Bicycle Driving on SoCal Arterials

Two League of American Bicyclists certified traffic cycling instructors demonstrate how to safely and legally ride on major southern California arterial roads by acting as vehicle drivers. All of the video is un-staged, shot in real daytime traffic. The key lesson of this video is that cyclists who first act as drivers, are then treated as drivers. These advanced traffic skills can be learned in the League of American Bicyclists Bike Ed Program.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Bicycle
• Driving
• Arterial
• Southern
• California
• Lane
• Control

[cyclenut]

I've bicycle commuted for the last 5 years, 4 years car-free and since have over 20,000 miles. I have found that giving signals, on roads like these videos are shot on, for atleast 4 or 5 seconds before I start lane change. Longer if I will be stopping in the lane for a left turn. I too use a helmet mirror, but also turn my head to verify no quite cars are there and to show that I am starting the lane change now. Maybe I'm extreme, but new cyclists need to learn safty first. These are good video

[CyclistLorax]

@cyclenut  - Yes, long signals are good. The main point I'd like to make is that so long as the signals are long enough and clear, then the motorists will understand your intention. This makes us more predictable and lowers our risk of a conflict. Also note that the laws in most states do not require bicyclists to hold their hand out continuously for 100 feet, the 100 requirement is usually intended for motor vehicles with automatic shut-off turn signals.

[cyclenut]

When chainging lanes or turning most states say to signal 100 or more feet before lane change or turn, for all vehicals. Also, use of a mirror and/or turning head to verify yeld of rightaway should be used. I have to say that I feel in these videos that the signals were given longer to show all road uesrs behind of intentions and in this video some lane changes were with little warnings.

[CyclistLorax]

@cyclenut - When you talk about signals given longer and some with little warning, were you talking about Brian and I, or the motorists, or both? It would help, if you did think some of our signals were too short, or longer for clarity, if you would cite specific times in the video, that way we can better discuss your observations. I appreciate good perceptive feedback, so please give more detail.

[gcziko]

Dan,

Assuming a bicycle driving speed of 15 mph, what is the highest posted speed limit where you would recommend bicycle land control?

-- Gary

[CyclistLorax]

I'm not at all convinced there is a limiting speed limit. Part of why we made this video, and others like the Long Beach Traffic Circle video, was to show that acting as a driver works when cyclists are travelling slowly, even as slow as 10-11 mph, in traffic that is moving at speeds above 40 mph. If you look at the comments to that video we talk about having to make merges and lane changes early in such environments, or otherwise learn to negotiate lane changes.

[kandiman7979]

@InkOwldotcom ha! you are right...now im just freaked out..

[InkOwldotcom]

@gcziko Personally, I've driven on a 90kph highway with no shoulder, but it was a one-lane country road, so it's a bit different. The highest speed roads we have here in Quebec without shoulders are 50kph, which is generally fine. All in all, however, I've found that the red lights mean that in the end the little streets end up being faster (if the detour isn't too significant). For instance, I will definitely spend an extra 0.5km to eliminate 5km of arterials.

[InkOwldotcom]

@kandiman7979 with the same cars passing by in both views?

[kandiman7979]

When lane changing i find communication and CONFIDENCE are KEY, he who hesitates and acts timid will find trouble....

[kandiman7979]

@InkOwldotcom two different occasions, just illustrating the methods from different views...

[mphillips57]

Outstanding video. I have recommended it many times to people interested in bike commuting. THANK YOU!

[InkOwldotcom]

How do you film both the front and back simultaneously with no cameras visible?

[ulfthegoon]

I agree about the wave. I try to wave at any motorist that allows me my space. On urban roads, I sometimes will be sure to hold out my hand or give a hollar that I am there just in case someone doesn't see me in a place there are lots of cars pulling out......Locally here in Chula Vista, such as Bonita Road or Broadway....with all the businesses. Thanks again for posting these.

[vabikecommuter]

I wonder what effect two cyclists have on motorist behavior vs. a single cyclist. I assume there is an affect; that motorists give a little more respect to two cyclists.