NW Cyclist: Trail Etiquette
Not Quite Emily Post—Etiquette for Bicyclists
By Amy Poffenbarger
I saw a bumper sticker on a Subaru Outback the other day: “My other car is a bicycle.” From behind the car, I watched the driver come to a complete stop at a red light before turning right. I wondered if he was as conscientious when he drove his other car.
Quite often I find myself asking that very question, only in reverse: “Does that guy drive like he rides?” It’s not just men—there are also plenty of women whose riding raises questions in my mind.
In so many instances, riders seem completely unaware that there are other people around them, usually in vehicles much larger and heavier than they are. Are they really unaware, or do they just not care? Regardless, this lack of concern contributes to the horrible accidents we hear about all too often between cyclists and motorists.
Rules of the Road
So what is etiquette when it comes to riding? Most cyclists know to follow the same rules of the road as car drivers do. However, there are courtesies that aren’t necessarily written rules to consider as well, like announcing your presence with “on-your-left” when passing other cyclists, and not passing on the right.
In the Northwest, many riders even consider having fenders or mud flaps a courtesy—no one likes to get sprayed by the guy ahead. It might be more fun to ride two and three abreast, but it’s distracting and hard for others (cars or bikes) to get around you. (It’s also illegal to ride more than two abreast.)
And on the miles of designated bike trails we have in the Northwest, 12 mph is the going speed and pace lines should adhere to slower speeds and not riding more than two abreast for the good of all.
Speaking of distractions, let’s talk about riding with ear buds. Ear buds are great when you’re in the gym, but not so great out in the open where there are sirens to consider, kids on the trail and other riders wearing ear buds who can’t hear you approaching from behind. It goes against good common sense to wear something that blocks out all the sounds around you.
One of the biggest cycling offenses is failing to stop at stop signs and lights. If two vehicles, such as a car and a bike, arrive at an intersection at the same time, the vehicle to the right has the right of way. Although in this scenario if it’s the cyclist, it’s better to give a little wave to the driver and let him go first. It’s for your own safety.
Also, pedestrians always have the right of way. Courteous behavior will be noticed and appreciated by drivers, cyclists and the pedestrians at the curb.
Consider this scenario: A woman pushes a stroller down the sidewalk to the corner to cross the street. A bicyclist approaches the same intersection and sees the light change from green to yellow and then red.
Ignoring the law, the cyclist zips to the right of a car heading into a right-hand turn lane—locking him between the car and the curb. To avoid a collision, he veers onto the ramped curb at the corner, coming head to head with the woman and the stroller. Ouch!
True story. That cyclist was thinking about nothing other than where he was going.
Rules of the Trail
Etiquette isn’t just for city streets and regional trails. There are guidelines for mountain bikers, too.
Mountain bikers hit the trails to avoid the confines of city laws and regulations, traffic and stroller-pushers. The International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) offers a few suggestions that will make sure all the mud-flingers are respectful of one another, so everyone can have a good time. Respect Mother Nature and make sure we don’t lose the privilege of riding on trails by following the five simple rules in our sidebar.
The most important thing is to be able to get out on our bikes tomorrow by riding responsibly today. The self-righteous attitude of a few discourteous riders gives the rest of us a bad name. If your other car is a bicycle, remember a few rules of the road and a pinch of etiquette so we can all get along, be safe and have a good ride.
Etiquette Highlights
On the road
Keep to the right.
Stop at stop signs and lights.
Leave your ear buds at the office or gym.
Yield to pedestrians and respect drivers.
Ride no more than two abreast.
On the mountain
Ride only on open trails.
Leave no trace.
Control your bike.
Make room for others on the trail.
Try not to startle animals or other people/riders on the trail.
DOT Street Rules
A bicycle is a legal road vehicle, just like a car. When riding on the road, cyclists have all the rights and responsibilities of vehicle drivers. Violating traffic laws may lead bicyclists to be ticketed.
Cyclists may ride side by side, but not more than two abreast.
Riding at night, a white front light (not a reflector) visible for 500 feet and a red rear reflector are required. A red rear light may be used in addition to the required reflector.
If you have any question about what is legal on the roads, the Washington State Department of Transportation has a link to bicycle laws: http://wsdot.wa.gov/bike/Laws.htm
(From the Washington State Department of Transportation)
Amy Poffenbarger has been a Seattle freelance writer for over 15 years and is a fair-weather bicycle commuter when life permits.
