance ramp signs to see if cycling on that particular interstate is safe – some on-ramps prohibit cyclists and travelers from entering even though legal to do so due to heavy traffic volumes, speeds, distance between roadway and onramp as well as limited shoulders which do not adequately accommodate bicycles.
Signs
Cyclists should be familiar with various road signs. These vary by country and state; some of the most essential include stop signs, school zones, yield to pedestrians signs and railway crossings. Cyclists must also abide by normal traffic laws such as stopping at red lights and respecting speed limits.
Are bicycles allowed to roll through red lights is an ongoing debate in some states like Idaho; other debates continue as to the best approach. Rolling through red lights puts cyclists and pedestrians in harm’s way – to reduce this risk, always stop completely at every red light unless oncoming traffic or pedestrians are present;
Cyclists should utilize bike lanes if available, yet must exercise caution when passing cars and trucks as drivers may not see them, potentially leading to serious injury or even death. Cyclists should also avoid riding near parked vehicles as this poses the threat of open car doors hitting them unexpectedly.
Bike lanes should be clearly marked with signs that read “bikes only.” They should also be free of obstructions such as drainage grates or puddles to allow cyclists to travel safely at an acceptable speed. At least 10 feet should be left between cyclists and vehicles so as to minimize collision risk and stay close to shoulders so as to not get hit by passing vehicles.
Cyclists should also abide by other traffic rules, including adhering to speed limits and using hand signals when changing lanes. Cyclists should keep an eye out for potholes, gravel patches, broken glass pieces, drainage grates and hidden puddles that they cannot see. It’s wise for cyclists to wear helmets as well as carry identification and emergency equipment, while wearing brightly-colored clothing with reflective strips in order to be easily seen by drivers on the road.
