CAR vs BICYCLE: 10 Laws You Didn't Know About Bicycles
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- Опубликовано: 26 июл 2024
- Learn the basics about treating each other with respect and why the laws of the road are important for everyone.
NOTE: This video mostly contains CVC, but the lessons apply universally. Please check your local, state, and national laws to be sure you are following applicable laws. This video is for entertainment purposes only. Please be safe and communicate with your law enforcement agencies. 
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![How close can you pass a bicycle? - Bicycle Law in All 50 States [1]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XupT29cxGqg/mqdefault.jpg)
![How close can you pass a bicycle? - Bicycle Law in All 50 States [1]](/img/tr.png)
The U.S.A. is still in the Dark Ages when it comes to us bicyclists. They just do not care , and that is very sad!!
Yes. It's painfully obvious that they care enough to point fingers, but not change themselves.
I wish some questions on the test to get your driving permit would include some of these facts.
YES!!! People (including law enforcement and officials) always forget or don't know these...hence this video. I am happy this is my most popular video and do what I can to get car drivers to watch this.
6:30 "can i ride my bike on the freeway"
You'll probably be the fastest moving vehicle on the freeway if you do it during rush hour in LA.
Good point! In fact, I just got back from a Los Angeles to San Diego trip. After 100 miles, a MAJOR leg cramp (still hurts) and going super slow, I took the 5 fwy through Oceanside and was STILL passing cars! I would have been happy about that, but I was in too much pain!!!
@@ShermanSitter I lived in LA for almost 20 years and just couldn't take it anymore. Back in the 90s the traffic was bad, but at least it moved. Now, the freeway just turns in to a parking lot. Even big name stars are moving out of LA and just flying in to do their shows before leaving again. Joe Rogan just said on his podcast last week he was moving. They're all blaming the traffic. It's nuts.
@@xersys One day, probably when it's too late, people will realize they are all killing this city. Until then, they "need" cars.
bicycles have ben my only transportation for over 50 years, I agree with you 100 percent.
That's amazing . what area do you live in. As I have matured I have cone to understand cars have made us slaves. The money spent and pollution caused by cars is mind boggling.
Too many fucking laws on the books
I have never met a cyclist beyond college age who tries to find routes that will put them in the way of cars. They will almost always double their trip to avoid traffic. That does not mean when they inevitably must deal with a little traffic that they will ride in a way that is most convenient to you. They will ride in a way that is safest for them. If you are not a cyclist you often may not understand why it's unsafe for you to pass in a 8 foot wide lane with potholes, no shoulder and blind curves, and you may be angry. I assure you, any 40 year old cyclist with an expensive bike is educated and experienced enough in life (not necessarily cycling) that he or she is not out there trying to make random people with 3000 lb weapons angry. The only thing we want less than angry drivers around us is to killed by one because we weren't defensive enough. If we're taking a lane for a minute, it's to protect our life. Maybe you think we don't need to. Maybe you don't understand, or maybe we're even wrong, but we're the one who might die, so understand if we aren't eager to err on the side of your convenience every time. In the end, in the city, we are usually being slowed down more by cars on the whole much more than cars are by us, starting with taking that longer route. We all live together and we all inconvenience each other a little.
This could be a script to one of my videos! :) Thank you for the great comment. In fact, I often travel 5 miles out of my way on an 8 mile trip to take a good bikeway.
I like this guy. He even put on a suit and tie to get down to business. good information. Thanks
Thank you for the nice words! It makes me happy to know people appreciate the effort I put into this!
I just started to ride again and I was so glad that I found your video extremely helpful and timely.
From a Dutch perspective you really need to review these laws. Some of them are too strange to be true. Parking on a bike lane degrades the bike lane to, well... no lane.
Thank you for the comment! I would add that it's not a Dutch perspective, but an obvious perspective that the Dutch just happened to realize a few decades ago! Thank you for being the world's model! :)
Thanks for the compliment, but it still requires pressure and attention from many sides to keep it like this or even improve, even here. The money is where the cars are.
Yes, no matter what culture, political system, or ideology, money is usually the final determinant.
We have too many laws. It's becoming a dictatorship in the U.S. Can't do anything without being regulated, taxed, licensed into oblivion. I hate this shit
8:46 my fellow bicyclist must know this code
In the UK a bicycle in the centre of the lane owns that lane in the same way as a car. I failed my 1st car test because i overtook a bicycle to close(it was at least 3 ft) i think its 4ft minimum and like pedestrians, bicycles have right of way as they should, i mean how many car drivers are killed by being struck by a bicycle.
This is a perfect comment. It is so nice to see someone has a greater understanding of the implications of actions of cars vs a bicycle. Thank you for having this perspective. You are a rare thinker and user of logic!
On the other side of the coin, bicyclists (usually traveling too fast) have struck and killed pedestrians; but it is very rare that this happens, especially compared to motor vehicle fatalities. Motorists need to stop driving like they alone own the roads.
Wonderful video. So many on both sides are ignorant of the rules as they apply to bicycles. As a person that uses a bicycle for commuting, shopping, exercising, and for recreation, I follow traffic laws at all times. One thing that should be mentioned are intersections that use sensors under the road to change lights when a car is detected. Some areas have special laws just for cyclists allowing them to consider the red light as a stop sign, as long as there is no other traffic in your direction or the opposite direction. Look it up in your area and use common sense.
I also urge people on cycles to think of themselves as a thin bag of jelly. Just because you have the RIGHT to be on a certain road, doesn't mean you are SAFE on a certain road. Use common sense! Your body stands no chance against 2 ton and more vehicles you share the road with. Narrow roads without shoulders... Don't hold up traffic just because you can. Up a hill with cars behind you, curvy road with busy traffic, get off and let people pass. Just be polite with those you share the road with.
Thank you for the great comment! I agree with everything said. On the point of stop signs and lights, coincidentally, my most recent video just posted was on a nationwide look (state by state) on stop sign and red light laws (aka "The Idaho Stop") To piggy back on your comment, here are videos related to The Idaho Stop: ruclips.net/video/V_OWU83Etyw/видео.html
Here is the original Idaho Stop video I did (just for Idaho) a while back: ruclips.net/video/6UAK_WEQkQ8/видео.html
I think national there needs to be an uptick in the rails to trails program. Here in Massachusetts they are making this happen (though at a snails pace). Nice presentation.
Thank you for the great comment! I was just talking about a train line from Downtown LA to West LA that is proposed. Since we are expecting continued population increases, I completely agree with non-car solutions.
If the rails are in disrepair, then sure, but honestly we need roads to trails conversions too
I would like to add instructive advise: perform When on the roadway, perform “as a vehicle.” When on the sidewalk, “perform and act as a pedestrian ...... go slowly.”
Thanks for your eford and time I appreciate you taking the time to keep me safe
Up until a couple of years ago I was an avid bicyclist for my entire life of 62 years. I understand your point about riding on the sidewalk all too well. Once as a child riding to my piano lessons and again in my mid 50's while riding on the sidewalk a car pulled out from a blind area to me and I as you might guess hit the front quarter panel of the car and flew over the hood of the car. Both times it happened I was traveling at a fairly high rate of speed. Physically I was never hurt but the second time it happened I damaged my bike. I learned to slow down when riding on sidewalks after the second time it happened. heh quick learner here. I do not agree with your opinion about not riding on sidewalks however even after my two incidents with cars pulling out in front of me. The reason is that for me at least I believe it is MUCH less dangerous to ride on the sidewalk as opposed to the street where vehicles are passing very close to you. As a professional truck driver for 23 years I've seen just about everything that happens out there and the number of terrible drivers is astounding. This includes truck drivers as well. No way I'm letting a multi-ton vehicle traveling the speed limit pass me with mere inches to spare. Anyway, thanks for the video it was very informative and helpful.
I understand what you are saying. It is about a bad infrastructure, unconcerned about bicycles.
Thank you. I love the suggestion for transportation and will look further into it
Good to learn from this ,helps alot ! I'm new to biking here in los angeles and in general just got a bicycle and you explained alot ,thanks a bunch!
Welcome to Los Angeles! It's always great to have another cyclist here.
Very informative, thanks.
Surprised to hear CA had some decent bike laws, but allowing parking in a bike lane has got to be a typo in the law books.
