Apparently May is Bicycle Safety Month. So today will about the PA bicycle laws. The laws and summary of the changes enacted in April can be found here and here.
Let's talk about vehicle safety. I say "vehicle" because cyclists are considered vehicles on the road, thus responsible for following all road signs and having all the rights of motorists.
I got into a semi-heated debate with a friend at work over cyclists after mentioning how, as a cyclist, rampant cell phone use freaks me out. He responded saying he would respect cyclists when he sees them follow road signs. While as a motorist I understand where he comes from, the cyclist in me says there are motorists that do the same thing. I see cars that coast through stops signs more often than I do not follow a road sign. But this isn't a forum for a motorist vs. cyclist debate as both have the same responsibilities when it comes to safe transportation.
I think the most important of the new bicycle laws are the two which require motorists to provide a 4-foot cushion when passing a cyclist and putting motorists turning right, which would cut off a cyclist going straight, at fault. Even though cyclists may impede the flow of traffic, a cyclist may take the lane if his safety requires it. It is interesting to note that cyclists are not required to use the shoulder of a road. Personally, I stay as close to right as possible except for two occasions. The first occasion is if I am going around a right-hand curve where I have no view of the road up ahead. The second is when there is an obstruction extending into the road such as a tree or a car if I am riding through town. Many motorists think cyclists should use the sidewalks, however in many places riding on the sidewalk is illegal, mostly in business districts due to foot traffic. The new law does give motorists permission to cross over into the left lane in order to pass, provided the flow of traffic in the opposing direction allows it.
The second law makes it illegal to make a right turn which cuts off a cyclist. From observation, I can see this happening at intersections, however I have not personally been cut off. In general I will ride to the line at an intersection if there is no traffic or the traffic is moving straight. If cars are already at the intersection and are turning right, I yield to them. There is one occasion where I may not follow those rules, and that is if motorists are not signalling to turn. As motorists expect cyclists to signal their intentions, I expect the same from courtesy from motorists. Yes, I know there are inconsiderate cyclists out there, and I may even be one of them from time to time. I expect to be given the same courtesy a driver would give any other driver since the laws give me that right.
I will leave you with the Wikipedia page for hand signals which cyclists AND motorists are expected to know as these are to be used by motorists as well in situations where signalling lights to not work.
