Above is a chart being posted by local police departments that explain the laws governing bicycles, ebikes, scooters, segways, motorized pedal cycles and electric scooters. I've never seen a segway on a trail but have seen the rest. There are also motorized skateboards, which can fly.
I also thought I'd give you my summary or trail etiquette.
Who has the right of way? - Equestrians, followed by pedestrians, then cyclists. Pedestrians going up a hill have the right of way over those going down.
Courtesy - Stay on the right side of the trail if possible, so that a cyclist passing you will do so on your left. He will usually either ring a bell or let you know unless the trail is very wide. Another thing that makes me laugh is the number of walkers who spend their entire time on a trail glued to their phone. They don't hear cyclists behind them and I often wonder why they are even out there because they are missing a lot of the natural beauty of this area.
Crosswalk. - Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks across roads along a trail so long as they are in it. Cyclists do not. We are considered moving vehicles and must yield to traffic.
If I recall there was a recent case in our state that lays out more foundation, safety and clarity on bikes on the road. Basically need to treat them as on other vehicle unless safe to pass. The case seemed like a major win for pedal bikes. I will say I dislike how most refuse to use stop signs potentially creating a safety hazard
ReplyDeleteAgree on the stop signs. Unbeknownst to our esteemed blogger, I almost squashed him with my F150 as he rolled through a stop sign crossing Friedenstahl Ave a few days ago. He was polite enough to wave with all fingers instead of just one. At least I think it was u Bernie!
DeleteMike4ro, That could have been me! I use the 4-way at Friedenstahl as one of my routes bc drivers let me roll through. Even cops. People pity old men on bikes. Thanks for not killing me.
DeleteLots of horse shit on the trails at Jacobsburg. Dogs are required to be curbed. Horses leave large piles equivalent to 50 dog turds. It gets into bike spokes and is disgusting.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I have always wondered why the horse people can leave MOUNDS of horse poo behind, yet dog walkers are expected to clean up after their pooch. Its no fun mountain biking through fresh horse shit.
DeleteAlthough bicyclists are considered a moving vehicle and would have to yield to traffic in a crosswalk, would they have the right of way in a crosswalk if they dismount and walk their bicycle across the road as directed by signs on a trail such as the Saucon Rail Trail?
ReplyDeleteYes, if cyclists dismount to walk their bikes they become pedestrians. But I know of no regular cyclist who dismounts unless it is really necessary. I don't and with good reason. People my age tend to have their falls while getting on and off bikes. My left hip is riddled with arthritis. So once I'm on, I stay on.
DeleteLights on bikes?
ReplyDeleteConsidering how obese Americans are, e-bikes should only be used by people with a documented handicap or disability or the elderly. Or, use a recumbent bike, those are fine.
ReplyDeleteWe played Evel Knievel on our regular bikes as kids; built ramps, raced down hills to get speed, and jump stuff (and people). If we had e-bikes back then, we probably would have tried to jump the river.
As for the rules and guidelines and courtesy of rights of way, good luck. People have a difficult time following traffic laws even though one has to study for and pass both a written and hands-on test for a license. No one is going to read the rules of the trail if it's an unlicensed activity. If you are a leisurely walker, watch your back, but you know that already.
"e-bikes should only be used by people with a documented handicap or disability or the elderly"....sounds like the nanny state, Vlad...
DeleteI would say your chart above, dated May 2021, needs to be updated. It is not keeping up with changes in the technology, speed and use of e-bikes.
ReplyDeleteAllowing them to operated on sidewalks - anywhere - or driven without some kind of licensing and age restrictions is irresponsible.
The only people who like Bernie are left wing lunatics.
ReplyDeleteGo away Tricia.
DeleteI kinda like Bernie and I am sort of a middle of the road guy.
DeleteI’ve ridden for years, and have no problem with e-bikes. The problem is, a large percentage of e-bike riders are a$$holes.
ReplyDeleteThe Banker