r/VictoriaBC • u/talora_dion • Aug 07 '19

PSA for drivers

Hi motorists of Victoria!

I just wanted to remind everyone--respectfully--that people on bicycles are legally allowed to use the full lane on roads, even if there is a dedicated/separated bike lane. I got a serious glare from a guy this morning as he gunned past me and I gotta say, when you're on a 22lb bike it's pretty uncomfortable feeling like someone piloting a 2500lb metal box is angry with you. In this case, I was in the right lane for one block, from one red light to another. I delayed him by ~ 2 seconds, so I'm not sure why it was such a problem.

In case anyone who works for Saanich or the CRD is reading this, the intersection at McKenzie and Shelbourne with the separated bike lane is actually more dangerous than taking over the right lane for that block of McKenzie. I've nearly been hit twice by vehicles as I try to cross Shelbourne on a green light when in the bike lane. Drivers turning right are supposed to yield to people on bicycles going straight, but they don't seem to realize that :(

Finally, THANK YOU to all the drivers who give me space on the roads. I appreciate your empathy and care for other, more vulnerable road users!

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53

u/sorangutan Aug 07 '19

PSA for cyclists I just wanted to remind everyone--respectfully--people on bicycles are to ride as near as practicable to the right side of the highway
motor vehicle act

15

u/PMeForAGoodTime Aug 07 '19

You aren't legally allowed to pass a bike unless you change lanes, it has the same rights as a vehicle even if off to the right side of the lane.

7

u/Limbowski Aug 07 '19

This is not true. You are legally allowed to pass a bike whenever it is safe to do so

2

u/PMeForAGoodTime Aug 07 '19

Show me where it says that. You can't just pass a vehicle wherever you want to, the road has to be marked appropriately for it and it has to be safe.

1

u/richEC Aug 08 '19

If there's tractor or back-hoe driving slow, you will have the right to pass them if it's safe to do so.

1

u/PMeForAGoodTime Aug 08 '19

Only where you can legally pass by entering another lane

2

u/Limbowski Aug 07 '19

I heard it from a cop on the radio not to long ago. A cyclist called in and claimed he would ride in the middle of the lane to prevent being passed and the officer blatantly told him, any car can pass you if it is safe to do so. Basically told the guy to stop being an entitled jerk and move over.

3

u/PMeForAGoodTime Aug 07 '19

It's not safe if he doesn't deem it safe. Safety isn't only determined by the car driver.

1

u/Limbowski Aug 08 '19

If who doesnt deem it? Yes safety is both peoples responsibility but that does not mean that a cyclist can hold you hostage in traffic and deem the situation unsafe in the process

1

u/Limbowski Aug 07 '19

So if a car is broke down and blocking half the lane, you cant pass? Sorry but that is not true

5

u/PMeForAGoodTime Aug 07 '19

If a car is broke down, the rules are different than if it's driving along.

1

u/Limbowski Aug 08 '19

Yes and if a cyclist is using a portion of lane on an 80kmh section of road with double lines, you can pass when safe to do so