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I don't know the US law, but in Poland the law says everyone (motorists, cyclists) is supposed to ride as close to the right edge of the road as possible. So, i

by badpun 4y ago

I don't know the US law, but in Poland the law says everyone (motorists, cyclists) is supposed to ride as close to the right edge of the road as possible. So, if you ride your bike in the center of the lane instead, you're breaking the law, and the motorist has the right to be angry (at least in Poland).

bluecalm 4y ago
As close to the right as possible is around 75cm as confirmed by courts. It's more if there are parked cars on the curb. On many small roads it means taking the lane to ride safely. Additionally you can take the lane close to a juncture and if you're turning left. It's also common sense to take the lane if you want to prevent a dangerous pass. It's a message to a driver: "it's not safe to pass now". You're in front so you see more than them. Anyway, I am yet to see a cyclist in the middle of the lane without good reason here but I keep seeing a lot of entitled angry drivers.
Xylakant 4y ago
Same in Germany, but „as close as safely possible“ is around 80-100 centimeters from the right end of the handlebar - more if there are parked cars to avoid being hit by an opening door. The handlebar is usually around 60-70 centimeter wide, that places the center of the bike at around 1,20 - 1,35 meters from the right edge of the lane. A lane is about 3,00 - 3,50 meters wide - the center of the lane would be at around 1,50 - 1,75m. That‘s pretty close to the 1,20 which is the minimum safe distance. Cars that want to pass with the recommended distance of 1,50 - 2,00 meters from the left end of the handlebar need to go into a second lane in any case. Middle of the lane is a perfectly good spot to aim for.
- kqr 4y ago
  Not to mention that if you're planning a left turn in the next intersection, close to the right edge of the road is not "as close as safely possible" anymore. Depending on traffic volume, "as close as safely possible" may be to take the left lane an intersection or two before the anticipated turn – just like you would in a car.
philjohn 4y ago
The UK has more sensible rules (because the edge of the road is inherently unsafe with things like drains). A cyclist is perfectly entitled to take the centre of the lane, and cyclists may ride two abreast. It's up to the car to effect a pass only when safe to do so, at a minimum distance of 5 feet.

by badpun 4y ago

bluecalm 4y ago

As close to the right as possible is around 75cm as confirmed by courts. It's more if there are parked cars on the curb. On many small roads it means taking the lane to ride safely. Additionally you can take the lane close to a juncture and if you're turning left. It's also common sense to take the lane if you want to prevent a dangerous pass. It's a message to a driver: "it's not safe to pass now". You're in front so you see more than them. Anyway, I am yet to see a cyclist in the middle of the lane without good reason here but I keep seeing a lot of entitled angry drivers.

Xylakant 4y ago

Same in Germany, but „as close as safely possible“ is around 80-100 centimeters from the right end of the handlebar - more if there are parked cars to avoid being hit by an opening door. The handlebar is usually around 60-70 centimeter wide, that places the center of the bike at around 1,20 - 1,35 meters from the right edge of the lane. A lane is about 3,00 - 3,50 meters wide - the center of the lane would be at around 1,50 - 1,75m. That‘s pretty close to the 1,20 which is the minimum safe distance. Cars that want to pass with the recommended distance of 1,50 - 2,00 meters from the left end of the handlebar need to go into a second lane in any case. Middle of the lane is a perfectly good spot to aim for.

kqr 4y ago
Not to mention that if you're planning a left turn in the next intersection, close to the right edge of the road is not "as close as safely possible" anymore. Depending on traffic volume, "as close as safely possible" may be to take the left lane an intersection or two before the anticipated turn – just like you would in a car.

philjohn 4y ago

The UK has more sensible rules (because the edge of the road is inherently unsafe with things like drains). A cyclist is perfectly entitled to take the centre of the lane, and cyclists may ride two abreast. It's up to the car to effect a pass only when safe to do so, at a minimum distance of 5 feet.