Thanks for the comment. On the parking situation, it's not so much a law as a lack of a law. I've asked several police departments and they say there is "no violation" for parking in a bike lane.
or maybe it is lack of a law; AZ has this
28-815D. A person shall not operate, stop, park or leave standing a vehicle in a path or lane designated as a bicycle path or lane by a state or local authority except in the case of emergency or for crossing the path or lane to gain access to a public or private road or driveway.
HOWEVER, cites can write (rewrite) their own parking regulations. hmm.
www.azleg.gov/ars/28/00815.htm
When cars are parked in the bike lane, I ride in the car lane, slowly until there's room for me to get back in.
You have no choice & you are not breaking any law !!!
This was incredibly informative thank you so much for sharing this I so glad I came across this video
You're welcome! Thank you for the nice words!
Omg thank you 🙏 I’m buying a bike so I can commute from San Fernando valley to L.A. I can’t wait I’m so glad I found your channel
@@bikelanez7376 That will be great to have another ally out there on the road! In case you didn't see it, I have video of a trip going northbound on Sepulveda to the valley. Let me know if you have any questions on buying a bicycle. I also have some videos on that, but in general I recommend drop bars for the versatility especially since you can make them wide and upright now. (with adjustable stems, wider width options)
Good video thanks for the info. My basic bike law is don't be a jerk and you won't be treated like a jerk
wrong. some drivers abuse well behaving cyclists
Mike Hascats yep, I've seen a lot of that. I remember one time, I was stopped, off my bike, waiting for the crosswalk sign, and some dickhead in a white Escalade throws a bag full of soda cans at me, yelling "tour de fag" as they sped off. Anyway, I saw them stopped in traffic at the next intersection, and smashed their rear window with their own can of sprite they had just thrown at me, then zigzagged through stopped traffic to make my getaway. Karma's a bitch.
@@mikehascats26 zed. Sxswws
Good tips and info. Thanks
Not wearing a helmet is STUPID! As far as headphones, look up Altec Lansing & grab (last year's clearance) Lifeguard 2...a GREAT Bluetooth speaker that mounts to your handlebars, is sand, water, and snow proof, floats and can be submerged in water, and is shock proof!!! Spent the best $49.99 ever - No more headphones on one ear or getting the cord snagged. U can also answer calls from the speaker. Best accessory ever for music loving bikers, and TOTALLY legal...plenty loud too! (AND no worrying if it rains!)
Sounds like something that would disturb the whole neighborhood tbh...
@@Arlae_Nova yea
Thank you
Best regards
Saleh
Vehicle code has been written with its primary considerations being the characteristics of motor vehicles, so applying it universally to bicycles makes no sense. The piece of code I violate regularly is coming to a full stop at a Stop sign. I treat them all pretty much as Yield signs because it's more efficient and much safer to roll through a Stop sign when there is no opposing or crossing traffic (the "Idaho stop"). Stopping means clipping out and clipping back in, which is never without added risk. It also means I'm going to be in that intersection a lot longer because I'm entering from a standing start. And it increases the risk that I'll get rear-ended by a motorist who treats that Stop as a Yield, as most do.
It looks like this was posted twice by mistake, so I'll duplicate my response here for those who are passing by... Thank you for the thoughtful comment. In fact, in California we almost joined the now (at least) 6 states that have adopted this as law. It was only held up by the governor and had already passed the house and senate and was in full support. Literally just one human's whim ruined 5 years of study and work. This should be a national law for sure.
@@ShermanSitter I fully agree. Your tyrant governor needs to go, my friend.
Today, I got yelled at and schooled because I took the road since it's snowed and potholes are everywhere. As soon I was able to feel safe, I went right, right away. The person behind me speed up and got angry and then yelled at me and told me to follow street law! If the sidewalks were plowed, I would be on there. Regardless, If I had stayed close to the sidewalk and hit those potholes, I would've fallen or skidded and then perhaps been hit by the same truck that yelled at me. Remind you, I was in the middle of the road not even 1 minute!
So sad how selfish cars make humans. Thank you for sharing your story.
I appreciate the video and the commentary. Very cool. CA and NV have some different rules regarding cycling and bike lanes. For example: here in NV, it's illegal to park in a bike lane or even enter a bike lane with a car unless A) entering or exiting a street or driveway, B) preparing for a right-hand turn (and not all situations allow it), C) your vehicle is not operational at the moment, and D) to make way for emergency vehicles. Also, we have a cool law that states that cars must change lanes to pass bicycles on multi-lane roads, even if the bicycle is in a bike lane. Basically, the lane to the immediate left of the bike lane should be empty near any bicycles. Few obey it, but I've seen some that do, and I give them a thumb's up every time. One other thing that is cool is that we write our exceptions before the law. That way, people can't read the law and say things like, "Bicycles must stay to the far right," without reading the many exceptions.
For safety at night, we must have a working headlight, a taillight, a rear reflector, and either side reflectors on the bike or the spokes, or lights on the side or on the spokes. Spoke lights are the recommendation.
You kind of remind me of Hugh Laurie. I'd recommend putting graphics or b-roll up while you're reading, as you're not looking at the camera at those times.
Thank you for the clarification on NV law. I always wonder how things are outside of CA as I mostly study our laws, obviously.
THIS is great: cars must change lanes to pass bicycles on multi-lane roads
That's a good note on the graphics while reading.
Also, I did meet Hugh Laurie once, I think he thought the same thing. :)
I had an e-trike until I was hit by a semi-truck, but the rules are basically the same here in Ontario, Canada as in LV. I followed the laws of the road the same as cars do. I live in a small town in SW Ontario.
On Your Left
Great video.. exept this dudes givin us the googly eyes🕶
Haha! These eyes have been my gift and curse my whole life! 8)
thankyou for the informative video but how do we get the car drivers to watch this? i am buzzed by cars 3 mm away all the time, i think all car drivers should have to cycle on roads for 6 months before their allowed to drive cars :)
I have that same thought about the 6 month requirement! The irony is, with that time on the bicycle, they probably will no longer be interested in the car by then! :) On the promoting to car drivers. I'm not sure. I always tell my bicyclists friends to share this channel to as many car driving friends as possible. I also sometimes post on car-centric videos just to get the word out.
Not 6 months, just like, once at all.
Basically you are saying everytime you ride you are in danger of getting hit multiple times (and could result in serious injury or death) yet you still ride on the streets with huge vehicles. You may be totally in your rights on a bicycle but what good would it be when you are in a coma or dead on the side of the road? 🤷♂️ Yeah, that person may go to jail but it is not worth it.
Bob Rail - I've thought about this a lot. You are correct. I guess what keeps me doing it are a few things: 1) the greater good of promoting a more sustainable, healthy lifestyle, 2) I'm not really interested in living life being afraid to do what I want to do. I believe that there are risks everywhere, so instead I've chosen to actively explain (on youtube and in public forums) what everyone can do to make things safer and to ride defensively (ie taking the lane, use signals, etc) 3) there are also just too many benefits to bicycling. In fact, studies show that the amount of risk from getting hit is outweighed by those associated with a sedentary lifestyle - of course you can be active in other safer ways, but in the end I have weighed the pros and cons and honestly, I just don't like sitting in a giant metal box not moving when I can be using the time for all the above mentioned benefits for myself and society. I still think you have a valid point, it is just my personal choice to ignore those risks and continue forward in the spirit of progress. I also hope that people change and that I can inspire and lead by example, though I'm am "pessimistically optimistic" about that. :) Thank you for the comment and for being civil while stating your counterpoints.
well its not quite that bad but theirs no other option , their are no other roads, no pavements either. its not the roads that are the problem anyway , its the drivers are just not aware that their over taking manoeuvres are so dangerous. prob last time they wre on a bike was when they were 15 :) i do limit times i go on the most dangerous roads to when their not to busy :) i suspect with the government saying sustainable transport cars will be made to expensive to own and once more of the professional types are cycling , their will be more provision on the roads
A few points before I list some of Ohio's laws for your Ohio viewers.
Headphones: There's 2 points here.
-By the time a cyclist gets up to speed there is so much wind noise in their ears and cars are so quiet today that you don't really hear rear approaching vehicles anyway. This is why I have a mirror.
-What is the difference between a cyclist with headphones and a motorist in a new vehicle that came with a sound proofed cabin and active noise canceling (that manufactures advertise they've installed), with the radio turned up to 20?
