Sharing the Road:

“The motorist and the bicyclist should be friends, Oh, the motorist and the bicyclist should be friends, The vehicle code they must abide, no matter what they choose to ride, But that’s no reason why they can’t be friends.”

For some, there is nothing finer than gearing up and going out for a bicycle ride through the Tehachapi area. Some bicycle enthusiast find sheer joy in challenging themselves by riding great distances, but must do so by sharing the road with cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Bicyclist and motorist have responsibilities that they must abide by for their safety, and the safety of others sharing the roadway. These responsibilities are particularly important during biking events in the Tehachapi area. Here are some simple guidelines, based on the California Vehicle Code, and suggestions from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Must obey all traffic signals and stop signs.

Must ride in the same direction as other traffic, not against it.

Shall ride as near to the right curb or edge of the roadway as practical– not on the sidewalk. A local Tehachapi bicycle enthusiast wanted me to add the exception to this rule: “except when overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction, when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway, when reasonably necessary to avoid conditions” (see CVC 21202(a).

Are legally allowed to ride in the center of the lane when moving at the same speed as other traffic.

May move left to pass a parked or moving vehicle, bicycle, animal, or avoid debris or other hazards.

Should ride single file on a busy or narrow street.

Must make left and right turns in the same way drivers do, using the same turn lanes. If the bicyclist is traveling straight ahead, he or she should use a through traffic lane rather than ride next to the curb and block traffic making right turns.

Must signal all their intentions to motorists and bicyclists near them.

Must wear a helmet if under the age of 18.

Always look carefully for bicyclists before opening doors next to moving traffic or before turning.

Allow bicyclists enough room to avoid colliding with vehicle doors that are opened into traffic.

Merge toward the curb or into the bike lane only when it is safe.

Not try to pass a bicyclist just before making a turn. Merge safely where it is allowed, then turn.

Not drive in a bike lane unless initiating a turn at an intersection or driveway, and not more than 200 feet in advance.

Make a visual check for bicyclists when changing lanes or entering traffic. Bicycles are small and may be hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot.

Be careful when approaching or passing a bicyclist on a two-lane highway or freeway.

Motorist and bicyclist must remain ever vigilant for each other, should keep safety as their number one priority, and should respect each other’s space and right to use the roadways. After all, there is no reason why they can’t be friends.