Can bicyclists pass on the right?

donkeybucks · Mar 11, 2007

Can't seem to find a definate answer on this.

This bicyclist almost got hit today by my car because I was about to turn into my culdesac and he passed me on the right going fast, he swerved, looked back and started yelling. I flipped the ****** off and he got on his cell and acted like he was calling the police saying shit like I was making an illegal turn or some dumb shit.

True, I did not use my blinker, but the posted speed limit in our Association is 15mph. He was going way beyond that and just as I was to turn, he passed me on the RIGHT.

If bicyclists are to follow the same traffic rules as motor vehicles, then shouldn't have he passed me on the LEFT?

He was not in a bike lane.

Anyone here savvy with bicycle laws?

xpanda · Mar 11, 2007

Hard to pass you on the left if you don't use your signal, no? If you were driving straight, the cyclist would stay on the right ... so if you don't signal your turn, makes it hard for the cyclist to realise he needs to go around you.

The speeding thing is something different altogether.

donkeybucks · Mar 11, 2007

He was not in bike lane,and in a bike lane you are allowed to pass motorists on the right.
Now, if he is to obey traffic laws like a motor vehicle, he should pass on the left since he was not in a bike lane. No?

xpanda · Mar 11, 2007

I dont' think so. I'm not 100% sure, but I can think of plenty of times where I was slowed or stopped in traffic and a cyclist came through on the right. Didn't think anything of it. I would think it could be quite dangerous in many circumstances for a cyclist to go around to a motorist's left, unless it was clear the car was turning right or was at a complete stop, parked practically.

I also have to think the laws could vary from state to state or province to province. (I'm in Ontario.)

donkeybucks · Mar 11, 2007

I guess one had to be there.

At least no one got hurt.

Presto · Mar 12, 2007

Legally, I don't think so especially in the absence of a bike lane. Will you ever see a cyclist ticketed for it? About as often as a Cubs championship.