Knoxville drivers: How to pass a cyclist
Entry updated May 22, 2008 at 9:16 a.m.
UPDATE: I've amended a sentence referring to Knoxville planners not allocating shoulders or lanes for bicyclists. It now puts the onus on county, city and state planners. Also, I was made aware that new and expanded roads must include room for bicyclists due to the 2002 Bicycle Plan's accomodation policy.
Cycling season is well underway now that spring has sprung in Knoxville. But that doesn't necessarily mean it's safe to venture out on the area's roads willy-nilly.
Many Knoxville drivers are ignorant of how to share the road with cyclists. This is a brief lesson on how to pass a cyclist safely.
And with gas prices rising on what seems to be a daily basis, this information will be increasingly relevant for everyone.
I've been a cyclist for almost 15 years, and during that time I've had more than a few close-encounters with errant drivers that seem to have no clue about how to operate their vehicle. This isn't specific to Knoxville -- I've lived in many Southern cities including Bristol, Tuscaloosa, Roanoke, Boone, among others -- though the city perks with bad drivers.
Bad form in passing cyclists is among the worse offenses I've noticed as of late. And it's not that hard, really.
The approach
A driver should always slow down when approaching a cyclist or a group of cyclists. It's hard to hear approaching cars, especially in a head-wind. Despite this fact, you don't need to beep your horn to alert the cyclist. This only seeks to spook us, which could cause an accident in itself.
Once positioned behind the cyclist -- don't follow too closely -- patiently wait until there is ample room in both your lane and that of on-coming traffic to pass.
Be advised that the cyclist should be given at least a quarter of the lane to ride (more if there is a group). Cyclists hate to ride on the shoulder of the road not only because it gives cars reason to muscle them further off the road, but also for the many broken bottles, metal shards and other debris scattered there.
Also, city, county and state transportation engineers for this area rarely provide adequate road shoulders (or bike lanes) for that matter.
The pass
The actual passing of a cyclist can be a little hairy depending on the road, and level of on-coming traffic. Use good judgement in all situations.
I suggest drivers only pass on straight stretches of road because you can't see on-coming traffic on bends or curvy roads. You'd think this is common sense, but I've seen many, many drivers come close to a head-on collision because they don't wait to pass until it's safe.
Honestly, it's not worth your life, the cyclists', or that of other drivers' to save a few seconds.
Knoxville has its share of mountainous roads, which makes this a valuable point to remember for locals.
In the process of passing the cyclist, give them a foot or two of space but not the entire lane. We expect the car to be close and will ride accordingly. Swerving into the next lane or passing within inches of the cyclist is bad form.
If you make a move to pass, but then decide against it because of an on-coming car, simply apply the brakes and duck back behind the cyclist. Do not under any circumstances assume that the cyclist will run off the road for you because you made an error in your judgement.
Cyclists are not protected by hundreds of pounds of metal and airbags. We have a helmet and thin clothing -- pavement hurts folks.
If you run a cyclist off the road, they have a legal right to report your vehicle to the police. They can also sue you.
Again, it's not worth saving a few seconds to pass a cyclist unsafely.
More information and resources
The Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization has put together some great resources on cycling, including a PDF of Knoxville traffic laws relating to cyclists. It's also worth checking out the other information listed on their Web site.
Honestly, much of this should be basic review for most folks that studied for their drivers' license but it's always worth reviewing.
The most important thing to remember is that a cyclist has a legal right to use most roads for transportation just like drivers. Respect everyone on the road, and feel good that you are doing your fellow man/woman a favor.
If you have any questions about proper etiquette for sharing the road with cyclists, please post a comment on this entry or contact me directly.
10 comments
I'm going to be cycling to work on the good weather days, now that I can't afford to drive.
I've seen plenty of people passing on curves as well, which makes you hold your breath! I can almost understand the driver's frustration though, if it's something like Old Walland, though. It's the unofficial cycling trail and it means you're going 20 mph for about 15 minutes. I know I've wanted to pass several times on that road, but it's death waiting to happen.
Patrick - great post. I rode to work last week, and on my way back I almost got picked off, not once but twice! I'm pretty sure both drivers were texting or using their phones. Stay safe.
@Amber
The narrow, congested roads around Knoxville certainly promote driver frustration. The Cedar Bluff group ride I do each week often causes some driver/cyclist conflict on Northshore Drive.
I think as long as cyclists and drivers give each other room and respect on the road, everyone can co-exist.
@Gavin
Glad to hear you're riding to work as well! What route do you take?
Great entry and much needed. I don't cycle myself but I can imagine it is precarious at times in this city. My girlfriend wants to get a moped for riding to work but I have done everything to discourage it. It's tough because we're both committed to the environment but I simply do not trust drivers in this city.
Just this weekend I encountered a pack of riders (what constitutes a peloton?) on curvy country roads while driving. Yes it took a while to pass. Ans yes it was frustrating at first. But it isn't worth my life or the lives of the cyclists to save a few minutes. And it turned into one of those little unexpected experiences in life where you slow down (literally and figuratively) and just let go. You let go of the normal mundane driving experience. You loose focus on the task of traveling from point A to point B and you notice things about your surroundings you may normally be in too much of a hurry to notice. Has that house always been there? I've never noticed that line in this song. I wonder how much that piece of land would cost? Would I like cycling? It's got to be tough on your rear at times.
The next time I come across a rider or group of riders I'll look at it as an opportunity to take in the world around me and revel in the respectful interaction between two sometimes disparate groups.
@Jeremy
You might have gotten behind a group I was in! :)
The group rides that meet around Knoxville can consist of 10 or more riders in a pack. We usually ride two abreast, and stick to the back roads to avoid traffic.
Unfortunately, if you drive the back roads it can be a little tricky to pass. But as you mentioned it can be a nice moment to slow down and take in your surroundings.
Most cyclists will move over to allow a car to pass. They don't like being tailgated in the same manner as drivers don't like being tailgated!
3 feet is the official minimum distance to give a bicycle when passing in tennessee. www.tennessee3feet.org most people can do this with out even crossing the centerline- the average street lane in knoxville is wider than most people think. that being said, i've had a few sideview mirrors brush my arm.
@ck
The roads I often ride are definitely not conducive to the three-foot rule -- especially with the SUV-driving crowd.
Great post, please continue promoting cycling in Knoxville, rules of the road, places to look out for cyclists etc...Good stuff!
I used to ride in Boulder and Denver, making the transition back to Knoxville has been tough...I need to get back on the bike.
There was a really good article written by a member of the Kingsport Bicycle Association in the Kingsport Times News about bicyclist responsibilities and rights on the road. Also, he followed it up with one about pets and bicycles that was interesting.
@BCKnoxify
Thanks yo!
Knoxville doesn't compare to Colorado by any means, but that give you an out riding. :)
@Tobert
Pets + bicycles = fur in your gears, which isn't a good thing.
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