Single-file Subarude

Topics of this blog will cover both planned topics as well as ones based on my own recent experiences. Regarding the latter, I’ll be addressing the issue of single-file riding and passing today. While heading back from the market today, my roommate and I started out riding side-by-side. We pulled up behind a line of cars going slower than we were, so were not obstructing traffic flow in any way. Pulling onto another street, the same slow car turned and was going slower than my normal speed. The driver behind me followed far too closely and intermittently revved his engine. He eventually raced by once we turned from behind the truck and there was a shred of space but I caught up to him at the next stoplight (advice to drivers – this happens much more often than you might expect, so don’t be surprised when you suddenly have an upset cyclist outside your window). I asked him to be a little more patient and considerate next time and give some space, particularly because I wasn’t the one slowing down traffic. His only reply was that my friend and I were riding side-by-side, which isn’t allowed.  There are two glaring problems with his argument: 1) it’s not true, 2) such an “offense” isn’t justification for unsafe behavior.

Expanding on point 1 – that his whole argument is invalid. To start with, we weren’t riding side-by-side for the majority of the time he was following me. Second, CA vehicle code says that bicyclists should stay as far right as is safe, but only in certain cases, none of which applied in this case. Most importantly, we were going the same speed as traffic. Also, traffic lanes here aren’t more than 14 feet wide and there are many driveways and cross streets where right turns could be made.  All of these mean we had every right take the lane and don’t have to ride single file, the necessity of which is never even explicitly stated in CA vehicle code, only implied by the requirement to ride to the right as far as safely practicable.

As for point 2 – just because you’re annoyed that we’re “in your way” (which we weren’t even in this case) it doesn’t justify your unsafe, rude behavior. You’re driving a multi-thousand pound car; I’m on a 25 pound bike. Give me a little space, especially since you’re not going anywhere even if you pass me since I’m not the one slowing things down. A good rule of thumb: be an adult. Just like any other situation, a little bit of knowledge and courtesy toward your fellow human beings goes a long way. Instead of only justifying his unsafe behavior with inaccurate accusations, this motorist could have said, “Hey, sorry, I could have given you more space. Also, I felt like you could have ridden single-file back there”. That’s how communication works; you acknowledge the other person and then respond.

In conclusion, a little courtesy goes a long way on everyone’s parts. In this case, I stopped at stop signs, signaled my turns, did everything right. There was no excuse for this motorist to put me in an unsafe situation. Before you lash out (and this goes for everyone – cyclists, motorists, pedestrians), check that you actually understand the law you’re using as an excuse for your poor behavior. In this case, the motorist was not only tailgating me (prohibited under CA vehicle code), but was also harassing me, for which I could take them to civil court thanks to recently passed changes to Berkeley city code. We’re all just trying to get where we’re going safely; give everyone a little space and respect.  Have a great weekend all - get out and ride!