Comments on: Socially conscious commuters? Or law-flaunting demons from hell?

By: The nail that stands out « Bikinginla’s Weblog

The nail that stands out « Bikinginla’s Weblog — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:26:28 +0000

[...] written about it before, notably here and here, in response to some letters that were recently published in the L.A. Times. And I’m [...]

By: Darren

Darren — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:56:19 +0000

As a person who uses a bicycle as my primary mode of transportation it is frustrating to encounter drivers with such selfish perspectives. Is it not possible that some cyclists live in Nicols canyon and are riding out of necessity, not simply for pleasure? If so, imposing a ban on cycling would prevent those people from getting to and from their homes. It isn’t cyclists that are causing congestion on the roads it is the motorists who take up the same amount of space as four or so cyclists. The only solution to congestion is to choose alternative modes of transit.

By: bikinginla

bikinginla — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:42:23 +0000

Actually, that’s the whole point. Under most situations, cyclists and drivers have exactly the same rights and responsibilities. Aside from a highway, where you can go, we can go. But riders and drivers need to work together to share the road. Talk to your council person or neighborhood organization, and see if you can start a dialogue on ways both can coexist safely and peacefully.

By: David

David — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:23:56 +0000

It sounds like the cyclist has more rights than us motor vehicle operators.
I don’t like the situation but there doesn’t seem much I can do about it.I’m just glad there are speed bumps on Nichols Canyon.We used to have on occasion a motorcycle cop stationed at Courtney and Nichols Canyon during the rush hour to catch speeders and those who don’t stop at the stop sign but I haven’t seen him lately.

By: Alex Thompson

Alex Thompson — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:41:57 +0000

Found it. Section 21 in the basic framework of the code: 21. Except as otherwise expressly provided, the provisions of this code are applicable and uniform throughout the State and in all counties and municipalities therein, and no local authority shall enact or enforce any ordinance on the matters covered by this code unless expressly authorized herein. You will not find that the CVC expressly authorizes the restriction of bicycle use on roadways, except in the case of highways. Further reading, with case law citations.

By: Alex Thompson

Alex Thompson — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:21:20 +0000

Whoops - I didn't link to the DMV site correctly: California Vehicle Code 21202 at DMV.ca.gov

By: Alex Thompson

Alex Thompson — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:19:51 +0000

I'll dig up the specific code. What's too narrow about Nichols Canyon? CVC 21202 codifies a cyclists right to take the whole lane if the lane is not wide enough to share with another vehicle: 21202. (a) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations: . . . (3) When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions (including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes) that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge, subject to the provisions of Section 21656. For purposes of this section, a "substandard width lane" is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane. The Code at the DMV In short - if the road is wide enough to fit a car, it is certainly wide enough for cyclists to take the lane.

By: David

David — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:53:33 +0000

I’m a skeptic,what is the vehicle code number please?
I know that if I were a cyclist,safety would be my primary concern.Nichols Canyon Road in my opinion is a very dangerous road to ride a bike.The road is not only too narrow but it also cannot accompany a bicycle lane.
Outpost Drive OTOH is much better for cyclists as the road is wider and could accompany a bicycle lane.

By: bikinginla

bikinginla — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:16:49 +0000

Thanks, Alex. I was unaware of that myself.

By: Alex Thompson

Alex Thompson — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:07:09 +0000

The California Vehicle Code specifically forbids local governments from restricting cyclist access to any road (excepting highways.) It would be illegal to adopt such a custom in Nichols Canyon.