TO THE EDITOR:
The Rules of the Road editorial published on July 1 served as a gentle reminder to the student and casual bike rider, however, it does not delve deeply enough into the reality of cycling in the area.
It is true that North Carolina law considers a bicycle the same as a motorized vehicle with the same rights and responsibilities to the road, and it behooves the cyclist to ride predictably with traffic, observe traffic signals and signal when appropriate.
(North Carolina law states that a cyclist must use hand signals when possible, i.e. when both hands are not required to maintain control of the bike.)
However, motorists too often neglect their responsibilities to share the road and needlessly endanger cyclists who are well within their rights to the road.
All too often this is simply the result of the car-centric culture combined with too many modern distractions and drivers who simply are unaware that state law stipulates that motorists must provide two feet of clearance for a cyclist at all times and that a cyclist is entitled to the entire travel lane.
Thus far, 18 states have increased this buffer to three feet and in Europe the standard is now five feet. Although most cyclists do stay to the right as much as possible, there can be hazards on the shoulder that are not readily apparent to the motorist such as debris, storm grates or broken pavement that the cyclist must avoid and that require them to use more of the road than may be convenient for the motorist for a brief period of time.
The vast majority of motorists in the area are accommodating to cyclists and hopefully do understand that cycling for many is a choice for those who wish to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and stay in shape.
For cyclists taking to the road, please set a good example. Ride with traffic, use hand signals when appropriate, make eye contact with motorists so they will know your intentions, and you will know that they see you. Wear bright colors and make use of lights.
