By Gail Marsh
It was a close call—a very close call! My husband and I were pulling our 39-foot fifth wheel RV with our dually, diesel truck. We were driving in the far-right lane because we intended to turn right at the upcoming stop sign. My husband signaled his intentions and we rolled to a complete stop. After both of us checked for cross traffic, my husband pulled out to make the right-hand turn. That’s when it happened—we almost hit a bicyclist with our RV!
On the shoulder
We heard a loud shout, which caused my husband to slam on the brakes. That’s when I saw him—a bicyclist was rapidly approaching, riding on the right shoulder. He intended to go straight, and had we not stopped—mid-turn—we most certainly would have collided.
Not happy
The bicyclist was angry! He clearly relayed his feelings to us through gestures and imaginative language. My husband was also unhappy. “We could have killed him!” I was too rattled to feel anger—at least at first.
Once we were on our way again, we talked about the incident. My husband insisted, “He couldn’t have fully stopped at the stop sign. He was going way too fast.” I wondered about the local bicycle laws. Back home, at least in our county, the bicyclist would have been cited for driving illegally on the road’s shoulder.
In the right, but still vulnerable
Thankfully, no person nor vehicle was damaged in this near-accident. However, just because you may be in the right according to the law, you can almost bet that if we’d injured the cyclist, we would have faced a civil suit.
Check out this website for state-by-state regulations for cyclists. You can enter the name of any state and find out about their bicyclist laws.
Extra caution required
- Share the road. Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers on the road. Slow down for bicyclists on the road ahead of you and only pass them when it’s safe to do so. (Most states require you to maintain a minimum of a three-foot space between your vehicle and the cyclist you’re passing.)
- Watch for hand signals. Bicyclists communicate through specific hand signals. Watch for these signals and adjust your speed accordingly.
- Dooring. Dooring occurs when a car or truck driver parks his vehicle and opens his car door into a bicyclist. To avoid “dooring,” get into the habit of opening your driver’s side door with your right hand. Reach across your body to access the door handle. This will ensure that you check your rearview mirror as well as look over your left shoulder to see any bicyclist or other vehicle that may be approaching.
Have you ever personally experienced or witnessed a close call with a bicyclist while RVing? Share your story in the comments below.
##RVT1123
The state by state law link doesn’t work.
Worked for us.
Sorry, Ran. It works for me, and we haven’t heard anyone else say they’re having a problem with the link. Maybe you have it blocked somehow on whatever device you’re using? Here’s the link again. Maybe it’ll work here for you: https://bikeleague.org/bike-laws/state-bike-laws/ Have a good afternoon. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Bicyclists 99.99% of the time ignore the fact that when riding in the ROAD they HAVE to obey all traffic laws the same as any other vehicle driver. If they are riding on the sidewalk then they are considered to be a pedestrian and are governed by the same rules and laws for every pedestrian. This specific bicyclists was definitely wrong and it almost cost him his life. In my small beachfront town in Florida I have yet to see ANY bicyclists STOP for a stop sign or traffic light. I guess they feel they are PRIVILEGED and don’t have to obey the laws.
It happens here in California too! I have never seen a bicyclist stop at a stop sign. They always run them but never seem to get ticketed for doing so. It is a very immature way of thinking that they are invincible.
Here Here.
In the state of WA, cyclists can treat a stop sign as a yield IF there is no oncoming traffic. Studies have shown it’s both safer and moves traffic better.
Same in Idaho.
Sharing the road is a two way street (pun intended!). I think we have all come across militant cyclists that ride 3 and 4 abreast along a road where passing (if following the law) is almost impossible. Or ones that try to “squeeze in” between your vehicle (whether RV or TOAD) and the curb instead of waiting to the right rear of your vehicle. In your case, the cyclist should consider himself lucky you and your husband are such careful drivers.
There are also militant drivers Mr. Grumpy. Cyclists will sometimes take the lane when they feel the shoulder is unsafe and it is unsafe for a car to pass which they are allowed to do. No doubt there are rude cyclists as there are rude drivers. In the case above, the Marshe’s passed the cyclist on the shoulder prior to making their right turn and been aware of his/her presence. But many drivers fail to notice cyclists, motorcyclists, etc. They also way underestimate the speed that a bicycle can obtain thinking they have plenty of time to make their turn. And cyclist, he should know better and anticipate the “right hook” that so often happens to cyclists.
