Q: I almost hit a bicycle and rider recently who was in the right-hand lane. I was moving into a right-turn-only lane, to his right, when he leaned over into my lane.
I was wondering, are bicyclists cars or pedestrians? I teach my kids to cross on the corner with the light, but more and more I see bicycles in lanes with cars.
I’ve seen them in left-turn lanes, too. This seems dangerous to me. Why are there bike lanes if they can ride in traffic?
A: Lt. Mark Thomas with the Washington State Patrol said bicycles may be ridden on the roadway and are subject to traffic laws, the same as any other vehicle, but there are exceptions.
"Some of the exceptions are driving on the shoulder, clinging to vehicles, hand signals, etc., that are clearly different than for other vehicles," Thomas said. "State laws are clear and can be looked up in a code book."
Thomas also said bicycles may be operated on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk, but then they are governed by laws for pedestrians.
Have a question about traffic or street rules around Snohomish and Island counties? We can help find an answer. Send questions by fax to 425-339-3435; e-mail to newstips@heraldnet.com; or address to Street Smarts, P.O. Box 930, Everett, WA, 98206. Include your name and phone number.
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