Biking is a fun and eco-friendly way to get around, but it’s essential to follow safety guidelines to keep not only yourself safe, but everyone else as well. Washington State’s RCW 46.61.770 provides important guidelines for cyclists to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Here’s a breakdown of the key points to help you navigate the roads and paths like a pro.
Stay to the Right (But Know When to Deviate)
When you are riding your bike on a roadway, aim to ride as close to the right side of the lane as is safe. This allows for smoother traffic flow and makes it easier for vehicles to pass. However, there are specific situations where you should feel free to move away from the right side:
- Turning: If you are preparing to turn at an intersection or into a driveway, position yourself accordingly.
- Right Turn Lanes: If there’s a dedicated right turn lane and you’re approaching an intersection, you can ride in that lane even if you don’t plan to turn.
- Overtaking: When passing another cyclist or vehicle traveling in the same direction, it’s perfectly fine to move into the lane as needed.
- Avoiding Hazards: If you encounter fixed or moving objects, parked vehicles, pedestrians, or any other hazards, don’t hesitate to move away from the right side for your safety.
Riding on One-Way Streets
If you find yourself on a one-way street with multiple lanes, it’s permissible to ride near the left side of the left lane if it’s safe. This allows you more options and visibility in certain situations, especially in urban areas.
Utilizing Shoulders and Bike Lanes
Whenever possible, use the shoulder of the roadway or designated bicycle lanes. These areas are specifically designed to keep cyclists safe and provide a buffer from motor vehicle traffic.
Sharing the Lane
On a single-lane roadway, if it’s wide enough for both you and an overtaking vehicle to pass safely, you should ride far enough to the right to allow that vehicle to pass. However, if conditions are unsafe, or if you are preparing to turn, adjust your position as necessary.
Riding Two Abreast
While it can be fun to ride with a friend, remember that cyclists should not ride more than two abreast on the road. You can ride side-by-side on designated bike paths, but when on regular roadways, keep it to a maximum of two to ensure smoother traffic flow and safety.
GLP Attorneys Supports Bicyclist Safety
By following these guidelines, you can fully enjoy your biking experience while contributing to safer roadways for everyone. In the unfortunate event that you are injured while riding, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately and speak with a personal injury attorney.
GLP Attorneys’ bicycle injury lawyers have extensive experience with bike rider-related injury law and offer high-quality legal services for injured victims of bicycle collisions. Our lawyers stand ready to help you with your case today.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, call GLP Attorneys at 800.273.5005 or email us at attorneys@glpattorneys.com for a free lawyer consultation to ensure your rights are being protected and that any potential claims you may have are properly addressed.