Bicycle Safety & Awareness

To continue in my honor of Bicycle Awareness Month, I wanted to cover a few common facts about bicycling.  First, laws concerning the activity are often broad and rather vague.  For example, bicycling on sidewalks is not directly prohibited but are strongly discouraged.  The unwritten rule is sidewalks are for pedestrians, bicycles get the full lane of roadway.  The general guideline entitles a bicyclist to ride within three feet of the furthest right curb.  When safety becomes an issue, the bicyclist is allowed the use of the full lane.  So anytime I hear a string of profanity accompanied with someone yelling for me to get on the sidewalk, I can't help but to shake my head at the sheer ignorance of the vehicle driver.  Drivers of motor vehicles have an obligation to treat a bicyclist as simply another "slow-moving" vehicle, and must give wide berth passing from the other lane.  Bicyclists, on the other hand, also have a set of obligations and responsibilities.  The primary focus is to obey any and all traffic laws, including: stopping at traffic lights and stop signs, and showing hand and arm signals designating turning and lane change.  In addition, a bicyclist is mandated by law to have mounted on their bicycle a clear light on the front handle bars and a red light mounted in the rear.  Surprisingly, there is not a current helmet law; however, helmets are strongly encouraged for the safety of the bicyclist.  A bicyclist is no match for a several ton motor vehicle if an accident should occur.  Fort Worth has accomplished quite a feat in striping dedicated bicycle lanes and having signs posted advocating for the bicyclist on various roadways.  Also, there are numerous bike-share stations scattered throughout the city.  They are low in cost and encourage people of any walk of life to enjoy the sights and sounds of this beautiful metropolis while pedaling.  (It is great exercise as well.)  For both drivers of motor vehicles and bicycles, know your rights and responsibilities and don't automatically assume the other party is in the wrong.  Ignorance of our obligations and of the law is no excuse.  Have fun riding!

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