Dear Bicycle Board members,
Sam Stone's letter to the editor in yesterday's (Sun 7/13, p. 1-D) prompted me to write the following. Thoughts?
Byline: New Laws Governing Bicycling
You must slow down and allow at least 3 feet when passing a bicycle. Bicyclists may ride in the middle of a narrow lane. These WV laws became effective last month. (17C-7-3, 17C-11-5)
For decades, the law has said that bicyclists have the same rights as motorists and must obey the same laws. (17C-11-2)
According to the American Association of State Highway Traffic Officials, a road must be at least 15 feet wide for a car to safely pass a bicycle without leaving the lane. None of the lanes around here are that wide.
When overtaking a cyclist, wait until the road ahead is clear and change lanes to pass. That might cost you a few seconds but could save a life.
Frank Gmeindl
Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board
Sam's letter is attached. BTW, Sam is the BB's legal counsel.
Frank D. Gmeindl LCI #1703 491 Wilson Avenue Morgantown, WV 26501 304-376-0446 Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles