Town and Country Newspaper

News Article

Share the Road

Written by Larry Roeder, Editor
2012-04-05

As the spring weather spreads a blanket of milder temperatures across our region, we begin to see more and more bicyclists venture out onto the roads.

We have miles and miles of off-road trails for the rugged to test their peddling prowess within the confines of the Green Lane Park. We also have miles and miles of scenic roads throughout our region that are enjoyed on a regular basis by those who prefer to exercise their pedal-power on a smoother surface.

A new law went into effect in Pennsylvania on Monday that requires cars and trucks to give four feet of clearance when passing a cyclist; something that any courteous and cautious driver was already doing. It was sponsored by Rep. Ron Mill (R-York), signed by Gov. Tom Corbett on Feb. 2, and joins 19 other states with similar laws. Violations of the law are a summary offense carrying a $25 fine.

Last week, crossing over the yellow lane lines could have netted you a citation for unsafe driving. Under the new law, drivers are permitted to pass over yellow lane lines, when no vehicles are approaching from the other direction, to make way for cyclists. Vehicle operators making a left turn must also yield to bikes coming from the opposite direction.

Drivers now know that they can legally cross the yellow lane line while passing bicyclists as long as they give the two-wheelers four feet of space instead of putt-putting along behind them or executing an unsafe maneuver to get by. Motor vehicle and bicycle operators should never create an unsafe condition for each other.

But like most roads, the new law is a two-way street. Bicycles are vehicles by legal standards and have the same responsibility to follow traffic signals.

The new law requires that cyclists use reasonable efforts to avoid disrupting the flow of traffic. They are also required to stay as close as practicable to the right-hand curb.

Bicyclists should always ride predictably and signal their intentions before proceeding so that motorists have a chance to react.

Few people are confident that the new law will fix any current safety problems. As to who violates the “rules of the road” more often? Well, there is always plenty of finger-pointing between bicycle and motor vehicle operators. The law gives some direction for operators but the people between the handlebars and behind the steering wheels will need to be educated.

We have plenty of back roads that invite a good time for bicycle enthusiasts. We urge bicyclists and motorists to slow down when they meet on the road. Exercise respect, caution, safety and courtesy at all times and everybody will get to go home safely.

Oh, and instead of pointing fingers, try a friendly wave to each other instead.

For more information on bicycling safety, visit www.DriveSafePA.org.

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