Bicycles belong… It’s summer, and Fairbanks drivers are sharing the road with more than just a few hardy year-round cyclists. Respect between motorists and cyclists is critical. According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 800 bicyclists died and over 400,000 people suffered bicycle-related injuries in the United States in 2019.
Bicycles Belong
Alaskan bicyclists have all the rights (and obligations) of motorists when riding their bikes on the road. You can read the rules in Alaska Administrative Code.13 AAC 02.385, which provides all the details related to “Rules of the Road” for bicyclists. Most bicyclist rules depend on roadway conditions. For example, bicyclists should ride “as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable.” Further, upon hearing a signal from a motorist traveling in the same direction, bicyclists are to give way as far to the right “as is reasonable” pursuant to 13 AAC 02.400.
Auto Driver Responsibilities
Drivers of motor vehicles also have a duties. They must drive in a manner that avoids unjustifiable risks of harm. This means motorists are expected to exercise the standard of care a reasonable person would observe in the same situation. Evidence of a lack of due care include the following situations:
- Causing accidents;
- Forcing evasive accident to avoid an accident; or
- Compelling another motorist or bicyclist to slow or suddenly stop to avoid an accident
Share The Road
These are steps an Alaskan driver can take to reduce the likelihood of killing someone on a bike:
- Stay alert, constantly scan the roadway, including the shoulder, looking for bicyclists;
- Anticipate bicyclists just around the corner;
- Provide at least three feet of space between you and a bicyclist when passing;
- Wait until the traffic lane next to you is clear (regardless of whether it is a lane of traffic going the same way as you are going, or the opposite way) before passing a bicyclist; and
- Be patient – bicyclists are just as entitled as you are to be on the roadway.
Alaskan law holds people accountable for hurting others – when common sense could have avoided a wreck. It’s not a matter of punishment … but rather a matter of the world being a better place when people are held fully accountable for their actions. We all know if we don’t hold people accountable for hurting others, they will continue to drive and bike irresponsibly.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Sources: NHTSA; Alaska DOT
Image Source: Healthy Families
