Common sense and the law mandate that bicyclists ride on roads with the traffic, in single file, and follow all traffic laws using hand signals, stopping for stop signs and yielding the right of way to pedestrians. Bicycles are vehicles and must ride with the traffic so motorized vehicles can slow down to the bike’s speed until it is safe to pass.

If the shoulder is paved, then bikes should ride on the paved shoulder in the same direction as the traffic. If the shoulder is not paved, then they should stay as far to the right as safety permits. If they veer from the paved shoulder or the right edge, they should use their hand signals to warn other traffic of their intentions.

All bicycles should have a “clinger” bell to warn pedestrians of their approach. (In Europe, horns are for motorized bikes, “clingers” are required for pedal bikes.)

Common sense calls for pedestrians to walk single file against the traffic on the edge of the road so they can see and move onto the shoulder out of the way of oncoming vehicles (bikes and cars). Pedestrians should not try to “hold their ground” because the physics of a vehicle and a person results in the pedestrian losing, as statistics have proven.

Common sense also suggests that pedestrians, joggers and bicyclists wear high-visibility vests/clothing to maximize the chance that they are seen on roadways. People wearing dark clothes that blend into shadows and background can be very difficult for drivers to see.

Furthermore, they should not text or have their hearing impaired by electronic devices that reduce their “situational awareness” causing them to be more vulnerable to potentially fatal incidents. People of all ages need to be routinely refreshed of these common sense concepts.

Jack Boak

Bremen


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