Where Bicyclists Can Ride
[A letter to the editor Washington Post]
Per a request from a gentleman who drove quite close to me -- and vocally protested my right to share the road -- while I was riding my bike south on 17th Street NW around N Street in the District one morning last week, I did look into the law. According to the D.C. Department of Transportation's guide "Common Enforcement Errors Involving Bicyclists," which is available on the agency's Web site:
"A bicyclist does not have to ride to the far right if the lane is narrow or if he/she is trying to avoid car doors, pavement hazards, or similar hazardous conditions. A narrow lane is defined as one [that is] 11 feet or less. Most lanes in the District are 11 feet or less."
At the time, I was passing a truck parked in the right lane and another bicyclist. Further, the law "requires an overtaking vehicle to pass to the left at a safe distance." This clearly was not the case during this incident.
Finally, according to the Washington Area Bicyclist Association Web site, "Full lane use [is] allowed when traveling at the normal speed of traffic," as I was.
I am embarrassed that I replied to this gentleman's anger with equal anger. For that I apologize.