Lane Positioning

LANE POSITIONING

Laws
• Most bicycle laws use the same language regarding where cyclists should drive
• Directions to ride “as far to the right as practicable” appears in most laws
• No clear definition of practicable has been identified, but it is not as far right as possible

Safety
• Do not ride in the gutter or where you often find poor road conditions and constant hazards
• Give yourself ample room to your right to maneuver in an emergency
• Ride in the right third of the lane if there is not sufficient room for lane sharing

Traffic rules
• Slower moving vehicles travel to the right of faster moving ones
• Motorists are looking for other vehicles in or near the travel lanes, not against curbs
• Follow the same rules as motorists including yielding right-of-way and signaling

Hazards
• If a lane narrows ahead or is blocked by another vehicle, establish your position in traffic early
• Avoid riding where glass and other trash accumulates on the right side of roadways
• Grates and gutterpans should be avoided by positioning yourself away from them

Ride on the right
• Ride in the same direction as traffic; stay far enough away from curb to avoid hazards
• Ride in the right third of the right-most lane that goes in the direction you are going
• Control the lane if traveling the same speed as traffic or in a narrow lane

Visibility
• Always ride in or near a travel lane; stay visible by riding where drivers are looking
• Wear bright clothing at night as well as during the day
• Do not pass on the right; motorists are not looking for other vehicles there

Parked cars
• Ride in a straight line, not in and out of parked cars on the side of the road
• Beware of cars merging into the roadway from a parallel parking position
• Always ride far enough away (3 feet) from parked cars to avoid hitting a door opened in front of you

Control the lane
• If there is insufficient road width for cyclists and cars
• If traveling the same speed as other traffic or if hazards narrow the usable width
• Before intersections and turns to assert your position on the roadway