Generally, bicyclists need to stay to the right side of a lane when riding on a roadway. There are exceptions depending on the circumstances.
For example, if you want to make a left hand turn you are permitted to use entire lane of travel as you cross to the left turn.
When riding in a lane of traffic bicyclists need to make sure they are not impeding traffic if not riding on the right side of the lane. What does that mean in reality? If you are holding traffic up, then you need to get to the right. That does not mean you have to ride on the shoulder or sidewalk, however, you can if it is safe to do so.
Riding a bicycle on sidewalk needs to be done with caution. Bicycles have to watch for pedestrian and yield way to pedestrians who are using sidewalks.
Practice cautious riding when around cars or other vehicles. You may have a right to be in the road, but if a car doesn't see you or expect you to be there a collision can happen. Being hit by car on a bicycle almost never ends well and usually involves serious injury to the bicycle rider.
If you have legal questions, I invite you to pick up the phone and call me at 425-399-7000 or email [email protected]. This is what I do every day and I'd be happy to chat with you.
Safe Riding!
Max Meyers Law PLLC
8750 122nd Avenue NE
Kirkland, WA 98033
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @maxmeyerslaw
