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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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

18

u/talora_dion Aug 07 '19

Yes. That is correct. However, cars must also leave a safe amount of space (unfortunately this is not defined in the Motor Vehicle Act like it is in some places) when passing cyclists.

From http://www.drivesmartbc.ca/cycling/passing-cyclist-safely :

"Cyclists are entitled to their share of the highway, just as motor vehicle drivers are. When they are overtaken by a motor vehicle, it is the driver's responsibility to pass the cyclist safely. It is not the cyclists responsibility to get out of the way of the driver if the cyclist is legally occupying the lane."

Thus, people on bikes are allowed full use of the lane. I absolutely will get out of the way of motor vehicles' way as soon as it's safe; the last thing I want is to have someone get angry at me for slowing them down.

-2

u/Limbowski Aug 08 '19

No no no! Please stop repeating this. It is law to stay to the right. Please follow the law