RUN OFF THE ROAD

Anyone who has spent any time riding a bicycle has had encounters with cars and drivers who just don’t get it. From the blast of a horn or a shout from an open window to “get off the road” to something more dangerous like passing too closely or entering your right of way.

This afternoon on his way to the grocery, The Kodiak Perspective was run off the road. The driver passed then slowed quickly and made a right hand turn into a parking lot. The Perspective jammed the brakes fish-tailing the rear tire and tried going right to avoid a direct hit. The impact did some minor damage to the bicycle, but fortunately, The Perspective landed out of the roadway.

The driver made some interesting comments:
“You were riding in the road.” and “I saw you, but I didn’t know you were going that fast.”

Bicycles are street legal vehicles and have a right of way on city streets. Most drivers know this and give a wide berth. Some drivers just don’t know the rules of the road.

Alaska Statute 13 AAC 02.385 that applies regulations to bicycles:
(a) Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway has all the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle as set out in this chapter, in addition to special regulations in secs. 385 - 420 of this chapter, except as to those provisions of this chapter which by their nature have no application.

More information from the Alaska Department of Transportation:
The FHWA publication "Selecting Roadway Design: Treatments to Accommodate Bicycles," January 1994, - Advanced Bicyclists.

These are experienced riders who can operate under most traffic conditions. They comprise the majority of the current users of collector and arterial streets and are best served by the following:
direct access to destinations usually via the existing street and highway system; the opportunity to operate at maximum speed with minimum delays; and sufficient operating space on the roadway or shoulder to reduce the need for either the bicyclist or the motor vehicle operator to change position when passing.

The Perspective wishes to thank all of you who drive who share the road with bicycles, motorcycles, and even pedestrians. Thank you for driving safely.