Comments on: Higher (Bike Safety) Education http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2011/06/higher-bike-safety-education/ Building a culture of walking and biking in northwest Vermont Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:25:38 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: John http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2011/06/higher-bike-safety-education/comment-page-1/#comment-6482 John Sat, 04 Jun 2011 13:35:41 +0000 http://www.localmotion.org/blog/?p=1879#comment-6482 As you suggest, Forester's thoughts on vehicular cycling are incredibly helpful for a large amount of cyclists, however I feel that following his advice in every circumstance is a foolish game to play. Here are my thoughts in the above scenarios: 1. I'd position to stay in line and wait. You'll avoid any unforeseen dangerous obstructions ahead and as an added bonus; drivers will appreciate your respect for the situation. 2. No, I don't think so. Though, I think it's fine to walk your bicycle through a crosswalk. 3. If there's a bike lane, and my trailer could easily maneuver to the intersection; I'd ride to it. However, if I couldn't make it to the intersection (due to narrow bike lane, or traffic blocking the lane); I'd position myself in the lane behind a vehicle and wait my turn. In general, I think that experienced (and somewhat fast) riders can use Forester's advice in most situations. However, in snow, or with trailer, or just learning, etc, scenarios that do not allow for keeping a momentum consistent with traffic flow; a cyclist has to use her own judgement for best course of action that situation. As you suggest, Forester's thoughts on vehicular cycling are incredibly helpful for a large amount of cyclists, however I feel that following his advice in every circumstance is a foolish game to play. Here are my thoughts in the above scenarios:

1. I'd position to stay in line and wait. You'll avoid any unforeseen dangerous obstructions ahead and as an added bonus; drivers will appreciate your respect for the situation.

2. No, I don't think so. Though, I think it's fine to walk your bicycle through a crosswalk.

3. If there's a bike lane, and my trailer could easily maneuver to the intersection; I'd ride to it. However, if I couldn't make it to the intersection (due to narrow bike lane, or traffic blocking the lane); I'd position myself in the lane behind a vehicle and wait my turn.

In general, I think that experienced (and somewhat fast) riders can use Forester's advice in most situations. However, in snow, or with trailer, or just learning, etc, scenarios that do not allow for keeping a momentum consistent with traffic flow; a cyclist has to use her own judgement for best course of action that situation.

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