My head is on a swivel and I'm constantly checking my mirror. Hearing is an extremely small portion of my situational awareness. And in full disclosure, I've never tried driving my bike with headphones on, but I do use a BT speaker.
Bicycle Roads=problem solved? 2 points here too.
-You placed this quote after the quote stating that human behavior is the problem not the vehicle. Does infrastructure change the behavior or just remove cyclists from the behavior still leaving motorists to kill 40K+ a year?
-Are you going to build bicycle roads from my house to every place of business, friend's house, or any other destination I may want to go?
For Ohio: codes.ohio.gov/orc/4511
Bicycles are actually legally classified as vehicles. This is different from states that merely give the cyclist the same rights and responsibilities. Except for laws with the wording "motorized vehicle" my bike is on equal ground as all other vehicle types.
This is a bit of important distinction. You get pulled over, and you tell the officer, "I have the same rights" vs saying "My bicycle IS a vehicle". It is worded a bit confusingly though. The law lists exclusions, then excludes bicycles from those exclusions.
4511.01A
"Vehicle" means every device, including a motorized bicycle, in, upon, or by which any person or property may be transported or drawn upon a highway, except that "vehicle" does not include any motorized wheelchair, any electric personal assistive mobility device, any personal delivery device as defined in section 4511.513 of the Revised Code, any device that is moved by power collected from overhead electric trolley wires or that is used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks, or any device, other than a bicycle, that is moved by human power.
4511.55
Only required to be as far right as Practicable (safe and reasonable). It is not safe or reasonable to hug the curb in any width lane.
(A) Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable obeying all traffic rules applicable to vehicles and exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.
May drive two abreast at all times. (if cited for AFRAP, how can you be farther to the right with another cyclist behind you?)
(B) Persons riding bicycles or motorcycles upon a roadway shall ride not more than two abreast in a single lane, except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles or motorcycles.
May use full lane (two different laws here)
4511.55(C) This section does not require a person operating a bicycle to ride at the edge of the roadway when it is unreasonable or unsafe to do so. Conditions that may require riding away from the edge of the roadway include when necessary to avoid fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, surface hazards, or if it otherwise is unsafe or impracticable to do so, including if the lane is too narrow for the bicycle and an overtaking vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
4511.25 B
2) Nothing in division (B)(1) of this section requires a driver of a slower vehicle to compromise the driver’s safety to allow overtaking by a faster vehicle.
Cyclists may use other lanes.
4511.25 B
1) Upon all roadways any vehicle or trackless trolley proceeding at less than the prevailing and lawful speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, and far enough to the right to allow passing by faster vehicles if such passing is safe and reasonable, except under any of the following circumstances:
(a) When overtaking and passing another vehicle or trackless trolley proceeding in the same direction ;
(b) When preparing for a left turn;
(c) When the driver must necessarily drive in a lane other than the right-hand lane to continue on the driver’s intended route.
Motorist must pass with a minimum of 3' 4511.27
Motorist can cross center to pass cyclists when SAFE!!
4511.27, 4511.29, 4511.30, 4511.31
Not mentioned in the video but California has a law basically stating that when there is 5 or more vehicles behind a cyclist, the cyclist must pull over when SAFE to do so. Ohio has no such law.
Thank you for the information from Ohio's perspective. Just curious, did you see my 'Bicycle Law in All 50 States" series? With that said, I agree 100% with the mirror comment. I'm not sure I like the idea of headphones though, but you do make some good points about quiet cars. As far as bicycle roads, I do believe they are good for the separation. Sometimes I think that if car drivers were much more cautious and didn't throw things or yell at bicyclist just for exercising their right to be on the road we wouldn't need a separate bicycle infrastructure. It should be simple, but people are too selfish in Los Angeles especially and the crowds generate frustration and anger.
The ear phones law is utter rubbish. Agree completely with what you said. You can hear just fine with ear phones.
Dont know about you, But I can hear a cars tires making noise as it rolls across the asphalt pretty much every time. Its not all about the engine noise
I'm in the UK and I must confess the first thought across my mind was 'ah payback' when you described the four across pedestrians blocking the bicycle road.
I know bicycles and cars can coexist in harmony when both sides look out for each other, I've seen it on holiday and still remember the exchanged friendly waves.
Usually I'm grasping my right fist with my left hand, trying to hold the finger down.
That is totally understandable. In fact, it is a normal human reaction. You might like my Psychology of Bicycling series. In a nutshell, the "other" groups are always "in the way" or the "problem" hence my comment as well. In many cases such as this, there is an almost automatic attribution of the frustration to the characteristic that defines what they see initially (bicyclist, car, pedestrian). It's not easy dealing with humans. Thank you for your honesty and humor!
BTW, I always listen to music when I ride my bicycle, but I use the main speakers on my iPhone rather than a headphone... even on one ear is too hard to do. I use the Quad Lock to attach my phone to the stem... it's also great fro using STRAVA... although battery life could be a problem on long rides.... For those situations I carry chargers. safe Rides!
Safety and music! That's my kind of comment.
One legal option for cyclists who want to listen to music or podcasts while riding is a headphone that in no way diminishes what other sounds you hear. The company Aftershokz makes bone conduction headsets where the sound from the headphones enters your head through bone conduction leaving your auditory canal completely open. I especially like that they wrap around the back of your head - no strap over the top - so there's no problem wearing them with a helmet.
That is interesting. I wonder if law enforcement would consider that a legal option. Have you had any experience talking to them or getting pull over with them in your ears?
DFTA (Don't Feed The Animals) Not while cycling, but I also use them occasionally in rental cars that don't have a Bluetooth radio. I REALLY like my podcasts! And I have been pulled over for "you can't drive with headphones" - twice! Both times the police let me go without a warning once I demonstrated that they in no way diminishes my ability to hear other sounds. One if them wrote down the company name and model, saying he intends to buy one to use when he's bicycling!
Does any of this apply to Tennessee? Thanks for any info.
This is mostly California, however, I do have a "Bicycle Law in All 50 States" series. Those include Tennessee on each of the laws discussed. Btw, random fact about me, when I was a child, I had a 50 states puzzle map and for some reason Tennessee was my favorite state. I do not know why, but I used to put a 'cape' on it and call it super Tennessee. :)
1000th like😁
You are The Master! :) My first video to reach this milestone! Thank YOU!
@@ShermanSitter No, thank you for making these quality videos😁🤟👍
Regarding music: For my bike, I have a very small BT speaker that I can carry on my backpack when I´m using one.
And when I´m drivin a car, I have to lower the music volume even to park. Music is just a distraction when driving.
That's why I've always loved the IconX and Galaxy Buds ambient sound...
Nice job very informative video
Thank you for the nice words! I am really happy this video has reached so many people. I would love it if everyone who used a road saw it! :)
I love how all the car drivers (anti cyclists) are having a right moan in the comments about paying tax . Well your car weighs in excess of 2 tons so you are rightly charged more to use it . Your car causes far more damage to the road surface and you cause pollution .Those are the reasons why you are taxed . Not to mention the traffic you cause, the stink in the air, the daily deaths to pedestrians you cause . You are the liability .
This is a great comment and good analysis you have made. I am curious about this phenomenon as well. To address these questions, I have begun a series on the social psychological aspects of 'car vs bicycle'. You might find it interesting. I have 2 episodes currently up and will be added weekly. The 2nd and 4th are probably the most relevant. Here is the playlist if you are interested: ruclips.net/p/PLFOOfdNQa2zteDZZED-loSpz6SSxLtCDE
I was thinking about all the subsidies given to cars today.
1. It takes a lot more material to make a car depriving future generations of that We have taken their right to those materials.
2. The car consumes fuel in use depriving future generations of that. We have taken away their right to fuel.
3. The car takes air, including my air, and pollutes it letting the damaged air enter my property. They should be required to keep all their exhaust fumes inside their own house rather than asking others to deal with it.
4. The car creates noise which also invades my property. Again they should keep all their noise including tyre noise, inside their own homes.
5. Cars create many different types of health problems that have to be paid for via taxes. Including by non car drivers.
6. The road must be made both thicker and wider to cope with cars than it would need to be for bicycles.
7. Cars are driven on public land. MY land. They pay no rent to use this space.
8. The road must be made a lot smoother to cope with higher speeds.
9. The corners on the road must be made broader to cope with higher speeds. All these points means that the expensive road is paid for, in part, by those who are not using it. A subsidy.
