Let's share the road responsibly

[porqui]

But it is the general rule of the the road that all vehicles must keep as far left as possible, so as not to obstruct the free flow of traffic.

 

This claiming a lane while on a bicycle sounds to me like a bit of darwinism at work...

 

Define "general rule of the road"

Nowhere in the law does it say "so as not to obstruct the free flow of traffic"

It does emphasize "when it is safe to do so" in many instances.

 

 

Did you know that it is illegal for cyclists to ride to the left of the yellow line but as a general rule we do so (?)

[dirtrider]

This little poem should be made a sticky topic !!!!!!

 

 Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old 

he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. 

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, why life isn't always fair, and how, on occasion, maybe it was my fault. 

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children are in charge) . 

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition. 

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they themselves failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin, sun lotion or a sticky plaster to a student; but could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. 

Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar can sue you for assault. 

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. 

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by three stepbrothers; I Know my Rights, Someone Else is to Blame, and I'm a Victim. 

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing. 

Author unknown 

[EmptyB]

"Cyclists have a right to claim the lane".....said no motorist ever in the history of cars!!

[RocknRolla]

These are always such fun topics.

 

I'm gonna end my participation by siding with Dirt Rider on the "common sense is not so common" side. And perhaps leave the darwinists to interperet the rules of the road as they see fit.

 

I am clearly not reading the same rules of the road as the other participants of this thread.

[carbon29er]

Obstuction of the freeflow of traffic could be deemed as inconsiderate, therefore making it illegal.

You do not understand the law.  Nowhere in the Traffic Act is inconsideration taken into consideration.  A slower moving vehicle cannot be considered illegal because it is obstructing the freeflow of traffic.

 

Unfortunately a big part of the problem cyclists face on the roads is that motorists have no idea that cyclists have as much right to be on all roads as motor vehicles do. Except freeways.  And that cyclists do not have to ride in the gutter. But they do seem to be aware that cyclists must not ride two abreast.  Which happens to apply to cars too: You may not overtake a vehicle that is overtalkng another vehicle.

[Duane_Bosch]

Rode up Chappies on Saturday and saw about 10 cyclists wipe their collective arses on a request by the guy at the roadworks stopping point for the cars to go first. A little consideration from our side would go a long way...

THIS!!!! A few weeks ago I rode up there on my motorbike and the cyclists JUST WOULD NOT make way. So we were forced to burble up that stop & go stretch at 12 kph behind ALL of the cyclists.

 

I'm not surprised most road users hate us.

[RocknRolla]

You do not understand the law.  Nowhere in the Traffic Act is inconsideration taken into consideration.  A slower moving vehicle cannot be considered illegal because it is obstructing the freeflow of traffic.

 

Unfortunately a big part of the problem cyclists face on the roads is that motorists have no idea that cyclists have as much right to be on all roads as motor vehicles do. Except freeways.  And that cyclists do not have to ride in the gutter. But they do seem to be aware that cyclists must not ride two abreast.  Which happens to apply to cars too: You may not overtake a vehicle that is overtalkng another vehicle.

 

Consideration while using the road is taken into consideration.

 

I do however understand that my use of the work "illegal" in incorrect.

I shall edit my post to read unlawful.

[RocknRolla]

Click Me

 

Specifically point 64 of Chapter 11.

[Odinson]

You do not understand the law.  Nowhere in the Traffic Act is inconsideration taken into consideration.  A slower moving vehicle cannot be considered illegal because it is obstructing the freeflow of traffic.

 

Unfortunately a big part of the problem cyclists face on the roads is that motorists have no idea that cyclists have as much right to be on all roads as motor vehicles do. Except freeways.  And that cyclists do not have to ride in the gutter. But they do seem to be aware that cyclists must not ride two abreast.  Which happens to apply to cars too: You may not overtake a vehicle that is overtalkng another vehicle.

 

Section 64 of the NRTA

 

64. Inconsiderate driving

 

No person shall drive a vehicle on a public road without reasonable consideration for any other person using the road.

 

Carbon, irrespective of what any legislation or regulation says, when you're out on the road, it only takes one inattentive, drunk or spiteful motorist to turn you into a mincey red smear on the road. 

 

Thus, use your smarts and ride in a way that minimises the risk - don't expect motorists to look out for you. 

[Tubehunter]

What rights do you have when you are dead?

 

Being right and doing the right thing are not equals!