A cyclist's dilemma: Where to ride

I saw my first cross-country bicyclist in Newton recently and pulled over to talk as he waited for the light.

From England, he said there were two bikers (Brits) a couple days ahead and one a day and a half behind him.

First mapped for the Bi-Centennial in 1976, the Trans-America Bicycle route passes through Newton and Hesston on its 4,000-plus mile journey. At its peak in June or July, Newton will see several bikers per day.

The great debate is where to ride on the road: on the shoulder, as close to the white line as possible or in the lane of traffic?

In 2005, we met a biker who hit the ditch for every semi — and wondered how long it was taking him to cross America.

Even a careful reading of Kansas law allows for some ambiguity by including terminology such as: “if lane width allows,” “as practicable” and “reasonably necessary.”

In our experience, the closer we ride to the white line, the more dangerously people try to pass.

• In Kansas, a bicyclist has the right to the lane just like a car and bikes are allowed to ride two abreast.

• A narrow or dirty shoulder is worse than no shoulder at all. Rumble strips crossing the width make it worthless for cyclists. If it’s too narrow, cars still pass dangerously.

• Cyclists need room on both sides to maneuver for balance and avoid bumps, potholes or debris.

• To be visible and avoid open car doors, cyclists should ride three feet out from parked cars or about where a vehicle’s right wheel would be in the lane.

• Drivers should allow a minimum of four feet between the bike and car to pass safely.

A cyclist may move further out into the lane to alert traffic that there’s not room to pass safely, particularly if cars are approaching from both directions on a narrow two-lane.

This move is advocated by the state of Pennsylvania on its Web site: “If you ride all the way over at the right, you're inviting them to pass you where the road is too narrow and, too often, you will get squeezed off the road. If you show clearly that it’s not safe for drivers to pass you, they’re unlikely to try.”

It’s usually only a few seconds’ wait until the other lane is clear to move over and pass safely. Even in no-passing zones, vehicles (including police) often will put one wheel over the center line and pass without moving completely into the other lane.

• In town, bikes may be traveling the same speed as cars. With wind or going downhill, bikers can reach speeds of 25 to 35 mph. Judge their speed carefully when passing, pulling out, etc.

• A complete stop (brake, unclip, put a foot down) would be comparable to turning off your car and opening the door. This is why cyclists often try to roll up to a light just as it changes to green; we try to save “fuel” like anyone else.

• Cyclists should always wear helmets and clothing that make them more visible to traffic.

• Cyclists should ride as straight a line as possible and avoid sudden changes in momentum or direction.

• Cyclists should not pass vehicles on the right or creep up beside cars at stop lights.

• Cyclists should obey traffic laws and signal their intentions when changing lanes, turning or stopping, using hand signals.

• Cyclists should yield to pedestrians.

Touring cyclists expect to be on the road about three months riding coast-to-coast. Many are on a tight timeline and need to stay on schedule in order to make their flight home.

They are following a mapped route that avoids heavily traveled roadways whenever possible.

Most are carrying 45-65 pounds of gear, all of which affects their ability to stop quickly, get back up to speed after a stop, and maneuver the bike.

If possible, stop and talk to some of the touring cyclists coming through town.

In 2006, we hosted 20 bikers for a meal or the night.

They came from Scotland, Wales, England, Germany, The Netherlands, New Zealand and the United States.

They ranged in age from college students to retirees. Though many are disappointed to find “flat” isn’t all it’s cracked up to be when you add the wind, Kansans gets high marks from cyclists.

We smile and wave, and even truckers move over to pass.

Crossing America on a bicycle, whether a once-in-a-lifetime adventure or a regular experience, opens our eyes and hearts to what’s right with our world and the people we share it, and the road, with.

Cookie Wiebe is health and wellness coordinator for the Harvey County Health Department.