10 Cars can have an accident and speed away. The identity of the driver is masked by the glass and the metal. So cars are registered which costs money. Hence a tax to pay for that.
11. When cars hit unprotected people they cause major damage so cars are required to carry insurance to cover the risks that they are creating. ( If I hear of a whole lot of trucks being driven over and the drivers crushed to death by cyclists I would also advocate cyclists paying an appropriate insurance fee )
12 when finished with cars represent an enormous pile of waste to be disposed of. This leaves a problem for the future.
13. By their speed and general lackadaisical operation roads are filled with cars that dissect cities depriving the rightful users of the roads their freedom of movement on foot or otherwise.
If you have read all of these you would be aware of why we have so many car drivers. The deal given to them is that they pay only a small fraction of the total costs of the operation of their vehicles. A complete and total BARGAIN ( for them anyway ).
smitajky - Thank you for the thorough, thoughtful, and constructive post. It is important not to succumb to the negativity that you and I both encounter daily. Here are a few more points I would add to your list:
1) Most bicyclists also have a car. I have a car that has gone 300 miles last year. That means I subsidize other car drivers' insurance. The lowest mileage braket is 3500, so in effect, I'm paying for someone else's premium.
2) I pay license, registration, and all other costs. Again, subsidizing roads and car-related expenses as well.
3) Businesses often validate parking, but only for cars. This is encouraging car driving and bicyclists get nothing.
This has inspired me to create a new top 10 list of car subsidies. Look out for that sometime in 2018! :)
Seb K plus to drive a car on a roadway is a privilege and bicycling on roadway is a u.s protected right in constitution. That's why bicycle list don't need insurance . Or half to pay to use the roadway. So really they shouldn't be complaining. And NY is exactly same bike laws. Allot of drivers don't no. So cops are great at informing them
My view on this is a little different. I'm a cyclist in Australia, and I often get the 'you don't pay registration' comment as a catch all to be abusive to cyclists. Whilst I agree with what you said Seb, I go with the 'it doesn't matter whether I pay rego or not. The law says I don't have to, so respect the law. If you don't like the law, petition your local member to have the law changed. Until it is, respect that cyclists have a right to use the road.' How many car drivers would pay rego if they didn't have to? If they didn't have to pay rego, can these drivers honestly think they would say "Oh, I use the road. I'm not mandated to pay it, but because I use the road I'll just pay extra money to the government because I think I should". NOBODY would say that. We don't have to pay rego, so we don't. That's the way the system is worked out. Don't like it? Do something to get it changed. In the mean time, share the road safely.
Execelent instructions. As someone who hasn’t owned a car in 39 years, (Sagemaya Dandi, former competitive cyclist) I think this very well put together news piece should get a grant to be shown in every elementary school in America. I see parents instructing their children to ride bikes on the sidewalk. The MOST COMMON cause of death to bicyclists occurs from riding a bike from the sidewalk into the street. Rode with Kent Bostick (U.S. silver medalist in Atlanta) and Todd Gogulski (U.S. A-Team cyclist and current color analyst for ESPN’s coverage of the Tour de France.
Thank you for the great post! I am proud to hear such praise from a professional cyclist. I also just read your WordPress post. I can see that you understand things on a level that most people do not and are taking action to make changes. If only I knew how to get such funding and publicity. I would love to not only educate America, but also to help them understand the other perspective. I think people just don't know or believe what the world could look like. They have forgotten, as you said in your blog post, that it took 100 years to get where we are, so maybe it will take 100 years to fix it, but the path to mending the situation is worthwhile and more achievable than people think.
No car in 39 years that's awesome!
Can I get your autograph?
Excellent video,all bike riders need to know this information,it could save your life an it's important to respect these laws.Need to look into Florida laws.Also we should all wear Helmets regardless & don't go cheap/look for MIPS/ldl protection etc.Thanks for the info.
I needed this comment, thank you! (It was a rough commute today while trying to follow these laws.) I completely agree with your helmet comment. I say never go cheap with bicycle equipment, it is still a fraction the cost of a car and people don't blink twice to spend thousands of dollars there. On the Florida note, I do have a series that covers "All 50 States". You might find that useful...except the helmet episode, which you have covered! :) Thanks again for the support, it's comments like yours that keep me motivated.
Helmets are a personal choice
Cool the cheap always becomes expensive-actually deadly!Will check out all 50 States-Ride Hard & Smart- Peace
Sharing the road goes both ways. It's a simple respect thing.
I want to support your comment since I see you are a (motor) cyclist and probably can relate. The issue with relying on respect is that it is not sufficient to keep bicyclists safe. People always say "I didn't see you" when you are lying on the ground after being hit. Unfortunately, no matter who is at fault, it is almost always the bicyclist who will suffer. This is why I take the lane. It increases visibility (from both perspectives) and reduces collisions from parked cars, opening doors, driveways and alleys, and other unexpected hazards. In reality, West Los Angeles is just too crowded for cars to be a safe choice.
THE FOLLOWING IS HOW I STAY SAFE AS I RELATED TO THE WISCONSIN DOT.
as to safety: i always use the secondary roads and i never stop at stop signs 4 way or 2 . here is how i do it safely. lets do the 4-way stop-- when i'm within 45' of the intersection i fade to the center line so if there is a car they can see me and i them. if the cars is on the right i go way left and if on the left to the right this does two things: 1) it lets the driver know i see him and 2) that he has start up space. i've never had a car start on me. cars usually let me go first anyhow but this eliminates the indecisiveness.. if a car does start i can go behind it. i never do this without color. 95% of the time there is never a car there anyhow..//// you can facilitate this by marking 4 ways as such. the above amber-light radar system could be used here also. incidentally. your timing lights are a great aid in whether or how i cross. arterials thtis way
as to safety again: if i'm going to make a left turn and see an opening a few blocks ahead i'll cross to the left and ride agains. traffic. when i hand signal a left turn almost all approaching cars move towards the center line i only do this if i have colored gloves. ////if i'm on a country road with no traffic i ride on the left side therefore i do not worry about having cars behind me for the same reason i use the left lane on a boulevard if i forget my light i also do this. if a car comes at me i either left signal again or stop and get off the road, or go to the right lane
When the laws of physics begin to impede your progress, cite the vehicle code 21202, that should work.
Haha, yes! We can turn to Newton's First Law of Motion: Cars blocking each other want to keep blocking each other. Bicyclists moving past them want to keep moving past them. :)
Pennsylvania does not allow bicycles on sidewalks.
Thank you for the clarification! Btw, I do have a "Bicycle Law in All 50 States" playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLFOOfdNQa2zt0BOx_OQzJeGKty1Stc09i
For Pennsylvania, I had "yes- with exceptions" referencing this law: 75 Pa. Cons. Stat. §3508 (yield to peds give audible signal, not in business district unless permitted by control devices or when usable bicycle only lane is available)
Sometimes local and city laws can override this, perhaps this is the case where you live...or the law has changed since the time I made the video?
i ride with head phones at night/early morning @ 2:00AM it take off the creepiness of the woods at night with no street lights but not so loud where i can still hear my gears change
That is "sound" advice. :) I'm still too scared though not to have my full faculties when I ride!
Interesting video. Here in northeast PA, we don't have a lot of issues with cars and cyclists sharing the road too often. Frankly, our roads are so poor here, you'd have to have your head checked if you rode in anything less than a tank. We have a much bigger issue with pedestrians hitting cars. Yes, you read that right . . pedestrians hitting cars.
When I DO see a cyclist, it seems like cars and rider share the road nicely. I always hold my breath though, because as I said the roads here are awful, and you can never tell when a pothole or debris may take a rider by surprise. Plus, car mostly park on the roads here, so cyclists have to pay real attention to side-view mirrors. Still, I think vehicles share the road nicely.
My biggest wish with ALL drivers and riders is to pay attention to stop signs, stop lights and yield signs.