Nowhere in the article does the author state that they passed the bicycle, they might have or the bicycle could have entered the roadway after they passed. Don’t assume something that isn’t stated.
As an almost daily bike rider, my most dangerous part of my rides are cars exiting parking lots and looking just one way and NOT stopping as they rush on to the road they are entering. I am legally on the side walk and have had to buy and use an air horn to alert the rude drivers as they have no idea what a STOP LINE is, let alone the stop sign itself. The air horn works real well at getting their attention….and just maybe a new pair of underwear!! Am constantly alert when approaching exits from driveways and parking lots.
A sidewalk is for walking and not biking unless your a small child learning to ride a bike. Adults on bikes are to ride on the street in the flow of traffic and follow all rules and laws as a motor vehicle.
Not suppose to ride a bike on sidewalk.
Unless you’re under 12 years old, stay off the side walk while riding your bicycle. It’s dangerous to pedestrians and more than a little ridiculous for an adult to ride on the sidewalk.
I am a bicyclist and my pet peeve when I am driving is bicyclists who insist on riding against traffic and not with traffic. I’ve found myself sandwiched between oncoming traffic and a bicyclist and parked cars on my right on numerous occasions. I’ve had them swerve into me to try and force me into the oncoming lane. I learned in first grade to walk against traffic and bicycle with, it’s not hard to remember.
Over 60 years a cyclist. I’d like to see the law that riding on the shoulder is illegal.
I have yet to figure out why, but way too many bicyclists put their life at risk by treating STOP signs like yield signs – and way to often like signage doesn’t apply to them. No rational motorist wants to hit a bicyclist. I’ve even seen bicyclists cut off motorcycles! No I am not intimating that this is even a majority of bicyclists, but even a handful represent unnecessary injury or death.
We live on a residential corner lot at the bottom of a fairly steep hill. The stop is across the hill and not on the hill. Even conscientious drivers tend to be travelling over 25mph when they reach the intersection at the bottom. I simply cannot tell you how many bicyclists (especially kids) sail through that stop sign without barely a glance for traffic that has the right of way. And nothing is more heart stopping than the sound of locked brakes and a car-horn.
In the state of Washington, cyclists can in fact treat a stop sign like a yield and not have to come to a complete stop IF there is no traffic from either direction. Studies have shown it’s both safer for the cyclist while keeping traffic moving faster. It’s also a law to give cyclists 3ft of room when passing. This law is constantly broken by many drivers. As an avid cyclist, I cannot agree more that we bikers need to be more diligent, courteous, and act like a car when it comes to following the laws. As a ride leader for the largest bicycle club in the PACNW, we stress this in our pre-ride safety talks every time we ride. Yes, there are jerks on bikes just as there are jerks in cars. However, if we all take a breath and be just a little more patient, we can co-exist on the roads.
I rode bikes long distance for over 40 years. I value my life, so I’m one of the very few who do stop at stop signs. I don’t consider them suggestions. Honestly, cyclists are just as bad as vehicle operators. Both are road hazards. The difference is the cyclist will end up on the losing end of the deal in a collision. In recent years, it has become even more hazardous despite my best efforts to ride safely. Finally, I gave it up and switched to off road bike trails, indoor cycling, hiking and kayaking.
The writer states that cyclists “…use specific hand signals….”.
That’s a laugh.
I’m a former recreational road cyclist. I believe that not 1 in 20 cyclists use hand signals (certainly not regularly) and not 1 in 40 could describe what these “specific” hand signals might be.
Regardless of the laws, the fact is that when we try to share the same space and there are such differences in size, weight and speed it is a setup for an accident. Both parties need to be careful but only one of the two is likely to not make it home if a mistake occurs. I have been a cyclist for most of my life and I have just about decided that attitudes are not worth dying for. And with nearly silent EVs on the horizon, it limits my safety factor even more. I will be choosing bike only routes whenever feasible.
Responsibility runs both ways. The cyclist, approaching a motor vehicle with his signal on, indicating a right turn should yield his right of way because the motor vehicle, pulling a trailer can not see a bicyclist approaching on his blind side. Perhaps the truck and trailer passed the cyclist while they were approaching the intersection could anticipate the cyclist would not turn. While on public road ways, ALL users need to be vigilant of the other person because they are out to get you.
