Do you take the lane in this situation? (Example pic included)
#27
Been Around Awhile
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Burlington Iowa
Posts: 29,950
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 1,517 Times
in
1,031 Posts
#28
Padawan
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 838
Bikes: Orbea Mitis Dama, Bridgestone Sirius, Cranbrook Cruiser, Cheap Mountain Bike
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 29 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#31
Senior Member
This. C) as long as I can see that the construction zone is clear, no one working in it, and the road still exists...
If the construction zone is actually impassible, no road, construction workers and equipment active in the construction zone, then I'd ride B) far right as practicable, maybe a couple feet to the left of the cones.
If the construction zone is actually impassible, no road, construction workers and equipment active in the construction zone, then I'd ride B) far right as practicable, maybe a couple feet to the left of the cones.
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 290
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I would never take the lane. In my experience, taking the lane is always more dangerous than not. It provokes dangerous overtakes and dangerous driving. I only take up the minimal amount of space for my vehicle of choice, and let it be up to drivers to judge if they can get past me or not. Never had a problem.
When I take the lane though, drivers are slowed down because of my low speed. The obvious big space that I am taking makes them angry and annoyed. They become extremely impatient. None of this in itself matters to me. But what happens next does; as soon as there is the slightest opening, they race around me as close as possible to get back at me. So for safety reasons, I would not take the lane in this situation or any other for that matter.
When I take the lane though, drivers are slowed down because of my low speed. The obvious big space that I am taking makes them angry and annoyed. They become extremely impatient. None of this in itself matters to me. But what happens next does; as soon as there is the slightest opening, they race around me as close as possible to get back at me. So for safety reasons, I would not take the lane in this situation or any other for that matter.
#33
24-Speed Machine
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Wash. Grove, MD
Posts: 6,058
Bikes: 2003 Specialized Allez 24-Speed Road Bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I would never take the lane. In my experience, taking the lane is always more dangerous than not. It provokes dangerous overtakes and dangerous driving. I only take up the minimal amount of space for my vehicle of choice, and let it be up to drivers to judge if they can get past me or not. Never had a problem.
When I take the lane though, drivers are slowed down because of my low speed. The obvious big space that I am taking makes them angry and annoyed. They become extremely impatient. None of this in itself matters to me. But what happens next does; as soon as there is the slightest opening, they race around me as close as possible to get back at me. So for safety reasons, I would not take the lane in this situation or any other for that matter.
When I take the lane though, drivers are slowed down because of my low speed. The obvious big space that I am taking makes them angry and annoyed. They become extremely impatient. None of this in itself matters to me. But what happens next does; as soon as there is the slightest opening, they race around me as close as possible to get back at me. So for safety reasons, I would not take the lane in this situation or any other for that matter.
Does this include them passing you on blind curves. Where you could become 'collateral damage', as a result?
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Oahu, HI
Posts: 1,396
Bikes: 89 Paramount OS 84 Fuji Touring Series III New! 2013 Focus Izalco Ergoride
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 285 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 74 Times
in
54 Posts
I'm also option C in most cases, as I find typical they block off much more area than needed for what they are actually doing. But if there isn't clear inside the cones, then of course you have to use the lane fully. But more often traffic is backed up and I am zooming inside the cones so have to be a little cool about merging into the lane since seeing a cyclist move faster than cars can be a trigger for some folks out there.
scott s.
.
scott s.
.
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eastern Iowa
Posts: 631
Bikes: 2014 Trek Allant drop bar conversion, modified Schwinn MTN commuter, 2015 Trek 520, Soma ES, Salsa Journeyman, 1980 Trek 414
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 178 Post(s)
Liked 355 Times
in
166 Posts
Take the lane to avoid any unnecessary swerving about further down the road, establish yourself as soon as possible.
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Greater Atlanta OTP NW
Posts: 146
Bikes: GT Traffic 2.0 w/ Blackburn Rack
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
A.
I always take the lane. You have to obey the cones, you are a vehicle and on the road. Where I live, it isn't legal to ride on the sidewalk. So, I just see it as an opportunity to educate confused motorists.
I always take the lane. You have to obey the cones, you are a vehicle and on the road. Where I live, it isn't legal to ride on the sidewalk. So, I just see it as an opportunity to educate confused motorists.
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Kent Wa.
Posts: 5,332
Bikes: 2005 Gazelle Golfo, 1935 Raleigh Sport, 1970 Robin Hood sport, 1974 Schwinn Continental, 1984 Ross MTB/porteur, 2013 Flying Piegon path racer, 2014 Gazelle Toer Populair T8
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 396 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
Anything "could" happen with enough imagination. While there's a higher likelihood of encountering mozads imaginary motorist, the probability of an actual incident is just as remote as with your imaginary motorist.
There's no need for extreme actions such as entirely eschewing the lane for fear of angering someone, or aggressively taking over the lane in an attempt to make decisions for others.
