A reminder about bike-riding rules

To the editor:

Warm weather and high gasoline prices mean lots of bikes on the roads again. Let's review the rights and duties of bicycle riders.

During the bicycle craze of the 19th century the first law for bicycles came from New York in 1896. Laws for cars were copied years later from this law. Bike riders led the push to pave roads in America in the early 20th century. Bikes are now classified as vehicles in all 50 states.

Duties of bike riders include: when a bicycle is not going the same speed as the flow of traffic, ride as far right as practicable (not possible). Three other legal exceptions are avoiding debris, overtaking other vehicles and preparing to turn left.

Bikers can ride two abreast, but many cities prohibit riding on the sidewalk. Bikers have a duty to ride with average skill and caution. Bikers do not have to stop at intersections but use caution and yield.

Motorists have a duty to be careful when overtaking bikers who have the right of way. Most states require at least 3 feet or room, and motorists may not cause a biker to lose control (Kentucky Supreme Court ruling). Buzzing closer is harassment or assault, depending if the cyclist fears for his life.

Our bike path is a wonderful asset and gets lots of use. We need more paths and really need separate bike lanes marked on roads that lead to the bike paths. Painted, striped, 6-to-10-foot-wide lanes would separate bikes from car traffic.

ANDREW WALKER, Cape Girardeau