Cyclists are human beings, just like RVers. Some are aware, some are not, some are simply “glass bowls.” Some cyclists also travel by RV, and vice versa. Any comment that singles out cyclists as a homogenous group who don’t belong on the roadways is simply wrong. Please be aware of the presence of cyclists just like you would want a trucker to be aware of you in your little toad…
I live in SE Pa. and most bicyclist here – local state college- think they are have special rules as to how to use their vehicles.
Ever hear the term, “might is right”? It means that if you are smart and do not want to get hurt you keep in mind that anything bigger than you can hurt you. If you are the smaller object and “in the right” legally or not you should always drive, ride and hike defensively and give way to something bigger that may kill you, even though you are in the “right”. Your ego will not protect you.
Tonnage rules! Right or wrong, give way to weight.
Precisely!!!
Most cyclists do not obey the traffic laws. Stop signs and red lights don’t pertain to them. They also don’t pay attention to other traffic. I have seldom seen a cyclist turn his head to look at traffic behind them or vehicles pulling out ahead of them.
I give cyclists a wide berth, if possible, but have already had them scream and/or give me a hand gesture when I pass.
My neighbors son made a left turn onto a side street and hit a car head on stopped at a stop sign and ended up on the hood of the car. Daddy proceeded to read the driver the riot act for not watching where he was going. Until I approached and told him his son hit the stopped car. His son then admitted he was not looking where he was going.
My friend back in Chicacgo states that when you buy a bicycle in Chicago you should get a body bag with it. Having grown up in Chicago myself I can see the logic in that.
Chicago huh, ….. I’ve never bicycled in Chicago but body bag vending machines would be part of a good business model in Chicago? Don’t even need to buy a bicycle.
I’m an avid bicyclist and have been hit by cars three times. None of them were my fault. Twice I had very minor injuries and once I had broken bones. (I was hit from behind by a drunk driver). I’ve learned that drivers do not pay attention and can’t see you. If you want to stay safe, you as the cyclist need to anticipate ahead of time what the drivers will do. I wish drivers did better and there were more bike lanes, but there aren’t. I think the cyclist was completely at fault in your situation and took a foolish chance. Thank you for reminding both the drivers and the cyclist to be aware.
In this case, the bicyclist was clearly in the wrong. But, it shows that it’s good to keep checking those side mirrors when executing a turn to make sure someone hasn’t come up beside you. Also, on a green light, pedestrians on a walkway will have the right of way.
Good reminder.
Too many of these clowns here in the Santa Cruz mountains:
1. Wear dark clothing so they disappear in the road shadows.
2. Don’t have rear view mirrors.
3. Don’t have flashing lights so they stand out.
4. Even though they may have plenty of room on their right , won’t stay over there.
5. Don’t use any signals.
I find it ironic that I can get a ticket for not wearing a shoulder belt with 5 airbags to protect me but they can get away with virtually no protection yet are “entitled” to use the same roads I do. The burden is on me to maintain 3 foot separation yet I have no idea what this object in motion is going to do.
On many roads there is not enough room for both bicycles and vehicles. If bicycles can’t go the speed limit, then they shouldn’t be on the road. Just because our politicians are dumb enough to allow it, doesn’t mean it’s right. Start making bicyclists buy a license to use the bicycle on the road and put a lane in for them.
I agree.
Great. 15 mph speed limit except interstates. Or maybe 5 mph in Amish areas?
Thank you, Gail! The cyclist was clearly wrong and, seemingly as so many do, acted as though everyone else is responsible for ensuring that his irresponsibility cause him no harm. It seems rare that a cyclist ever follows traffic-sign direction. Certainly they usually can operate their cycle in an extremely quick and agile manner, but they have only the protection afforded by following the rules of the road and a helmet. All too often they discard the former as if they are a pedestrian who essentially can do as they please with all drivers required to accommodate their reckless behavior. I don’t wish harm on these irresponsible folks, but I do wish that they would find responsibility before serious injury forever alters their life.
I agree. Ride on the sidewalks, not on the street.
In many areas it is illegal to ride a bicycle on the sidewalks.
Are you for real? Imagine a parent pushing a stroller, tight squeeze don’t you think? Yes, both sides of the aisle have their arguments. Cyclists, do you really want to bet your life against a vehicle, regardless of size. They’re enclose and the only thing enclose on you is your helmet if even wearing one.
