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February 2004, #17
Share the road...
“Share the Road” signs have proliferated over
the past decade, reminding cyclists and drivers alike that
there are many users on our roadways and that they all have
an equal right to access on the road.
A point where all users appear to be falling down in their
shared responsibility when using the roadway is the signaling
of intentions. Whether it’s a car or cyclist that is
turning left or a pedestrian hanging out at the corner of
an intersection, it is extremely important that the other
users know your intentions before you make a move so that
they can safely and adequately prepare for them. A large number
of accidents are caused by confusion on the roadway.
Cyclists will relay numerous stories of cars that make quick
right turns from the left lane next to a bike lane directly
in their path with out signaling. Automobiles have the right
to enter the bike lane at a corner to make a right hand turn.
When doing so they must act as if they are entering another
full vehicle lane. That means signaling, looking and yielding
to cyclists who are in the lane. Signaling lets other drivers,
cyclists and pedestrians waiting at the corners know that
you are going to maneuver to the edge of the street. It is
important to point out that using a bike lane to pull around
a car making a left turn in order to continue driving straight
is not legal or safe. Not only does it endanger cyclists and
pedestrians, it also confuses traffic traveling in the opposite
direction and can tie up the intersection.
It is equally important for cyclists to clearly display their
intent by using hand signals. In California, right turns may
be made by extending one’s right hand perpendicular
from their body or by making “an el” with the
left arm, fingers pointing directly upward. As with cars,
pedestrians, other cyclists and drivers all benefit from knowing
the intentions of a moving bike.
Pedestrians can also make travel less stressful by taking
care as to how they treat the curb. It is nearly impossible
to tell the difference between a pedestrian waiting to cross
the street with a friend and a person waiting for the bus
or standing talking to a friend. People waiting to cross the
street should announce their intention by standing at the
curb, while those engaged in non-street crossing activities
should stand back. This will let drivers and cyclists know
what you intend to do.
All of this becomes even more important in light of the “system”
that our transportation travels under. When we can accurately
predict the behavior of other users, we can make quick and
proper decisions without causing confusion in the process.
In turn, this cuts down on congestion and collisions.
So next time you step out of the house, remember: Share the
road.
Jeff Swatman is the Alameda Police Department Traffic
Sergeant. If you have questions regarding pedestrian/bicycle
safety, please call him at 748-4508 extension 3342. John Knox
White and Audrey Lord-Hausman work with Pedestrian Friendly
Alameda (www.pedfriendly.org)
and BikeAlameda (www.bikealameda.org).
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