On October 1st it will be legal for motorists to cross the solid center line to pass slower-moving bicyclists. This is a big advocacy win for BWNC and the NC bicycling community as we have been advocating for this change for many years; read the BWNC discussion here. This provision is contained as Section 5.5a of House Bill 959: DOT Proposed Legislative Changes and reads as follows: (e) The driver of a vehicle shall not overtake and pass another on any portion of the highway which is marked by signs, markers or markings placed by the Department of Transportation stating or clearly … [Read more...]
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Safe Passing and Solid Centerlines
Update: Since the time this article was written, the State Legislature has legalized passing a bicyclist in a no-passing zone when done safely with no oncoming traffic and adequate sight distance, passing at a distance of at least four feet or moving completely into the next lane. See § 20-150. Limitations on privilege of overtaking and passing. Narrow two-lane state roads are important travel routes for commuting and recreational bicyclists in North Carolina. Every day thousands of motorists pass bicyclists on these roads without incident. When there is little or no shoulder and the travel … [Read more...]
It’s October 1st – New Bike Laws Become Effective Today!
In addition to the important provision that allows vehicles to cross the solid center line to pass slower moving vehicles (a big win for the BWNC and the NC bicycling community), House Bill 959: DOT Proposed Legislative Changes modifies other bicycle safety laws. These new laws will become effective today, October 1st, 2016: Allowing vehicles to pass slower-moving bicycles and mopeds in a no-passing zone when all safety requirements are met (and with a very good four foot distance specified- read more here) Legalizing the commonly-used right-hand turn signal for right turns (read … [Read more...]
Bike Law Changes in House Bill 959 Improve Public Roadway Safety
In addition to the important provision that allows vehicles to cross the solid center line to pass slower moving vehicles (a big win for the BWNC and the NC bicycling community), House Bill 959: DOT Proposed Legislative Changes modifies other bicycle safety laws. These new laws will become effective October 1st, 2016: Allowing vehicles to pass slower-moving bicycles and mopeds in a no-passing zone when all safety requirements are met (and with a very good four foot distance specified- read more here) Legalizing the commonly-used right-hand turn signal for right turns … [Read more...]
How to Pass a Bicyclist
Originally posted: FEBRUARY 26, 2016 How to Pass a Bicyclist On most roads, motor vehicle drivers must move into the next lane to pass safely. Knowedgeable bicyclists will often ride near the center of a narrow travel lane to encourage this. [Image credit: i am traffic] Motor vehicle drivers pass bicyclists safely countless times every day. When done improperly, however, the results can be tragic. Some drivers say that they are unsure of what to do when they encounter bicyclists on the road ahead. It’s therefore important to increase public awareness of … [Read more...]
Change Lanes to Pass- A Lesson in Safety
Consensus building around a better paradigm for bicycling safety by Steven Goodridge A driver pulling a wide trailer nearly sideswipes a bicyclist in Petaluma, California The Problem Unsafe close passing, especially at high speeds, is one of the most common safety concerns expressed by bicyclists who use our state’s roadways. Beyond just frightening bicyclists, unsafe close passing contributes to a large share of car-overtaking-bicycle collisions. Although darkness, impaired driving and distracted driving are factors in many overtaking-type collisions, a growing body of evidence … [Read more...]
Autonomous Driving and Collision Avoidance Technology
Implications for Bicyclists and Pedestrians Will autonomous cars and automatic braking systems live up to their promise to improve public safety? Or will a rush to market flawed technology create greater peril for pedestrians and bicyclists? by Steven Goodridge, Ph.D. As I pedaled my bike along the road, Mercedes driver Farhan Ghanty approached me from behind at 45 mph, engaged the self-drive function of the E-Class luxury car, and took his hands off the wheel. It was December 4, 2017; BikeWalk NC Director Lisa Riegel and I were attending an autonomous vehicle demonstration held … [Read more...]
Why Bicyclists Ride Like they Do: A Quick Guide for Curious Motorists
Summary Especially at high speeds, motorists focus most of their attention down the middle of the roadway, not along roadway edges. Bicyclists ride double file and in the middle of the lane to be more visible to motorists. Bicyclists are legally permitted to use the full travel lane - it’s in the NC Driver Handbook (see Chapter 6). Motorists should Change Lanes to Pass Bicyclists - there is rarely enough room to pass within the same lane. Bicyclists avoid bike lanes that are unsafe - too narrow, filled with debris, near parked cars - or not going in the direction they wish to … [Read more...]
How to Pass a Bicyclist
Motor vehicle drivers pass bicyclists safely countless times every day. When done improperly, however, the results can be tragic. Some drivers say that they are unsure of what to do when they encounter bicyclists on the road ahead. It's therefore important to increase public awareness of how to pass a bicyclist safely. Safe passing of a bicyclist on ordinary roads requires following three simple steps: 1. Slow Down. 2. Look and Wait until Safe. 3. Change Lanes to Pass. Let's look at each step in detail: 1. Slow Down Your first responsibility as a driver is to not hit other … [Read more...]
BikeWalk NC Feedback on NCDOT’s H232 Study Report
BikeWalk NC submitted the following feedback to NCDOT on December 29, 2015 in response to NCDOT's draft report on the H232 study. The feedback document was accompanied by a cover letter that can be read here. BikeWalk NC Feedback on NCDOT’s H232 Study Report 12/29/2015 Abstract BikeWalk NC is greatly concerned by multiple NCDOT recommendations in the H 232 Bicycle Safety Laws Study Report that contradict unanimous votes by the Study Committee and will make bicycling in North Carolina more dangerous and more difficult. We oppose NCDOT’s recommendations that (1) bicyclists be required … [Read more...]