Cycling Question - cougarguard.com — unofficial BYU Cougars / LDS sports, football, basketball forum and message board

The Borg · 05-17-2007, 05:50 PM

Just one of those questions I've contemplated:

Why are cyclists asked to ride in the same direction as motor vehicles?

Sounds stupid, I know I know...but, I think that if I was on the opposite side of the road, looking forward, I would know if/when to "get out of the way" to a driver that is not paying attention etc.

However, riding in the same direction as traffic, if some driver is on their cell phone, falling asleep, etc...they will take you out and you have no warning or chance to get out of the way.

Any words of wisdom on this?

Quisqueyano · 05-17-2007, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Borg

Just one of those questions I've contemplated:

Why are cyclists asked to ride in the same direction as motor vehicles?

Sounds stupid, I know I know...but, I think that if I was on the opposite side of the road, looking forward, I would know if/when to "get out of the way" to a driver that is not paying attention etc.

However, riding in the same direction as traffic, if some driver is on their cell phone, falling asleep, etc...they will take you out and you have no warning or chance to get out of the way.

Any words of wisdom on this?

Bikes are considered vehicles. In some instaces, they can travel the posted speed limit. So they are subject to the laws of the road.

RC Vikings · 05-17-2007, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Borg

Just one of those questions I've contemplated:

Why are cyclists asked to ride in the same direction as motor vehicles?

Sounds stupid, I know I know...but, I think that if I was on the opposite side of the road, looking forward, I would know if/when to "get out of the way" to a driver that is not paying attention etc.

However, riding in the same direction as traffic, if some driver is on their cell phone, falling asleep, etc...they will take you out and you have no warning or chance to get out of the way.

Any words of wisdom on this?

If you are going 25 mph one direction and a car is going 50 mph the opposite direction you are going to meet up quickly.

creekster · 05-17-2007, 10:54 PM

Here is my understanding (based on experience) cars don't look for bikes (or anything else) coming from the wrong direction, soi you are much more likely to be hit by a car leaving a driveway or a side road or by a car making a right hand turn if you are on the wrong side of the road. Plus, if you are hit, do you want to be a bug on a bumpoer or do you want a glancing blow?

The Borg · 05-18-2007, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RC Vikings

If you are going 25 mph one direction and a car is going 50 mph the opposite direction you are going to meet up quickly.

Hmmm...yes....I could look like Jim Carrey in "Liar Liar" being catapulted over the runway barrier.

05-17-2007, 05:50 PM	#1
The Borg Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 533	Cycling Question Just one of those questions I've contemplated: Why are cyclists asked to ride in the same direction as motor vehicles? Sounds stupid, I know I know...but, I think that if I was on the opposite side of the road, looking forward, I would know if/when to "get out of the way" to a driver that is not paying attention etc. However, riding in the same direction as traffic, if some driver is on their cell phone, falling asleep, etc...they will take you out and you have no warning or chance to get out of the way. Any words of wisdom on this? __________________ Hello......helloo.......HELLLOOO!

05-17-2007, 10:54 PM	#4
creekster Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: the far corner of my mind Posts: 8,711	Here is my understanding (based on experience) cars don't look for bikes (or anything else) coming from the wrong direction, soi you are much more likely to be hit by a car leaving a driveway or a side road or by a car making a right hand turn if you are on the wrong side of the road. Plus, if you are hit, do you want to be a bug on a bumpoer or do you want a glancing blow? __________________ Sorry for th e tpyos.