Dear Editor, Last week's "Safe & Sound" column contained several errors.(http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/wonder/index.php?ntid=97177&ntpid =1 FRI., SEP 1, 2006 - 11:53 AM "Safe & Sound: Do cyclists have to ride single file on roads?")
The Wisconsin State Patrol officer Ruth Ferg's response not withstanding, the statutes governing the safe operation of vehicles clearly states that bicycles can ride two-abreast when not impeding traffic. This applies to all roads and streets regardless of number of lanes, marked or unmarked center line, or jurisdiction. When a roadway or street has more than two lanes in the same direction (a four lane road) then bicyclists must remain within a single lane, but can be two-abreast within that lane. Not addressed by the column, but essential to safe operation of vehicles (motorized and non-motorized), is the protocol regarding passing. Motorized vehicles passing a bicycle are to maintain at least a three foot clearance. A motorized vehicle cannot pass while in a "no passing zone" (solid yellow centerline). Bicyclists are not required to yield the lane to a passing motorist and may ride in any safe position within that lane (so as to avoid potholes and damaged shoulders, for instance). Of course, common sense does apply, and in my experience bicyclists generally avoid congested routes and yield to traffic if it is impeded. I would ask readers to review the relevant Wisconsin State statutes as they pertain to vehicles using state roads. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the non-profit organization Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin have provided convenient summaries: http://www.dot.state.wi.us/safety/vehicle/bicycle/rules.htm http://bfw.org/btww/commuting/bikeLaws.php George J. Perkins ------ __o 442 Toepfer Avenue ------- _`\<,_ Madison, WI 53711-1660 ---- (*)/ (*) Home: 608-442-5558 E-Mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Peace Corps: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gherkinsforperkins/ BikeAid: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gherkins4perkins/ _______________________________________________ Bikies mailing list [email protected] http://www.danenet.org/mailman/listinfo/bikies
