6 Responses to “Cycling Discussion on Speak Up Newport’s Oct. 10 Agenda”
Comments
October 7th, 2012
I'll be there, too
October 7th, 2012
They might also discuss the fatal San Joaquin Hills Road in February of 2011.
October 7th, 2012
I am unable to attend the meeting. I like the premise, nice and simple. I consider myself a knowledgeable, law abiding citizen, but there are some rules of law regarding bikes that need clarification. What I would like to know is this: when I am approaching an intersection in my vehicle to make a right turn and there is a bike lane, does the law dictate I enter the bike lane to make that turn or not? My guess is no...But then, that is an entire unused lane if there are no bikes travelling the road. Help!
October 8th, 2012
I'm no lawyer, but I do ride a bike. Right turns across bike lanes? Many bike lanes convert from solid lines to dashed as intersections approach. I'm looking at Google Earth, E. Coast Hwy at Avocado, traveling eastbound, for example. The dashed line tells cyclists and motorists that cars may be turning right across the bike lane. Cyclists are advised to move a tad left so that cars may pull behind and around them to make the right turn.
October 8th, 2012
Elaine, a good question and a common one. And Frank is right - within 200 feet of a right turn the solid white line demarcating a bicycle lane is supposed to become a dashed white line. The applicable law is California's Vehicle Code, specifically section 21717. Yes, you are required to safely merge into the bike lane prior to making a right turn. It reads: "Turning Across Bicycle Lane. Whenever it is necessary for the driver of a motor vehicle to cross a bicycle lane that is adjacent to his lane of travel to make a turn, the driver SHALL drive the motor vehicle into the bicycle lane prior to making the turn..." (Emphasis added)
October 9th, 2012
Thank you for the clarification. Now I know how to properly navigate that turn! "Cycling in Newport Beach, What You Need to Know" is a great idea. Perhaps it will reduce the bikes vs. cars antagonism, or at least get the communication started on a more positive note than it has of late.
