SUN CITY – The summer is in full swing, and that means that bicycles are out in force. Therefore it is imperative for motorists and cyclists alike to be extra aware of each other out on the roadways. Sun City resident John Wronski of N.36 has been president of the Bike Club since January of this year.
“Bicycles should ride with traffic [on the right side] . . . [the same applies when riding on the] sidewalk,” said Wronski.
According to the Rules of the Road 2011 edition, “Drivers must yield the right-of-way to a bicyclist just as they would to another vehicle . . . . [Furthermore] when passing a bicyclist, motorists must do so slowly, and leave at least three feet of passing space.”
Three feet of space certainly sounds like quite a wide berth, so Wronski simply asks, “Move over a little to the left without crossing over the line . . . . We want to share the road.”
Driving on roads with cyclists is always a little nerve racking, especially when approaching an intersection. Luckily the Rules of the Road highlights exactly what motorists are to do when encountering that particular situation.
“When a motorist is turning left and there is a bicyclist entering the intersection from the opposite direction, the driver should wait for the bicyclist to pass before making the turn . . . . If a motorist is turning right and a bicyclist is approaching from the right, let the bicyclist go through the intersection first before making a right turn.” (Rules of the Road)
“We are always [on] alert [for] cars,” said Wronski.
Common sense dictates that motorists should always signal their intent to turn. The same applies to cyclists.
“[We] stick our arm out [left or right so motorists] know which way we are going to go,” said Wronski.
Bicyclists and motorists will always have to share the road, so it is imperative to always be on alert. Follow the Rules of the Road, and make a habit of the good behaviors that Wronski employs. For more information, an Illinois Bicycle Rules of the Road booklet is available at your local Driver Services facility or at www.cyberdriveillinois.com. Keep your eyes open, and stay safe out there.