You sound like a great driver. I wish people drove like you out here. As a bicyclist in the city, there is not always an option to push a button (if you are in a turn lane, for example) and sometimes you just don't trip them. Thus, according to vehicle code, they become like stop signs. I know what you mean on stop signs though. I rarely see car drivers stop completely at them. If they do, they stop well past the limit line. If only our pedestrians were as tough as yours. :)
I'm glad to hear there's another place where cars and bikes seem to get along. I usually have a great time riding on the East side of Las Vegas. Drivers seem to treat me well, let me take the lane when necessary, and seldom complain about my riding. In fact, I often have friendly conversations with drivers stemmed from questions about my bike, my lights, their car (I love classics), and riding in general.
Dominic F Graziano do you live in an area with no bike lanes??? Because it seem like in my home town that everyone was sharing the road all perfectly fine, before the cyclist lobby had a bike lane put in then everything went south, near car to car near misses increased and then we got people cycling against traffic and blowning yeild and stop signs and red lights, and areas that never had a traffic jam have traffic jams now, was wondering if any body else noticing this???
I found out at least here in Eugene if a cyclist is visible and follows traffic laws cars pay more attention
Thank you for the comment and perspective from the North. I agree that visibility is KEY! Of course, down here in Los Angeles, they don't pay attention to anything except for what's happening inside their cars!
I want add most cyclist don't think of visibility and many car drivers don't look out for anything but other cars.
Yes and YES! One of the reasons I give for taking the lane is in areas in which your visibility is obscured by parked cars. Do you use daytime lights? I know that is growing in popularity and they say it helps.
Oftentimes in the Netherlands you only see cyclists and nothing but cyclists, so far for visibility.
When I first moved to Texas (from CA), it took me a while to realize that bikes here are considered speed bumps.
Haha! I actually laughed out loud when I read this. But also, I am sorry for the situation you are in. I do have a "Bicycle Law in All 50 States" series that covers Texas, but I'm guessing the existence of laws is not the main issue.
DFTA (Don't Feed The Animals) - I’ll watch that soon! Thanks! 😎
LA drivers aren't generally friendly to anyone. Texas has great cycling areas and bad ones.
Big Ring! Funny coincidence I was actually thinking about some of your great comments yesterday, and now here you are! :)
I love your green hair!
Haha! Yes! That's what happens when you don't have enough space between the flood lights on the green screen and your shooting mark. :) Either that or I'm just a big fan of Dr. Seuss.
I know a guy who got stopped for speeding on his bicycle. He was preparing for one of those long distance bike races.
That's amazing! I have to say, anytime I see a 25 mph speed limit I push a little harder. :)
Well, its also much easier when your on a pretty big hill like he was. :)
great job..........!
A standard width lane is 11-12 ft wide, to be wide enough to share a lane must be at least 14 ft wide. A shoulder and a bike lane are not the same thing. Bicycles may ride on shoulders. An improved shoulder is a paved area to the right of the main travel lane. It is not considered part of the roadway. Motor vehicles may use the shoulder to stop, park, to accelerate before entering the main travel lane, to decelerate before making a right turn, to allow another vehicle to pass or to avoid a collision.
You are quoting LA DOT. Are those applicable in LA only?
Good question! When LA DOT said "any lane can be a bike lane" they were referring to CVC (California Vehicle Code). There is a "taking the lane" episode in the "Bicycle in All 50 States" series. (I have a playlist for that on my channel) You can check that out for any state within the USA. The problem, as your question points out, is there are so many jurisdictions that can make laws and so little awareness of the laws even from law enforcement it is difficult to know for sure what to do. State code is always a good place to start though, and theoretically it can be argued to supersede local code, but I wouldn't count on that in court.
In many asian countries the Confucian philosophy of responsibility with strength applies. Drivers are almost always at fault or at greater fraction of fault for hitting a cyclist and must pay large punitive expenses and medical or funeral costs. Likewise cyclists are almost always at fault for hitting pedestrians and must pay huge expenses. That doesn't mean the weaker party can't get a ticket, but the responsibility for harm still falls mostly on the the person wielding the dangerous power. The burden for the driver is did they drive in a such a way as to be able to avoid causing death even in the event of a cyclist behaving erratically. Essentially unless the accident was truly unavoidable with any remotely reasonable driving (short of staying in the driveway) then it's the driver's fault. I think they go a little too far, but there's something to it.
Thank you for the thoughtful comments. I think they also have this law in Norway or Netherlands. Not sure which country. Which ever is bigger is at fault. I could see how many would say it is too extreme, but the consequences are so much greater. This is why many states have the 'vulnerable road user' clause...which is an upcoming video in my Bicycle Law in all 50 states series, which can be found here: ruclips.net/p/PLFOOfdNQa2zt0BOx_OQzJeGKty1Stc09i
I appreciate your effort. I'm afraid if you really want the most hateful drivers to watch you might need to click bait them with "cylist gets instant justice" and start with some example footage that could be viewed different ways depending on your disposition. Still though, I'm surprised how many drivers are watching.
Anyway, what I think you would find with those laws is that it's much more likely that pedestrians will deliberately or at least belligerently cause accidents with cyclists (the law and culture are related), than that cyclists will with cars. On narrow paths it is usually impossible to pass pedestrians at a distance that is safe if they decide to just step straight into you,r path unless you slow down to 5 mph for every pedestrian. The result is pressure to use roads instead.
I do debate on promotional strategies, but as you noted, I don't want to increase the "angry driver" viewership. As you noted, there seem to be plenty. :) I just want people to hear our perspective. Your comments help a lot with that. Thank you again for your support!
Cannot exceed 20 mph to be considered a bicycle. Yet pedal power can easily exceed 20 mph.
Yes, it is quite absurd. If anything should have speed limiters it should be cars!
thank you for educating all drivers.
u should do one for new york lol
Thank you for the suggestion. That was actually my thinking for creating the "Bicycle Law in All 50 States" Playlist. I took a single law and colored in maps of the US to show what form of the law they have or have not adopted. There are currently 10 of them up and at least 1 more on the way! Here is the link: ruclips.net/p/PLFOOfdNQa2zt0BOx_OQzJeGKty1Stc09i
You should have it in the description that this is for California and not all the United States.
Yes...and I have many European viewers now! This was early in my development. There are many laws that apply to other places here but you're right the vehicle codes referenced are CVC. To address this, I did create an "All 50 states" series you might like: ruclips.net/p/PLFOOfdNQa2zt0BOx_OQzJeGKty1Stc09i
I was just in a bike /van accident and the driver of the van did not look both ways I was riding on the sidewalk when his van took me into the street and down I went and my left arm went under his back wheel, as of now I have a fractured left wrist and right clavicle, the police gave me a ticket for riding on the sidewalk when the street is a major 2lane road going 50-60 KM I am going to fight the ticket in court, the good part I am expecting from his insurace $140,000 from a lawyer that has summied this week
this is so upsetting. I am glad you will be compensated for your injuries and damages. thank you for sharing the story. we probably just need a separate infrastructure to truly be safe.
For state of Washington, see: RCW 46.61.750 through 46.61.780. (Link: app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.61.750)
Thank you for the post! in addition, people all across the US can check out my new series: Bicycle law in all 50 states - ruclips.net/p/PLFOOfdNQa2zt0BOx_OQzJeGKty1Stc09i
I avoid bicycle "trails" as they are usually congested with people walking abreast, strollers, little kids (walking and riding bikes) who dart all over the place, dogs off leash, dogs on leashes extended out 10-20 feet, skateboarders, etc. A good portion of these people have an earphone in both ears.
There is a marked bicycle lane on the road in front of my condo complex. During the winter (Nov 1 - through April) parking on the roads in town is prohibited as doing so blocks snow removal. The rest of the year cars are parked in the bicycle lane and can't be used by bicycles. Why designate a bike lane if it is always occupied by cars? The other side of the road doesn't have a wide a shoulder and is a no parking zone, so the narrow bike lane is not blocked.
I feel your pain. I wish there was an answer. I think the sticking point is people just don't want to make societal change if it impacts their car lifestyle. They do not see the world we see and the potential.
In mn we only have to stop at a red light and look if no one is coming then we can go. We can also ride in the lane as much as we want.
Yes! Btw, I did cover Minnesota in the "Bicycle Law in All 50 States" series. I realized after this video was up for a while that I was starting to get a wider audience, so I had to expand! :) Thank you for the information for those who pass by the comment section here.