I am an avid cyclist and I’m also and RV’er with a 32 ft. Trailer, and also a truck driver.
I can relate to all sides and every angle on this topic.
First off I stay in my lane while I’m cycling. My pet peeve is when cyclists are in the rural hills and roads with no bike lane and blind corners. That is not me! and it is very dangerous.
I will say I don’t stop at stop signs when out on neighborhood streets when they’re no other cars in sight. More like a roll through.
When I’m in my 18 wheeler I’m aways looking for cyclists and motorcyclists on the freeway. Being high above ground gives me a better view that cars don’t have.
We all need to look out for each other!!!!
Bicyclists in Yellowstone should be banned. Just returned from there and witnessed the most stupid and selfish behavior imaginable. Tour companies making a buck and “bicyclists on E-bikes” endangering themselves and the driving public when they take to those roads. And the roads between Yellowstone and Grand Teton are no better for cycling.
When we lived in Flagstaff, AZ we had the green light when a cyclist drove in front of us, forcing slammed on brakes. The biker gave us the finger as he rode in front of us. A police officer sitting at the red light, facing the opposite direction the biker. He hit the Mars lights, flipped a U turn and went after the biker. The next day I was contacted by police if there was damage or injury (none) and asked for a statement. We had a dash cam and gave a copy of the video to police. The biker was charged with running a red light, reckless riding, riding under the influence and resisting arrest. He was found guilty of all charges, with the judge stating the video proved the charges.
Actually, in addition to being an RVer, I am also a cyclist. I typically ride somewhere around 3,000 miles a year. I have seen boneheaded vehicle drivers do things that put cyclists in danger, most often, passing a cyclist when there is another vehicle coming from the opposite direction or passing to closely. My spouse was stopped at a stop sign once and a cyclist coming down the sidewalk broadsided her and then claimed it was my spouse’s fault. So cyclists also do boneheaded things and are just as guilty of failing to follow traffic laws as anyone else,
Most cyclists do not obey the traffic laws. Stop signs and red lights are to be obeyed by everyone traveling on public roads.
There was one incident when cyclist passed us on the right side at a red light right in front of car coming from the left. That car had the green light and could not see the bike coming beside us. Since we were in my truck, the cyclist could not see the car coming and the car could see the bike.
Luckily, the biker hit the side of the car and was not badly injured. It could have been worse.
We stayed until the LEO came as did two other witnesses.
The biker was cited for running a red light.
There are bonehead cyclists and many more bonehead drivers (there are many more drivers than cyclists). I had never heard of any area where it was illegal to ride a bike on the shoulder. I used to ride with a bicycle club, and for the most part, we tried to ride on the shoulder unless it was too narrow or too full of debris to be safe. Drivers don’t realize how much ground a bike can travel often pass you and then proceed to make a right turn in front of you. Known to cyclists as the right hook. Now that I’m in Florida I stick to bike paths as the roads down here usually don’t have shoulders and well the distracted drivers….
Yes, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers on the road, but man, they are the mosquitoes of the roadway. Totally unpredictable in recent years. I used to ride my bicycle for 10 miles or so every day, but it got too dangerous out there over time, and I was actually stopping at stop signs! Most do not, and when they ride in a pack, they seem to think that no traffic rules apply to them. Many times, I’ve seen groups of 15-20 just blasting through neighborhoods with no regard for stop signs. Nearly took a few out myself once when I foolishly expected them to stop at the stop sign. Not any more. I always assume they’re out there on a suicide mission.
I ride bike and RV. Everyone must follow the rules of the road or risk an accident. Unfortunately,
Cont’d. . . many do not. In my early days, I had a car speed by me on the bike without moving over and I had enough of that and gave them an ugly gesture. It happened to be a police car.
As a biker and rver I have seen both good and bad by each. There are a lot of arrogant bikers I’ve encountered over the years. One especially memorable one was going up a pass in Colorado on a two lane highway behind 2 bikers riding side by side. They knew we were behind them and yet continued to block us on a double yellow portion.
I’ve encountered many drivers who either intentionally or absentmindedly buzzed way too close to me on the road biking even though I was as far over as safely possible.
Like I tell my kids when driving: expect the worst from others because you’ll get plenty of it.
