Fully Loop road riding warning

[Bryguy17]

Hey everyone, I just got back from a loop ride, and I figured I'd pass this on.

I had just finished the dirt portion, and was hopping onto Harbor to head back home. There was busy traffic, so I decided to cruise slowly down the wrong side of the road until things cleared up. (YES, I know it's not the smartest thing, but I also know I'm not the only one that does it, so don't judge)

Long story short, I got squawked by a moto cop who pointed out the illegality of such actions. He was cool about it and I got off, but he did show concern for the large amount of bikers riding every which way coming off of the loop.

He also said that they may be ticketing if the problem doesn't improve, so make sure you are crossing/riding at the proper part of the street.

Just figured some of you guys would benefit from knowing this.

[ohyeah89]

Did he say where we're legally supposed to cross? I'm sure it cant be legal crossing right at the drive way into the parking lot but where else do you cross if you cant ride on the wrong side of the street to the light? THANK YOU!!! (I'm not so good with the road riding stuff)

[BrewMaster]

Well, I guess legally you could turn left out of the lot into the center lanes and then merge with traffic and move to the right lane headed back towards the courthouse. As far as I understand it, when you ride a bike on the road you are supposed to obey the same traffic laws as cars.

[Bryguy17]

legally, bikes are treated as a car. The best place to cross would be at the driveway. technically, you could wait in the middle lane and ride there for up to 200ft, but that's kinda stupid on that street IMO.

hah just read brewmaster's post, so yeah.

Just a heads up though. I know there are a lot of people who ride down the sidewalk/wrong side bike lane before crossing. just a warning that they may be enforcing the traffic laws if people keep doing it.

[mfoga]

If I remember correct (its been a while since I rode the loop) there is just a single double yellow line which it is legal to turn into and out of a driveway. So if you just made a left turn out of the driving range lot then its perfectly legal (as long as it is a single double yellow line).

[Bryguy17]

Originally Posted by mfoga

If I remember correct (its been a while since I rode the loop) there is just a single double yellow line which it is legal to turn into and out of a driveway. So if you just made a left turn out of the driving range lot then its perfectly legal (as long as it is a single double yellow line).

It's legal to cross a double yellow line only if you're entering or exiting a driveway/parking lot.

There is a middle lane where it's legal to go and wait, but That also isn't the best place to set down and wait, since you'll be at the mercy of both directions of traffic, and anyone entering/exiting the golf course

[mfoga]

Originally Posted by Bryguy17

It's legal to cross a double yellow line only if you're entering or exiting a driveway/parking lot.

There is a middle lane where it's legal to go and wait, but That also isn't the best place to set down and wait, since you'll be at the mercy of both directions of traffic, and anyone entering/exiting the golf course

Opps I was trying to say if I thought there was a single double yellow line, and that it would be legal.

Well if there is a center lane then yeah thats legal to and easier.

[Chewyeti]

Originally Posted by Bryguy17

It's legal to cross a double yellow line only if you're entering or exiting a driveway/parking lot.

There is a middle lane where it's legal to go and wait, but That also isn't the best place to set down and wait, since you'll be at the mercy of both directions of traffic, and anyone entering/exiting the golf course

as a traffic engineering aide, that is what we call a 2 way left turn lane. Its actually pretty safe in there Probably about 12 feet wide...

Just remember... Huck The Establishment, Huck the Man!

[hoovermd]

Originally Posted by Chewyeti

as a traffic engineering aide, that is what we call a 2 way left turn lane. Its actually pretty safe in there Probably about 12 feet wide...

As a cyclist, I call it the Suicide Lane and so do others.

My advice is:

Ride like a car, own your lane, and ride predictably. But be very very afraid!!

[1FG rider]

I think there are 11 or so road crossings doing the Loop. Fun, social place to ride, but I hate crossing so many streets. Take your time and stay safe on the roads.

[Bryguy17]

Originally Posted by Chewyeti

Just remember... Huck The Establishment, Huck the Man!

He was behind a small hill...if there was a nice landing, I think I coulda hucked him

Originally Posted by hoovermd

As a cyclist, I call it the Suicide Lane and so do others.

My advice is:

Ride like a car, own your lane, and ride predictably. But be very very afraid!!

same here. I basically just assume that every single car out there is trying to kill me. Even riding in the wrong bike lane, I was ready to bunny hop up onto the sidewalk should an idiot start veering my way.

[Pain Freak]

Pull directly into the turn lane (middle) or go completely across the street, both are legal. Riding against traffic isn't.

[guero]

dont forget to hand signal.

[Bryguy17]

Originally Posted by guero

dont forget to hand signal.

I actually do that more than I ever thought I would. I doubt most people pay attention to it though

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by guero

dont forget to hand signal.

And make sure to use your social finger when doing so.

[Pain Freak]

Originally Posted by guero

dont forget to hand signal.

What would you know of hand signals? Get back on the dirt,boy. A middle finger is not a hand signal.

[Tedroy]

Originally Posted by Pain Freak

What would you know of hand signals? Get back on the dirt,boy. A middle finger is not a hand signal.

I bet you made good use of hand signals on your recent sojourn...