Bike Laws in Phoenix? (Scottsdale: law, dangerous, legal)

[KarmaPhx]

Can you legally ride your bike down a busy street in Phoenix/Scottsdale?

There is this group of guys who ride down Camelback in the mornings, they ride in the right lane, but no where near the curb, you cannot pass them without going into the other lane, they are endangering themselves and other drivers.

Can they legally do this without a bike lane?

[Robert A]

Yes, it's legal. It's only dangerous if drivers don't pay attention, pass recklessly, or if the cyclists ride more than two abreast - though on a busy road, single file should be the norm.

[locoenlacabeza]

Yes its legal but they have to obey the traffic laws as if they were a car.

The ones that drive me insane are the ones that pick and choose which laws they want to obey and which they don't. You are either a bike or a car- pick one and stick with it!!

[dinolux]

Originally Posted by KarmaPhx

There is this group of guys who ride down Camelback in the mornings, they ride in the right lane, but no where near the curb, you cannot pass them without going into the other lane, they are endangering themselves and other drivers.

That statement just terrifies me. Treat cyclists like a car - you wouldn't pass a car in the same lane. There are people who try to pass cyclists all the time without moving to a new lane. It's extremely dangerous.

I don't know the exact laws in the Phoenix area, but in general cyclists are treated like regular vehicles - they follow the same rules and guidelines. Unfortunately, a lot of drivers don't treat them as a car...that's when serious accidents can occur.

[KarmaPhx]

Originally Posted by dinolux

That statement just terrifies me. Treat cyclists like a car - you wouldn't pass a car in the same lane. There are people who try to pass cyclists all the time without moving to a new lane. It's extremely dangerous.

I don't know the exact laws in the Phoenix area, but in general cyclists are treated like regular vehicles - they follow the same rules and guidelines. Unfortunately, a lot of drivers don't treat them as a car...that's when serious accidents can occur.

Why should I have to slow down to 10-15mph just so some dude in spandex shorts can ride in my lane?

If they want to be treated like a car, then they need to go the same speed and follow the same laws. If not, and they get hit, that's their problem.

[twiggy]

I wouldn't ride in Phoenix. It's just a death sentence. We are car dominated here. I don't know anyone that bikes in city, they know the deal..........*o*

[Robert A]

Originally Posted by KarmaPhx

Why should I have to slow down to 10-15mph just so some dude in spandex shorts can ride in my lane?

If they want to be treated like a car, then they need to go the same speed and follow the same laws. If not, and they get hit, that's their problem.

Righteous indignation aside, the law disagrees. They're entitled to the same roadway even at their speed of travel (in other words, they are following the same laws). It's your legal responsibility to slow down and pass safely.

If drivers pay attention, then it's no more than 10 seconds of inconvenience.

[Finger Laker]

bah - if they aren't able to travel a safe speed they shouldn't be in a busy street ....... at times you have to take responsibility for putting yourself in a stupid and dangerous situation

if I had a busted down jallopy that only went 15 mph I wonder how long I could cruise around town before getting pulled over for having an unsafe vehicle - even if the only problem with it was the maximum speed

personally i'd do what I would do to a slow car ........ blast them with my horn and then pass

[fcorrales80]

LOL, you guys are @sses. I mean that. People ride their bikes in the right lane down Central Ave. all the time. No one honks at them or passes them dangerously because it is illegal to do so. Once again, driving is a privilege that we share with one another. Riding a bike (considered a "motorized vehicle") has the same right of way as a car, actually more, just like a pedestrian. You can't hit a pedestrian because he isn't crossing legally, as pedestrians ALWAYS have the right-of-way. The burden and privilege of driving a heavy projectile also comes the responsibility to ensure your safety and safety for others; especially those that are more vulnerable to injury from your vehicle.

[Finger Laker]

it is not illegal to blow your horn at someone

driving is a priviledge

so is riding your bike on the roads

they must obey the rules of the road

it's not a one way street

once again - try riding around in your car going nothing but 15 mph for a week and see how long it takes before a friendly officer comes and have a chat (if you don't get ran over first)