RCW 46.61.770 states "Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a
rate of speed less than the normal flow of traffic at the particular time
and place shall ride as near to the right side of the right through lane as
is safe except as may be appropriate while preparing to make or while
making turning movements or while overtaking and passing another bicycle or
vehicle proceeding in the same direction." If you happen to drive a red
Jeep and are referring to a downtown incident on 6/12, a bicycle can easily
coast to a stoplight at the same speed as any motorized vehicle. And safe
in this context refers to the safety of the cyclist. The safest and most
appropriate location for a cyclist changes depend ing on location and type
of roadway. Additionally, it states "A person operating a bicycle upon a
roadway may use the shoulder of the roadway or any specially designated
bicycle lane if such exists." That is "MAY use the shoulder or bicycle
lane" and not "MAY ONLY use the shoulder or bicycle lane". I think the
primary reasons for cyclist/motorist conflict is when cyclists ride
unpredictably or "appear out of nowhere". I'd be happy to meet and discuss
the issues. I ride past that location each weekday at about the same time.
Bring your bike and we can have a coffee summit somewhere. Also, motorists,
we need your input. What do you dislike most about cyclists?
