The amount of drivers that honk at bikers would make you believe that they were in the right. However, most of the time….you’d be wrong in believing that.  This past weekend I was a victim of one such annoyed car driver.

HONK HONK HONK. The car behind me and two other friends was super frustrated. Yes, we were in the left lane, but we were turning at the upcoming light. We weren’t two wide, we weren’t going slow, we weren’t riding in the middle of the road. You’d think Richmonders would know bike laws by now and number one when dealing with bikers: don’t honk at them because you are annoyed. I realize that , yes, bikers are not innocent themselves, but pestering never gets anybody anywhere. So for the convenience of all here are some bike basic bike laws so that hopefully everyone will be much more peaceful on the road:

BIKE RIGHTS:
Bikes can ride on any public road, street, or bikeway in the Commonwealth, except limited access or express state highways where signs specifically prohibiting bikes have been posted.

Bikes may ride on sidewalks outside business districts, unless local laws prohibit sidewalk riding. However, this does not mean they are SUPPOSED to ride on the sidewalks (despite what an angry woman yelled at me the other day)

Bicyclists may overtake and pass another vehicle on the right or left, and they may stay in the same lane, change lanes, or ride off the road if necessary for safe passing. Please note that passing motor vehicles on the right side may be extremely dangerous if the motorist does not see the bicyclist and attempts a right turn.

Motorists must approach and pass a bicyclist at a reasonable speed at least two feet to the left of the bicyclist

Bicyclists should ride as close as safely practicable to the right curb or edge of roadway. Exceptions are overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, preparing for a left turn, avoiding unsafe conditions, avoiding riding in a lane that turns or diverges to the right, riding on a one way street where bicyclists may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of roadway, or when the lane width is too narrow to share with a motor vehicle.

BIKE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Bikes must obey all traffic laws and regulations of the Commonwealth. (this includes stopping at stop signs)

Bikes must use hand signals to let people know you plan stop or turn.

Bikes must give pedestrians the right of way.

Bikes must ride single file unless passing.

f you are 16 years old or younger, you must wear a helmet.

Bicyclists are not permitted to wear earphones in both ears while riding a bicycle.

I hope that this can help prevent future arguments and disagreements on the road.
For more information please visit: http://www.virginiadot.org/programs/bk-laws.asp#Rights%20and%20Duties