Most states classify bicycles as "vehicles", and therefore bicyclists as "drivers" of vehicles. Practically what this means is: car rules are bike rules.
If bicyclists are so different from cars and pedestrians, why do the laws that apply to cars also apply to bikes? Well, mostly for good reason. Chaos would ensue if the rules governing bicyclist behavior differed radically from the rules governing cars. But, there are some car rules that really shouldn’t be bike rules, and there are some rules that are probably better suited for bikes.
Because here's the thing: biking is on the rise. Several reports indicate that the share of bike commuting is increasing, and the more we learn about emerging demographic preferences the more we should expect that increase to continue. We are entering an era where biking and walking are increasingly important parts of the overall transportation picture, but we’re behind when it comes to establishing the rules, norms, and etiquette that will help the different modes work together. Work together in ways that are safe for all, efficient for all, and pleasant for all.
So what can be done to increase bicycling and motoring accord? A few new rules might not hurt...
[See the rules by clicking through to the original story.]
FULL STORY: Bike Rules
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City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research