Thank you . i knew it was LEGAL to ride on the sidewalk
Yes, people try to tell you lots of things, but very few know all the applicable laws. Not necessarily even their fault as there are so many and it is so complicated. (U-turns are by far the worst for this) Depending on where you live, you might also like this video also sidewalk laws, but for all 50 states: (there may also be municipal code, however, to make things more complicated!)
ruclips.net/video/Ctv0n7UUiPo/видео.html
I'm sorry to hear that. :( On the flip side, in Los Angeles, it is the residents who are making City Council take away bicycle infrastructure. (and succeeding through threats of law suits and legal action) We actually have better politicians than people here, how sad is that?!
Depends on location.
Steve K - YES! Check out the link in my response above. The All 50 States series covers the broad strokes, but as you probably know, you have to look at municipal code and even community code as well. It's really overly complicated unfortunately.
Why are these laws so confusing? Why can’t they be understandable by a regular 3rd grader
Agreed! Law makers always do that. It is more for their protection than ours often. I hope that this video has at least spread some awareness.
Is it illegal to smash off both mirrors of a car whose driver does not use mirrors?
It is illegal to smash the lens of the lights of a car whose driver does not use signaling?
The most importand car vs bicycle law is !
Do everything you can to avoid a Car versus Bicycle incident !
Laws have little value after a Car versus Bicycle incident !
When you hear your bones breaking , and your brains are leaking out on the road !
Cars have the right of way !
Maybe not altogether legal but still !
YES YES YES! Thank you for this comment. I do agree and your common sense law is paramount. I guess I hope to also educate car drivers of these things so they will understand the rights bicyclists have at least on paper and understand how big and dangerous they are.
Yes ! Good Video !
I live in tawas city Michigan and I've been coming home from work after closings and I've been having the highway to myself so I've been riding in the center of the road because there's not much of a bicycle lane
That's great! We definitely don't have that luxury in Los Angeles! :)
So I can ride on the freeway with my 9tooth lol
haha! yes! For me, it's not that much scarier than riding in Los Angeles streets! It just feels eerie because you know where you are. :)
is there any new laws i should know about goin into 2020
That is a great question! I should do some research on this. A few off the top of my head to look out for are changes to electric bicycle laws and stop as yield. For example, about 5 states now have stop as yield. I do have videos some where in the archives on this. (for example: ruclips.net/video/6UAK_WEQkQ8/видео.html
, ruclips.net/video/V_OWU83Etyw/видео.html
) It is sometimes called the idaho stop, which is where it originated. Also, the ebike laws for California have changed, but that was back in 2015 and 2017. (see this video: ruclips.net/video/VVW51w-H1jE/видео.html) This is a good suggestion and I will look into it further!
@@ShermanSitter awsome thanks for the info !! 🙏👍
Only way you could avoid any accidents let car driver see you.
YES! "See and be seen" is one of my mottoes! (Is that how you spell mottoes? why do i think mottos? youtube spellcheck disagrees) :)
Sometimes people wear both ear buds to stay away from angry drivers i know cuz i do it
Yeah, it's so brutal out there. I wish cars weren't so big and people didn't get so frustrated, but this is our reality for now.
Hey I went throw all your channels but I don’t see you talk about Ga laws and rules but you do mention about some of the southern states laws
Hi, I'm sorry you didn't find anything. Did you try the "Bicycle Law in All 50 States" Playlist? I don't talk specifically about each state, but the maps are color coded so you can see where each state falls on each law covered.
DFTA (Don't Feed The Animals) that the first one I went too. But it don’t tell indept of the laws and rules
@@jeffreyngo9097 I see, yes it is difficult to cover everything. I'm sorry it was not more helpful.
Just moved to Florida, and will be getting my bike sent down from NJ soon. It is amazing how many folks have issues with cyclists in bike lanes, clearly marked as bike only lanes. I am trying to discover trails and learn the rules for Florida. Does begging for a trucker to let me hide behind them count if there is a gator in the road?
I cannot image what my reaction will be when this happens. Should NASA not launch a rocket, it might be me!
Definitely hide behind the trucker! As far as drivers go, I feel like the more bicyclists like you are out there, the more we inspire others and increase our mutual visibility. I'm excited for your reunion with your bicycle!
I am working on my health, and biking is part of my plan. I really wish we could get the amazing Lumma system of ligthing up cyclists here: the more visible we are, and the more we obey the traffic laws, the better off we are. :)
I've *never* seen a gator in the road. Ever. Maybe in more rural areas this happens but it's rare in built up areas.
It's rare here (NC) as well; although when it does happen, it usually makes the local news (depending on the size of the gator and how long he/she blocks traffic, lol).
Just please ride single file ,STAY to the right,OR EAT COAL YOU ARROGANT FVCKS!
What state are these laws from?
Good question! They are mostly CVC (California Vehicle Code). I also have a 'bicycle law in all 50 states' playlist here: ruclips.net/p/PLFOOfdNQa2zt0BOx_OQzJeGKty1Stc09i
If on a side walk this laws don't mean shit your just like a pedestrian
Good point! Thank you for the clarification. Sidewalks are so dangerous anyway since you can't see around buildings and parked cars I prefer to avoid them when possible.
Great video but I have a simple solution to your earbud problem I use a Bluetooth speaker to listen to my music while riding my bike or excepting phone calls
Thank you for the comment! That is a great solution!
hi my name is andy i have question for u so i have electric bike and i want to uae the road like when i want to go left and right so i can take the road right
Hi Andy. I'm not sure I understand the question, but the law for electric bicycles are a bit more complicated. If you are in the USA, I have a video that describes the three classes. However, in general, it is best to ask your local law enforcement authorities as state, local, and other laws vary greatly.
Ok can u send the video bc I want to ride on the road like car do like if u want to turn left and right bc am scared that I might hit by car but if u don't understand me then let me know
U there
@@andypark4950 Andy, I think you should speak to a local traffic officer. However, no matter what, you must always be careful and getting hit by a car is always a risk. Each situation is different, and there are signs and laws that may be very different in each situation, so it is impossible to give complete absolute statements. Where do you live? (what country or state?)
@@ShermanSitter ok but can I talk to u
I make a habit to park in the bike lane. Haha
Haha! It's a good practice since 95% of the population won't care...until it impedes a car driver. :)
A cyclist cannot know a car is turning right (crossing the bike lane) unless they start using their signals. They also must look over their right shoulder to make sure a bike (in the bike lane) is not there.
Yes! Car drivers don't understand how important signals are. I wish they did. Thank you for the comment!
Is there any mention of when bikes block lanes to traffic while riding in groups? I.e. When or how they should let traffic pass? Especially when there is a large discrepancy between speed limit and bike capacity.
Good question! This is almost enough to do a whole video on, but: for California, there are some relevant laws. 1) Bicycles are a vehicle according to CVC, so they do have the right to the lane in these cases identified in the video. 2) General passing laws apply. For example, just as a slow moving automobile or engine powered vehicle drivers must pull over (when safe) when there are 5 or more vehicles behind them, so does a bicyclist. Technically, the faster moving vehicles are required to go slow behind the bicyclist until there is a safe place to pull over. If there is another lane, they can pass and whichever is slower should be in the right lane. 3) CVC specifically states that bicycles must use the roadway like any other vehicle, but "may" used the shoulder if desired. These laws only apply when there is not enough room to ride side by side in the lane of traffic. However, it is important to remember that the bicyclist may see hazards, bad roads, etc, that are invisible from a car driver's view. Thanks again for the great question!
when it comes to listening to music... car drivers do it all the time, even to the point of being distracted and killing cyclists... what one truly needs is a rear view mirror. this allows one to check the rear during the scanning of road traffic, obstacles which happens continually...
but, I will have to admit that when I listen to music, I use the right earbud and leave the left open for hearing traffic.
The information in this video is specific to one area, and may not be applicable to your location. Check your local laws. They vary by country, state, municipality, and sometimes county.
Thank you for posting this! Since this time I've expanded to cover "Bicycle Law in all 50 States" as you might have seen, but I still haven't gotten to the rest of the world...yet. :) I would also add that even within municipalities there are areas, such as college towns and such that have even more specific laws. They don't make it easy!
Do these bicycle laws apply to electric skate boards, like the boosted board?
