I’m so happy to be living in a city like Ridgeland, Mississippi. We have beautiful homes and neighborhoods. Top notch recreational facilities for sports. Great folks, great shopping, great restaurants, and great infrastructure. We have a real strong sense of community. Heck, Ridgeland is even a target=”_blank””bike friendly community”. Which brings me to the point of this blog. You cyclists need to obey the &%#@ traffic laws too!
In Mississippi, cars have to give cyclists at least 3 feet when they pass them on the street. I totally understand this. Of course, cyclists really should have sense NOT to drive on busy highways during rush hour traffic but nonetheless I will give them their 3 feet or slow down until I can pass them safely. All I want them to do is stop at a freakin’ STOP sign.
I cannot tell you how many times I will pull up to a 4 way stop sign and have a group (or is it covey? flock?) of cyclists blow through the stop sign like they’re riding in the Tour de France. Well I hate to burst your bubble you wannabe Lance Armstrong but you’re just a schmuck wearing spandex pants you don’t need to be wearing breaking the law and endangering lives. You see in Mississippi, cyclists must obey all traffic laws just like us lazy overweight car drivers. You want 3 feet? You got it, now come to a complete stop! What, you’re going to slow your heart rate if you do? You may slow your heart rate permanently if you don’t!
In all seriousness, cyclists need to be careful on the roads. Just because you have a 3 feet minimum of protection does not mean you will be safe. Here is what the law says:
A bicycle is a vehicle with the same privileges and restrictions as a car.
Bicycles must obey all traffic laws, traffic signals, and stop signs.
Bicycles must ride with traffic, not against it.
Bicyclists must use hand signals to indicate their intentions for turning and stopping.
Stay safe, follow the rules, and please, don’t wear the spandex! Come read about Chuck Mullins at the Coxwell & Associates website.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended as general information purposes only, and is not a substitute for legal advice. Anyone with a legal problem should consult a lawyer immediately.