Just use the lane like anyone else.
#39
24-Speed Machine
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Wash. Grove, MD
Posts: 6,058
Bikes: 2003 Specialized Allez 24-Speed Road Bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Are you guys related to DreamRider?
Anything "could" happen with enough imagination. While there's a higher likelihood of encountering mozads imaginary motorist, the probability of an actual incident is just as remote as with your imaginary motorist.
There's no need for extreme actions such as entirely eschewing the lane for fear of angering someone, or aggressively taking over the lane in an attempt to make decisions for others.
Just use the lane like anyone else.
Anything "could" happen with enough imagination. While there's a higher likelihood of encountering mozads imaginary motorist, the probability of an actual incident is just as remote as with your imaginary motorist.
There's no need for extreme actions such as entirely eschewing the lane for fear of angering someone, or aggressively taking over the lane in an attempt to make decisions for others.
Just use the lane like anyone else.
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Hudson Valley, New York
Posts: 481
Bikes: 2014 Giant Roam
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 84 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,960
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1359 Post(s)
Liked 1,658 Times
in
822 Posts
Depends on the situation, but I generally lean toward option C. The cone zone usually starts a hundred yards or more before they're actually working on anything, so I stay on the right side of the cones (hey, free lane!) until I get to the actual work, pop out for a moment, then dip back into the free lane. I'd definitely be to the right of the cones in that pic, there's a Prius right there in the near lane! Watch out extra for the Prius-- they sure as hell aren't looking out for you.
#43
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Kent Wa.
Posts: 5,332
Bikes: 2005 Gazelle Golfo, 1935 Raleigh Sport, 1970 Robin Hood sport, 1974 Schwinn Continental, 1984 Ross MTB/porteur, 2013 Flying Piegon path racer, 2014 Gazelle Toer Populair T8
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 396 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
Think about it.
#44
24-Speed Machine
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Wash. Grove, MD
Posts: 6,058
Bikes: 2003 Specialized Allez 24-Speed Road Bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I don't have a fear of angering a motorist. I could care less about their anger. I challenge you to define 'extreme' in this case. Because, What is extreme to you. Is a safety maneuver on my part.
#45
Senior Member
I'd stay in the right lane until I got to the 2nd cone then turn back to check traffic and signal that I was moving over. Then I'd take the lane but would ride as fast as I could until I passed the work then move to the right side of the cones if possible.
#46
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Kent Wa.
Posts: 5,332
Bikes: 2005 Gazelle Golfo, 1935 Raleigh Sport, 1970 Robin Hood sport, 1974 Schwinn Continental, 1984 Ross MTB/porteur, 2013 Flying Piegon path racer, 2014 Gazelle Toer Populair T8
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 396 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
Mozad says he won't use the lane at all because he's afraid of the possibility of an aggressive pass.
My point is you and mozad represent the two extremes of a whole range of choices, all with potential benefits and liabilities.
As none of us are familiar with the location, or the OPs abilities, we can't say for certain what the best answer is, and its irresponsible to suggest such uncompromising extremes are unassailable solutions.
#48
24-Speed Machine
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Wash. Grove, MD
Posts: 6,058
Bikes: 2003 Specialized Allez 24-Speed Road Bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
By your many, many accounts, you take the lane in an aggressive manner to control what motorists do because you fear the possible unknown.
Mozad says he won't use the lane at all because he's afraid of the possibility of an aggressive pass.
My point is you and mozad represent the two extremes of a whole range of choices, all with potential benefits and liabilities.
As none of us are familiar with the location, or the OPs abilities, we can't say for certain what the best answer is, and its irresponsible to suggest such uncompromising extremes are unassailable solutions.
Mozad says he won't use the lane at all because he's afraid of the possibility of an aggressive pass.
My point is you and mozad represent the two extremes of a whole range of choices, all with potential benefits and liabilities.
As none of us are familiar with the location, or the OPs abilities, we can't say for certain what the best answer is, and its irresponsible to suggest such uncompromising extremes are unassailable solutions.
My only deference to the OP's situation. Prior to even posing the question, is the changing of lanes. That is aided by the visible construction cones. The only aid apart from an on-street marking. When I was almost hit last year in a local merge lane. Is a sign saying the merge lane ends.
#49
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Kent Wa.
Posts: 5,332
Bikes: 2005 Gazelle Golfo, 1935 Raleigh Sport, 1970 Robin Hood sport, 1974 Schwinn Continental, 1984 Ross MTB/porteur, 2013 Flying Piegon path racer, 2014 Gazelle Toer Populair T8
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 396 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
One may use the lane as a cyclist rather than always taking it over entirely as if they are a motorist with equal or better results depending on conditions.
When are you going to understand all choices come with benefits and risks, and quit trying to con others into believing you have it all figured out, and that there's one best way to approach all circumstances?