Forum searching help

[Tim Kelley]

It’s in the “Missed Connections” thread. Good luck:

http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?688-Missed-connection&p=66852#post66852

[83b]

http://bikearlingtonforum.com/archive/index.php/t-688-p-7.html

A Google search string restricted to this site worked (at least I hope that’s what you’re looking for)!

Searched: site:bikearlingtonforum.com “Glebe Road” “missed connections”

[rcannon100]

What, what? I thought taking the lane was the law. Isnt that what Bike Arlington teaches, that cyclists should take the lane?

The law:

§ 46.2-905. Riding bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric power-assisted bicycles, and mopeds on roadways and bicycle paths.

Any person operating a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped on a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place under conditions then existing shall ride as close as safely practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway, except under any of the following circumstances:

1. When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;

2. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway;

3. When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes that make it unsafe to continue along the right curb or edge;

4. When avoiding riding in a lane that must turn or diverge to the right; and

5. When riding upon a one-way road or highway, a person may also ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of such roadway as safely practicable.

For purposes of this section, a “substandard width lane” is a lane too narrow for a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, motorized skateboard or foot-scooter, or moped and another vehicle to pass safely side by side within the lane.

So now I am a little confused. I notice that the law does not reference Sharrows. But we are told that on Sharrows we can take the lane…. right? Arent there signs that regularly accompany sharrows that state “Cyclists can take the lane”??? Am I imagining that?

The county says

Q. So, if I don’t see these markings, then it’s not a shared lane and bicyclists aren’t supposed to be there?
A. No, cyclists can ride on any street in Arlington except for limited access freeways with signs explicitly prohibiting cyclists (such as Interstate 66). Just as every street in Arlington has a 25 mph speed limit unless stated otherwise (even if there is no speed limit sign), cyclists are allowed on every street regardless of whether there is a marking or sign for them, unless stated otherwise. Shared-lane markings are intended to reinforce that cyclists are allowed to use the traffic lanes, not to define a special condition.

Wait, what?? So, as far as the markings go, I can…. I can… what can I do? Sharrows or not I get to be there as a cyclist. Sharrows I can take the lane? No-sharrows is just the same as sharrows… so I can … take… the… lane… But no, the law says, no.

Oh but on this page this county says

Q. On some streets, cyclists riding over this marking will take the entire lane. Aren’t they supposed to move to the right?
A. Not always. According to Virginia law, cyclists are to stay to the right except to pass another vehicle traveling in the same direction, to prepare to make a left turn, to avoid riding in a lane that turns or diverges to the right, to avoid unsafe conditions, or when the lane width is too narrow to safely share with a motor vehicle. It should be noted that the minimum lane width for a motor vehicle and bicycle to share side-by-side is 14 feet (AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities).

Wait, what?? When am I allowed to take the lane and when am I not. “Not always” suggests that there are instances when I can take the lane. But it sounds like, from the rest of this text, Arlington is in fact saying – no, you cannot take the lane – you must cycle in accordance with the Law (avoiding things is not taking the lane).

I have never liked Sharrows. I dont like sharrows because I think it gives the false impression that cyclists are allowed on the road where the sharrows are present – but not allowed elsewhere. Not true. (and yes, I have had this yelled at me from car windows).

Now another false impressions, that we can take the lane – when in fact we cannot???

[peterw_diy]

@rcannon100 75966 wrote:

It should be noted that the minimum lane width for a motor vehicle and bicycle to share side-by-side is 14 feet (AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities).

I though Virginia law required a 2′ gap when an auto passes a bike. Bike lane opponents in Alexandria note that buses are 10.5′ wide. So… bikes are supposed to be no more than 18″ (45cm) wide? Ridiculous. Is that really in the 2012 AASHTO guide??? Tim, do you have a copy?

[DismalScientist]

I think it boils down to taking the lane on substandard width roads and keeping to the right on unobstructed roads with sufficient width. Personally, I don’t view the right lane on Glebe Road as substandard and I would not take the lane. I’ve not had a problem with being buzzed by cars while staying to the right. I don’t think you should define substandardness based on the widest motor vehicle you can find. It may very well be that cars can pass a bike on the right side safely remaining in the lane, but buses and trucks would need to move over.

Sharrows have no information content other than suggesting to drivers the likelihood of finding bicyclists on that street.

[ebubar]

I think there is a lot of room for confusion with the way the law is written. Therein lies the problem. I was of the opinion that cars buzz me too closely if I don’t take the lane. That makes me feel unsafe. I take the lane to discourage unsafe passing, provided both lanes of traffic are clear. I don’t find the lane wide enough for a car and bike to share comfortably, but that’s my opinion and not fact. Dismal’s view is just as valid and reasonable. His view seems to match with that of ACPD. To avoid any confusion, i’ve taken to abandoning Glebe and ride on the admittedly crappy bike lanes on Military Road instead. There is no confusion about where I can ride on that stretch of road. Plus its pretty great hill training for the end of my 15 mile commute!

[mstone]

@DismalScientist 75969 wrote:

Sharrows have no information content other than suggesting to drivers the likelihood of finding bicyclists on that street.

Sharrows (properly placed) are intended to encourage cyclists to ride reasonably far into the lane instead of squeezing next to the curb or in a door zone, while simultaneously telling motorists to back off if cyclists are doing so. Not all sharrows are properly placed.

[dasgeh]

So another call for help: does anyone have a link to pictures from (or have pictures from) the Arlington Fun Ride from 2012 or 2013. Bonus points for pictures from the family ride.

Thanks!

[Tim Kelley]

@dasgeh 78188 wrote:

So another call for help: does anyone have a link to pictures from (or have pictures from) the Arlington Fun Ride from 2012 or 2013. Bonus points for pictures from the family ride.

Thanks!

You’ve been through the website? http://www.arlingtonfunride.org/?p=76

Also, Mark Blacknell has a bunch from his Patch article days.

[chris_s]

Just a few:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100180437154365.2319386.7411113&type=1&l=a2b9379084

[dasgeh]

Thank you!

[Author]

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