Where to ride when there is no lane?

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Permalink Reply by h' 1.0 on December 14, 2012 at 10:36pm

Illinois law says that you should ride "as far to the right as practicable".

Chicago ordinance goes a step further and states that you should also yield to all other vehicles at all times.

That means if someone on a skateboard or a vespa or a pogo stick comes up behind you, and you are in their way, you need to let them pass. Usually if you have the ability to levitate about 8 feet up in the air,  that's the easiest way, but most of us look for some bushes to dive into.

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Permalink Reply by h' 1.0 on December 14, 2012 at 10:38pm

Also, here's your resource, courtesy of CDOT:

http://chicagobikes.org/bikelaws/?show=chicago

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Permalink Reply by Connor Sullivan on December 14, 2012 at 11:12pm

Thank you! Now i know why the fellow on stilts was so pissed at me yesterday!

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Permalink Reply by Bill Savage on December 15, 2012 at 12:05am

Seriously, though, you should be practical.  Dearborn north of the River does indeed have a lane on the left side, so get over there (on a three-lane one-way street!).  But for the most part, you should indeed stay to the right, out of dooring range, on most streets.  Main thing: do what you feel safe doing. But also: look at what other cyclists are doing.  If you're the only rider on the right along Dearborn north of Chicago Avenue, well, that's a hint to get over to the left into the bike lane.  Do what feels safe for you.

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Permalink Reply by April 5.3 mi on December 15, 2012 at 2:54am

Also if you are going to make a left turn on a one-way, it's fine to start merging toward the left side of the street, the same way a car does.

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Permalink Reply by Fran Kondorf on December 15, 2012 at 10:55am

h- Bushes are for wimps. I prefer a dramatic car hood lunge and roll.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Schneider on December 15, 2012 at 1:04pm

Also, for your own safety, signal all your turns and lane changes.  Most drivers don't actually want to kill you, and will cut you a little slack if they know what you intend to do.

Bill Savage said:

Seriously, though, you should be practical.  Dearborn north of the River does indeed have a lane on the left side, so get over there (on a three-lane one-way street!).  But for the most part, you should indeed stay to the right, out of dooring range, on most streets.  Main thing: do what you feel safe doing. But also: look at what other cyclists are doing.  If you're the only rider on the right along Dearborn north of Chicago Avenue, well, that's a hint to get over to the left into the bike lane.  Do what feels safe for you.

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Permalink Reply by April 5.3 mi on December 15, 2012 at 1:19pm

+1 !!!

Jeff Schneider said:

Also, for your own safety, signal all your turns and lane changes.  Most drivers don't actually want to kill you, and will cut you a little slack if they know what you intend to do.

Bill Savage said:

Seriously, though, you should be practical.  Dearborn north of the River does indeed have a lane on the left side, so get over there (on a three-lane one-way street!).  But for the most part, you should indeed stay to the right, out of dooring range, on most streets.  Main thing: do what you feel safe doing. But also: look at what other cyclists are doing.  If you're the only rider on the right along Dearborn north of Chicago Avenue, well, that's a hint to get over to the left into the bike lane.  Do what feels safe for you.

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Permalink Reply by Connor Sullivan on December 16, 2012 at 12:59am

Thanks for all of the replies. I will stick to what I am conformable with!

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