As the number of bicyclists increase in Sumner County the frequency of
issues with motorists increases.
Most of our neighboring counties have
already had serious issues that prompted them to consider banning
bicycles from one of more roads. Those same problems have become a
frequent occurrence on FOGBEE rides. So, it is time to remind everyone
of the laws in order to eliminate unnecessary conflicts with motorists
and to avoid a bicyclist getting hurt. These laws are available on the
FOGBEE Web Site.
A bicycle is defined as a vehicle and bicyclists are subject to the same rights and responsibilities
of other drivers, except those provisions which by their nature can
have no application to bicyclists (55-8-101, 55-8-172). Bicyclists have a
right to be on the road, but must follow the laws if they expect to be
treated with respect. Courtesy is a two-way street!. RIDE IN TRAFFIC
DIRECTION
All drivers, including bicyclists, must obey all official traffic-control devices (55-8-109).
The new stop-light law allows bicyclist to pass through a red light
ONLY when it has automatic detection loops that do not detect the
bicycle. A bicyclist may not go through a RED LIGHT under any other
circumstance.
Bicyclists moving more slowly than other traffic should ride as close as practicable to the right- hand curb or edge of the roadway, except:
- When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;
- When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway; or
- When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions including, but not limited to, parked vehicles, animals, surface hazards, or a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane (55-8-175).
Bicyclists are not required by Tennessee Law to ride on the shoulder, but if one is available, use it
in a fashion that is safe and allows motorists to pass safely. Law
enforcement has the authority to determine when a bicyclist is causing
unnecessary endangerment. Although the law permits bicyclists to ride
the traffic lane when a shoulder is available it is STUPID and
life-threatening to do so.
Most bicyclists also ride along/near the fog line even though the
highway has a wide shoulder. This location generally has less debris
because it is swept by wind of motorists. However, this practice is
also stupid since it increases the odds of a bicyclist being hit by
distracted drivers. RIDE SAFE, dodge the debris, and ride as far to the right as practical.
Bicyclists shall not ride more than two abreast, except
on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of
bicycles. Persons riding two abreast shall not impede the normal and
reasonable movement of traffic and, on a laned roadway, shall ride
within a single lane (55-8-175). Two abreast is only legal when you are
not impeding traffic. If a car approaches from behind, get into single
file. (Riding single file is required within a National Park, including
Foothills Parkway, Natchez Trace.)
Don't wave motorists on. It is their responsibility to
decide if it's safe to pass you, not yours. You don't know how long
it's going to take them to pass you. The slow moving vehicle law
applies to bicyclists. When going 10 mph less than the speed limit and
there are 5 or more vehicles behind, pull over when it's safe and let
them pass. Do this even if there are fewer than 5 cars, esp if it's an
area with a lot of blind curves and hills.
The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the
right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no
event shall such movement be made by driving off the pavement or
main-traveled portion of the roadway (55-8-117, 55-8-118).
Bicyclists may not pass cars on the right, though it may
be tempting. Motorists may suddenly turn right into a driveway, or pull
out because they see a line of stopped cars, not the bicyclist.
Every bicycle when used at night must be equipped with a front white headlight visible at a distance of 500 feet, and a red rear reflector
visible at a distance of 50 feet. (55-8-177). Dress to be seen!
Looking like Johnny Cash may seem cool, but motorists can not see those
bicyclists, especially in Tennessee hollows.