Thank you, Gail! No, never had a potentially deadly encounter with a cyclist while driving the RV. Plenty while driving other vehicles. They are in a precarious position from having so little protection from vehicles. I have seen them ride recklessly, failing to obey traffic signs, but so, too, drivers of motorized vehicles. Our road is favored by area cyclists, who sometimes ride in large packs. So far I am unaware of any accidents involving cyclists and motorized vehicles out this way. But, given the amount of former farmland becoming subdivisions, it may only be a matter of time. Happy new year and safe travels!
I just spent two weeks in San Diego and could not believe that so many motorcyclists simply drove between rows of cars on the highway. Is this legal in California? Scared the crap out of me at first!
Bicyclists and pedestrians often have no common road sense and simply do what they want to do, when they want to do it.
supposedly legal IF traffic is going less than 35mph….but we see it all the time at much higher speeds
‘Lane Splitting’ was also legalized in Arizona recently under defined conditions. It is supposedly for the safety of the motorcyclist (to reduce the chance of being rear-ended while waiting in a traffic tailback) and perhaps to reduce engine overheating. In practice, it seems to often be used as a way of jumping the line and saying “I can do it, so I will”. Apologies to those responsible motorcyclists who cautiously advance up the line when it is legal to do so. (And have mufflers!!!)
I’ve been a cyclist all my life and still ride 4500-5000 miles a year (mostly on roads) at 73. My wife and I also pull trailer. I’ve seen a lot of bad behavior by both sides. When I’m on my bike, I try to ride the way I would expect a cyclist to ride when I’m driving and vise versa. I think we all need to just take it easy and not be in such a screaming hurry to get some where, whether we’re riding or driving. BTW-FYI, if you’re in Colorado, cyclists do not have to stop at a stop sign if it’s clear and they are going no more than 10 mph. And, if cyclists approach a red light and come to a full stop, they can proceed through the light if it’s safe to do so.
What gives the cyclist the right to break the law? If that’s the case, why can’t a car do the same thing?
Sounds like Colorado is promoting an accident waiting to happen.
“In Pennsylvania, cyclists are required to come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights, similar to drivers of motor vehicles.”
Plus, who is responsible if the cyclist is hit by a car legally going through a green light?
I think that the reasoning behind the exceptions that are granted to both cyclists and motor bikers in some states, is that they are less visible to a vehicle’s driver from inside their vehicles compared to other oncoming cars and trucks etc., especially when they are stationary. I guarantee to you that any cyclist feels very vulnerable when negotiating heavy traffic.
The same thing happened to us but in a small sedan in downtown Seattle. We had turn signal on for a right turn, waiting at a light for a free right watching out for pedestrians and oncomming traffic from the left with a bit of the turn in progress. The bike rider had been a block behind and came rushing up on us and yelled “DIDN’T YOU SEE ME IN YOUR BLIND SPOT” as he went zipping past us.
Tiffin has a great feature – a small window in the door near the feet of the passenger – meant specifically so the driver can see if there’s anything that might not be visible in the side mirror.
Retired NYC metro bus operator. here this happens on a daily constant basis. so, driver needs to be constant checking on mirrors R & L on turns, as accident happens in mere 1 second. we get used to it & auto check before / at / after turning due to incidents like above. not all accidents are driver’s fault. I am cyclist also, respects both parties & just do the right thing. some cyclists are actually looking for accidents like this. good luck new year.
A neighbor boy up the street turned left through stop sign and ran into the front a stopped car at the intersection. There were trees blocking the view each way. I actually saw this happen.
The kid’s father started reading the driver the riot act and threatened the driver. The father called the police. When the police arrived the father told them the driver hit his son.
The car was still sitting at the stop sign with the bike in front of it.
Luckily the kid was no badly hurt.
The officer questioned the boy and he admitted he ran into the car.
BTW, this boy never stops at the stop sign.
As an RVer and a cyclist I drive and ride defensively. When on my bike one of my primary concerns are stopped vehicles pulling out from cross streets or driveways that have deeply tinted driver’s windows. I can’t tell if they have seen me. Even in instances where I’m on the major road and have clear right of way if there is no indication that they have seen me, I have no alternative but to slow and sometimes stop. Having said this, most motorists are very aware and courteous. The others sometimes learn that my bike has a loud and piercing electric horn.
https://www.juicedbikes.com/products/juiced-bikes-horn?srsltid=AfmBOor1ZsN-B5Sr8DJZfSSTcBl5cwocTMQjcRVH5DG1w4rdJxCJSPno