Good question! The short answer is no. The longer answer: CVC defines an "electrically motorized board" (like an electric skateboard) as distinct from a “motorized scooter” (more like the scooters with handlebars that are currently popping up everywhere). CVC for motorized scooters mirror to a great extent that of electric and normal bicycles, however, there is not much attention given to the former (electric skateboards). The electrically motorized boards section also has a few more limitations like you can only use it on a street with a limit less than 35 mph. Also most of the laws are much more recent so there may be more coming soon. I think I'm going to research this more and do a video on it. I can see a lot of people having the same question. Thank you for asking!
DFTA (Don't Feed The Animals) Thank you for the reply 👍
In the Netherlands, the normal thing to do is having headphones when cycling. The infrastructure is just that save.
Meanwhile I rode in West LA in constant fear for my life. :( I am jealous, but also happy that the Netherlands was bold enough to stand up to car culture in the 1970s. They have benefited ever since. (hint, hint, USA...)
I don't think listening to music while on a bicycle is very wise, even in the Netherlands. By the way using a mobile phone while cycling is prohibited by a very recent law.
@@petertraudes106 everybody does it though. I've never seen somebody crash because they couldn't hear a car. Also, when driving a car you also don't hear everything, but then it is fine for some reason...
@@Arlae_Nova ieder zijn meug
5:03 I think there's a clear reason, wouldn't want someone to open the door when they are trying to get out of the car after parking near the bike lane and seeing you scrambling for the brakes.
Its better as you don't have to be trapped between the kerb and the car but instead only have the car on one side and the open road on another.
Unless there's a better solution, this is the best we have at the moment.
I agree with your description...but I think the better solution is to not have the car there at all. We don't allow cars to park in a normal traffic lane where there is moving traffic, so I'm not sure why they should be allowed to park in any traffic lanes? Seems just like an oversight due to the lack of consideration for non-car traffic.
Get a license plate and purchase insurance on the bicycle or stay the hell out of the road! If you are going to ride a bicycle on the highway you should have to meet all the same requirements as any other vehicle that travels the road.
It sounds like you have had a lot of frustration in your commute, perhaps you live in an urban area with congested traffic. I think the main issue with your proposal is that children are a large portion of bicyclists. Also the bicycle is so different from a car it is difficult and arguable impossible to govern them by the same rules. If it is any consolation, you might be interested to know that most bicycle commuters have a license and registration, and also drive a car. In fact, I pay full price on all of the above, have insurance, etc and only drive my car about 300 miles per year. Therefore, bicyclists in most cases actually subsidize car drivers, lower their insurance premiums, and save on road repairs for the entire city. You actually are inspiring me to do a video about this. In fact, there is a spot on a local bikeway where there are some car parking spaces. That is the only spot (about 200 feet in about 20 miles of the bikeway) in which there is road decay, and they aren't even driving, just parking and turning around. The bikeway goes from smooth to super rough just in that one spot where the cars park. I hope that helps ease some of your concerns. Thank you for the comment!
This highly educational video is crying for a more lively and appealing imagery. Think Keurzgesagt for example.
I completely agree. Thank you for the compliment. Just the fact that you think the information is worthy makes me feel good. Incidentally, I've done some animation for the channel and have even included it in a few videos, but I just don't have all the tools and staff that they have. I wish I did. Do you know any animators interesting in donating some time? :) I really should figure out a way to make this happen.
wonder how much coffee this guy had..... his eyes are SO big!!!!!!!!! O.O
Haha! Yes! No coffee, just genetics. They come in handy when I'm in traffic! 8)
Daniel Cutright haha
Bike can take the lane. BUT can't be a vehicular hazard (ie, going too slowly for normal traffic/posted limit). That's what all-too-many holier-than-thou bike enthusiasts "forget".
Yes! Fortunately in West Los Angeles, the average speeds for bicycling commuting are greater than that of cars, so here we have the holier than though car drivers! :) That's why I always say its a human issue, not a mode issue. When you break it all down, people are the issue, not the vehicles. (though cars are problematic for large, crowded cities)
The limit you speak of is a maximum limit. It means you can not exceed that limit. It does not mean you have to drive/ride as close as you can to the max limit.
Here is my opinion. I'm not going to say I'm a perfect driver but I do see that depends on the area that cyclists can be good or bad.
1) if everyone just keeps up will laws it's fine.
2) the street must repave streets to make new demand for cyclists. There is an issue since my area has traffic issues and yeilding becomes long.
I completely agree! I used to think that everyone could drive together, but now I realize that separation is the only long term solution, especially for the timid bicyclists mixing with aggressive car drivers. Thank you for the thoughtful comment and analysis.
DFTA (Don't Feed The Animals) I yeild for cyclists and got two warning for causing on going traffic. I said I can't switch and the other lane don't give a F. They are like it's job of both you and the cyclists in from. Is there a way to inform the cyclists in front of me when they are going too slow?
There are 2 parts to the answer here. 1) There is no easy way to get around this. Keep in mind that often when you are fighting for your life on a bicycle, you get angry at things that you shouldn't be upset about. After getting cut off or yelled at a few times, even a friendly honk may be loud and jarring and cause an angry response. (I've been there) I can only say, that it is much appreciated when you wait for a safe place to pass. I know it looks like the bicyclist is being selfish, and sometimes that is true, but often the road is bad, too narrow, or some other unseen reason they are in the lane. Sometimes, patience and some good music is the only answer! Second, thank you for the courtesy, unfortunately, the law does not reward this, hence the warnings. :( According to the law, and depending on the State you live in, you are often forced to wait behind them and the bicyclist does not have to yield until there are 5 or more vehicles behind. Even then, the slower moving vehicle isn't required to pull over until there is ample and safe space on the side, much like passing a loaded truck up a mountain road can be frustrating while you wait for that turnout. I do know how frustrating it is, as in West Los Angeles, the situation is often reversed, where the bicyclists are stuck behind cars. I have never seen a car pull over for me, and actually have received a ticket for passing on the left, legally. It's all very upsetting from both sides, and thus separate infrastructure is the only solution in my view.
Being Dutch, I don't envy your lack of human centric infrastructure.
I guess it will take a while before the car cult and the idiocy of vehicular cycling is overcome in the USA.
Yes! The Dutch have done incredible work on this front. We are all envious here, but I am glad you exist as an example of what is possible.
We are slowly stealing all the best Dutch Landscape Architecture ideas and melding them with our Combined Sewage Overflow solutions. It's past due and I still yell "NO" a lot at motorists who endanger cyclists (me).
Wim Ahlers as a cyclist from Houston Texas I have decided I have to visit The Netherlands once a year with my bicycle to remind myself there is some faith left in humanity. Attempted going on the Eurovelo 2 with my from Berlin to Amsterdam this year but cheated a little with trains :) used my fixed gear because flat enough and I have a connection with that bike although I wish I had the money to change wheels and tires from 23s to 28s. That cobble stone in those small towns in The Netherlands and Germany felt great lol at least the Eurovelo routes were pristine for the most part.
Wim Ahlers is it ok for a car cut or block you taking a left turn to work
Wim Ahlers
I admire you guys with bicycles. But think about it for a minute. The Netherlands' area is 16,000 square miles. The area of the United States is 3.8 million miles. Everything is far apart in the US. How do you get from point A to point B fast and efficiently? Going by bikes is not an answer here in the US.
I disagree on taking the lane. If a car needs to pass you then it makes it harder for him to go around you. Its is easier for a car driver to go around you if you are more towards the right of that lane .
Where do you live? In Los Angeles, the only way to pass when the bicycle is on the right side of the lane is to run them over.
@@ShermanSitter
We must be talking about 2 different things . You have a 4 lane road, 2 lanes each way. Why take the lane? Yes there are signs " bicycle may use full lane " . But your just antagonizing the driver.
@@recyclespinning9839 Where do you bicycle? Out here it is block or be killed. I've been hit 3 times when on the right side of the lane and zero when taking the lane. They will risk your life every single pass.
@@recyclespinning9839 also. by 'antagonizing the driver' we have to realize we are talking about 'legally using a road just like them'. it is not the bicyclists' fault they chose to use a dangerous, polluting, road destroying vehicle. ...but obviously, that's my perspective. :)
In the Netherlands in case of a collision between a motor vehicle and a bicycle the motorist is always liable for damages even if the accident is caused by the cyclist. Only exception is force majeur.
