Why cyclists don’t always use hand signals when turning?
A. Laws requiring hand signals were written when most bicycles had coaster brakes instead of handlebar brakes, but even then, cyclists often had to keep both hands on the handlebars to safely turn, whereas motorists can signal a turn and keep both hands on the wheel. Most cyclists signal most of the time, but in some situations, cyclists can’t remove one hand from the handlebars or brakes and still adequately slow and safely turn. Q. Why cyclists sometimes ride in the left lane on a four-lane street? A. Most state laws define bicycles as vehicles, and no vehicle can make a left hand turn from the right hand lane, so cyclists have to move the left lane a block or so before the turn to comply with traffic laws. Cyclists should, however, only ride in the left lane when making a left turn. Q. Why cyclists take the whole lane when riding down a steep hill? A. When on a steep descent, often at 40-50 mph, cyclists need the whole lane to safely make the curves. They can’t ride on the shoulder
