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I’ve noticed over the past couple of years, especially in the spring, more cycling pelotons on the road. Is this permitted/legal? Mainly in the evening, I see groups of 50-60 riders gathering at intersections along Green Hope School Rd and riding in packs.
I get both sides. Riders probably see it as safer and a way to cut down on riskier passes by drivers, but from a driving perspective it comes across as “we’re going to take up the whole road and give you little to no opportunity to safely pass”. Could a group of 50 runners run in a pack on the road as well?
I’m close enough to their starting points where it hasn’t been a huge problem for me and I just drive behind it until my turn, but I see other cars getting caught in the middle of the pack or making even worse decisions to get by the group.
I’ve noticed over the past couple of years, especially in the spring, more cycling pelotons on the road. Is this permitted/legal? Mainly in the evening, I see groups of 50-60 riders gathering at intersections along Green Hope School Rd and riding in packs.
I get both sides. Riders probably see it as safer and a way to cut down on riskier passes by drivers, but from a driving perspective it comes across as “we’re going to take up the whole road and give you little to no opportunity to safely pass”. Could a group of 50 runners run in a pack on the road as well?
I’m close enough to their starting points where it hasn’t been a huge problem for me and I just drive behind it until my turn, but I see other cars getting caught in the middle of the pack or making even worse decisions to get by the group.
Under NC law a bike is considered a "vehicle" just like any automobile and has a right to use the roadway. I beleive they are prohibited from certain roads like interstates etc...but your average state/city/county road is available for their use. A pack of runners would be considered "pedestrians" in the road and are not afforded the same rights.
Bicycles are vehicles permitted full use of a lane. Riding in a peloton makes them more visible and riding two abreast means the line is half as long, making it easier to pass than if they were all strung out.
I think the hit and run where cyclist Lori Cove was seriously injured riding in a very small group on a road with sharrows has caused many local cyclists to reconsider their approach. Riders that would have headed out alone or in small groups are looking for larger group rides to tag along with. Eventually as memories fade of that incident, and bike infrastructure in the area continues to improve, I think you'll see this ebb.
Bicycles are vehicles permitted full use of a lane. Riding in a peloton makes them more visible and riding two abreast means the line is half as long, making it easier to pass than if they were all strung out.
You must be kidding. Easier to pass? I drive mostly on 45 and 55 mph roads with hills and narrow lanes with no shoulder. Most of the traffic is construction and logging. Normally careful drivers are being asked to risk their lives even trying to pass a single cyclist, let alone two. And there are potholes, occasional debris and lots of blind driveways. Cyclist not only risk their own lives (which would be a devastating loss) but those of drivers of the two vehicles crashing into one another. Packs represent an elitist activity, daring good drivers to pass or go 30 miles under the speed limit and back up traffic and angry drivers for miles. There needs to be a better solution.
Packs represent an elitist activity, daring good drivers to pass or go 30 miles under the speed limit and back up traffic and angry drivers for miles.
Wut?
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