If every time someone said "in the Netherlands..." and I could replace it with "in Los Angeles..." we would be so much better off. I am wondering, how is 'force majeure' defined in practice in courts? Does it have to be completely unforeseen? What circumstances generally lead to this ruling?
@@ShermanSitter completely unforseen and completely unavoidable. Cyclists have a reputation for their eratic, anarchistic behaviour and motorists must adjust to that. Check videos amsterdam cycling and you will see what i mean.
@@petertraudes106 Thank you for the clarification. I know what you mean. I was thinking today as I used a hand signal and it saved the cyclist behind me from passing unsafely. I feel like the issues really come down to being human more than being a cyclist. In west Los Angeles, the car drivers seem quite anarchistic as well, its just they are bigger so they have less options by the nature of their form factor. :)
@@ShermanSitter The political descision to prioritize cycling over motorcars was made in the seventies of the last century. It was the result of a strong political protest movement against road unsafety (stop de kindermoord, stop murdering children) and a political protest movement to rethink urban development. It was a deliberate choice to revitalize and renovate the urban environment against the suburbanisation of the countryside. You call that in the USA urban sprawl i believe. The urban density plus mixing all sorts of activities in the same public space (work, housing, recreation no shopping malls but shops in the neighbourhouds) created an environment that allowed all sorts of short distance trips. These developments plus a focus on creating as much cycling infrastructure as possible made the Netherlands to the bicycle capital of the world. More than the 25% of all trips are made by bicycle.
The Netherlands is a very densely poputated country. In some urban eareas (notably Amsterdam) there is bicycle congestion. There is also technological innovation such as the introduction of the e bike, that permits the cyclist to cover greater distances with less effort. These bicycles have the potential to revolucionize comuter travel.
Last observation. Dutch cyclists almost never wear helmets, this is how confident they feel riding their bikes.
@@petertraudes106 Yes, yes, and YES! Sadly in the USA, we have the political momentum, but the people are too lazy to support it. They also don't understand or fully realize many of the points you stated. Sigh. I guess in the 1970s, we missed the metric system and a working urban plan!
I just purchased a bicycle because I can not afford a monthly car payment, however I have a 6 year old and in order to get us from one point to another I have looked into different types of attachments to carry him with me but riding it on the street scares me. Can we ride on the curb?
Great questions! First, if you are in the USA, you can find the state-level answers to riding on the sidewalk here: ruclips.net/video/Ctv0n7UUiPo/видео.html
However...there are many local laws about sidewalks and also potential dangers depending on the congestion level in the city. (e.g., buildings obscuring view of cars coming from alleyways) When possible, I prefer the street, but with children it could be too risky depending on the environment. Where are you located? How crowded are the streets and sidewalks?
It might be out of your cost range, but the safest route is probably a velomobile. This one carries up to 2 "small children" in the back seat: ruclips.net/video/t7MVDMxzrl0/видео.html
I am located in Monterey Park California and I live near a very busy freeway. They just added a bike lane on my street but I am so scared to ride with my son. Not because I do not trust myself but there a re many inconsiderate "bussy" drivers in my area that I have almost gotten run over just walking. Thank you I'll look at the link you shared
@@auroraperezolivares4828 This truly a dilemma. I really wish we didn't have to go through such great lengths to be safe. According to the law, you have a legal right to the road even if you have to take the whole lane (CVC 21202), but your concerns are valid and the law does not protect you against the impatience of car drivers. I would ride the route and trust your instincts. I would also contact your city office and let them know your situation. It may not help, but people need to know that parents like yourself do not have a fair and equal right to use the roads that car drivers get to use without worry. My dream is a bicycle interstate system. I see parents with children all the time on the Ballona Creek bikeway. If we had this, so many issues would be solved instantly. In the meantime, the struggle continues. Let me know how it goes and if there is any progress.
This breaks my heart. We need to change this. Bicycle should not be consider as a vehicle, We don't need a permit license to ride a bicycle but you need one to drive a car. This is not right!!! If Bicycles are considered like vehicle then permit should be required to ride a bicycle along with classroom instruction especially to teens / young riders that are prone to accident and don't have a driver license yet! SAVING LIFE MATTERS
Hello, and thank you for your concern. I hope this doesn't inflame you, but I can tell your comments come from a place of caring, but also ignorance. As a bicycle commuter, policy advisor, and social scientist, I can tell you several points that should assuage your concerns. First, in California, bicycles are not considered 'technically' a vehicle according to vehicle code. (you can see my bicycle law in all 50 states for more on that). But more importantly, these laws and the way it is designed actually increase safety and decrease the very thing you are concerned about. In fact, even the 'stop as yield' law that was recently vetoed by the governor 'for the children" was misguided and put them at greater risk according to all other states that have passed this vital law. Intersections are the key points at which danger occurs, but also, bicyclists NOT taking the lane is a major issue. Not only do the statistics bear this out, but every time I have been hit, it was when I was 'being courteous' and giving car drivers room to pass. In order to maintain maximum safety, you should take the entire lane. Car drivers do not like this, but it is the safest for everyone. Second, I have another video on license and registration, but this is a dangerous 'road' to go down. If we discourage the correct behaviors (riding a bicycle instead of taking cars everywhere) especially curbing these behaviors at a young age, we greatly increase many of societies issues including overuse of cars, contribution to oil wars and too many electric car batteries, damage to city roads, sitffling local business, the list goes on. The best thing we can do is to eliminate more cars, discourage their use, and increase the desire to take alternatives. Bicycling has been shown to be a net positive, even with injuries for health, and even psychological well being. Einstein even habitually rode his bicycle on the streets whenever he needed to come up with ideas as it even increases your beta waves for stimulated thinking. There are really too many arguments to make this a coherent comment :) but the short answer after all that is we should not stifle the usage of bicycles, but rather fix cars to be self-driving such that they recognize bicycles, and remove and restrict cars, not the other way around. To do it the other way is like fixing the bullied child at school (the bicycle), rather than controlling the bully. (the car) I hope somehow this helps. I realize I am just typing too much, but I would advise that you watch a few other targeted videos to learn more about why this statistically and even intuitively makes sense. Thank you again for your concern!
Two things: 1) I've personally been stopped by a cop while riding my bicycle and listening to ear buds in both ears. 2) Bicyclists (and motorcyclists, too) should not expect protection from the law if they don't/won't obey the law themselves. I see bicyclists run stop signs ALL the time, without even slowing or checking for cross traffic. These idiots are just fatality statistics just waiting to happen. (Oh, sure, these idiots help thin the herd, but still...)
1) YES! In my other video; I mention the "idiots" who listen to ear buds while riding a bicycle. (I actually am surprised you fall into this category, as I know you are intelligent and a thinking person.) 2) I totally agree, car drivers break just as many laws as bicyclists. As I mentioned in my videos, it's a human behavior issue, not a car or bicycle issue. I'm trying to educate, not take a side.
carl, do you break the speed limit when driving your car?
yes, he does.
Wow, tons of hate.
You might think those cyclists aren't checking for cross traffic, but I guarantee you they are. And I bet they're very good at quickly determining the physics of getting across that intersection without being hit by or hindering a motorist. Do you think they have a death wish? They are technically, legally wrong, but they are probably safer and almost certainly causing less obstruction to motor traffic by acting in this manner.
There are no laws for bikes other than just don't get squashed.
Very true! Unfortunately, car drivers disagree with this assertion! :)
You clean up prtetty good mate! Every cycler needs ot know the law just like every driver needs to know the law. Few drivers even know the law these days. They don't even think of bikes as vehicles! You can't turn left form the right side of the road unless you want to get run over, And riding on the shoulder will get you runover whenyou cross the intersection. They won't see you on the shoulder and you have no right of way if you are not on the road. I personally believe no bicycle should exceed twenty miles per hour. If you need to go faster get a car or motorcycle. I took the time to look up my states rules concerning bicycles and They must pass your bike with no less than three feet of clearance! Few will do that. I ride on a 55 mph road and I get off the road when cars come up behind men because I know they will pass wheter it's safe or not. I want to get where i'm going not the hospital! Aslo Adults are not required to wear helmets, but I wear one anyway. I know I'm going to get hit someday.
Thank you for the comment! Btw, I do have a newer (compared to this video) "Bicycle Law in All 50 States" series. You might find it interesting. Which is your state?