INSIDE THIS ISSUE
MAY 2016
It’s the Law TCSD Events TCSD Contacts Board Members
TRIATHLON CLUB OF SAN DIEGO
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Member Profile Weekly Workout Calendar New Members Sponsor Spotlight
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TCSD Conversation Coach’s Corner Tri Travels
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TriNews
IT’S THE LAW: By Richard L. Duquette. Esq “Where
CLUB MEETING Special Guest:
JIM VANCE Wednesday May 18th Location: FunctionSmart Physical Therapy 10803 Vista Sorrento Pkwy
DUATHLON Saturday, May 14 Location: Great Western Loop
POTLUCK Monday, May 16 Location: La Jolla Shores
AQUATHLON Thursday, May 26, Location: La Jolla Shores Check the Club’s website, Facebook page and/or Yahoo group forum for the most up to date activity details.
should I ride?” is a question I am frequently asked. Legally, bicyclists have all the rights and duties of a motorist when riding on roadways (Vehicle Code §21200(a)); however, there are specific laws as to where on the roadway a bicyclist should ride.
Marked Bike Lanes
DO I CONTROL THE TRAFFIC LANE?
Obviously, if there is a marked bicycle lane, a bicyclist is arguably required to ride within the bicycle lane and in the same direction as traffic. Vehicle Code §21208(a) only allows a bicyclist to move outside the bike lane under four conditions: n When overtaking and passing another bicycle, vehicle or pedestrian within the lane or about to enter the lane if you cannot safely pass within the bike lane; n When preparing to make a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway; n When reasonably necessary to avoid debris or other hazardous conditions; n When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized (for example, a right turn only lane and you are proceeding straight). If you must leave the bicycle lane under any of
these circumstances, that maneuver must be made with reasonable safety only after giving an appropriate signal if any vehicle may be affected by your movement. If no vehicle is affected by your movement, it can be argued no turn signal is required. (See my article entitled “When is a Turning Movement Illegal” for a brief summary of the law relating to Vehicle Code §22107.)
No Bike Lane
Where there is no marked bike lane, it is most important for motorists and bicyclists to share the road. A bicyclist is required by Vehicle Code §21200(a) to “ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway” except under the same four conditions listed above. continued on page 16