Sharing The Road: What Rules Should Cyclists Be Following?
by Kristen Johanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It's an ongoing road war here in Philadelphia: drivers versus cyclists.
But, when it comes down to what rules cyclists should follow, it's simple.
"Any infraction you can commit in a car, you can commit on a bike," explains Philadelphia Police Captain Patrick Kelly, with the Accident Investigation Division.
This means ALL cyclists must stop on red, yield to road sides and give pedestrians the right-of-way.
"People don't realize it, but it's possible to be a DUI, even on a bicycle," Kelly said.
"They have a lane that they can drive in and we have a lane that we should drive in," said one woman driver, whose car has been clipped by a cyclist in the city -- but actually, that's not true.
"A lot of drivers don't necessarily know bicyclists are allowed to take the full lane if they deem that to be necessary for the own safety," said Randy LoBasso with the Greater Philadelphia Bicycle Coalition.
LoBasso says cyclists can face a series of obstacles while pedaling in their bike lanes, including trucks or cars illegally parking in bike lanes, as they load or unload.
Since cyclists are supposed to follow the same rules drivers do, they can ride in traffic lanes with cars, but they must pedal in the same direction.
"They cut in front of you, or if they get real close, you got to stop real fast or you think you're going to hit them," complained another driver.
"Going in and out of traffic, that is someone subject to be stopped because they are putting themselves and the rest of traffic at risk," said Kelly.
He says all those on two wheels, who may get stuck in a traffic jam, must get off their bike and walk. Unless you are 12-years-old or younger, you are not allowed to ride on city sidewalks.
Fines for breaking these rules on a bike, or in a car, can be a few hundred bucks.
If you see someone causing havoc on the roads -- whether two or four wheels -- call police and let them know.
For a complete list of penalties & fines go here.
For a list of do's and don't's, head here.
