Cyclist hit by car on Hwy. 341
A man on a bicycle swerved into traffic on Hwy. 341 near its intersection with Friendship Road in Pike County Saturday afternoon and was struck by a vehicle.
Comments
Sat, May 18, 2013 - 11:43 PM
Another awsome move backwards by our City officials. Hey I have a great idea, lets [...]
Sat, May 18, 2013 - 11:03 PM
These 24 names were collected in less than 4 hours near Collier Road (almost 1 mile [...]
Sat, May 18, 2013 - 09:52 PM
I do highly agree with the drug test! If almost every other government (or not) job [...]
Fri, May 17, 2013 - 08:44 PM
Tom........wake up to reality, we picked up a bag on our road with about 20 lotto ti [...]
Fri, May 17, 2013 - 06:22 PM
Just gotta clear up one little item in your post. Not all tea party groups are funde [...]
Recent Stories
- Organic vegetables thriving at Honeywood Farm
- Friday, May 17 2013
- Hunt still on for woman missing since July
- Thursday, May 16 2013
- Farmer's Market offers pro cooking demo
- Thursday, May 16 2013
- Matthews visits English race course
- Thursday, May 16 2013
- Neighbors sick of noise from PGP plant
- Thursday, May 16 2013
Archives
Better off taking your chances trying to make it to Emory or even Piedmont Fayette.
_______________________________________________
Georgia Bicycle Traffic Law
Question: Bicycles should be operated like cars, right?
Answer: Yes and No.
There is no national traffic law. Each state writes its own laws and regulations. This is especially true for bicycles and bicyclists. Bicycle-specific traffic laws and regulations vary greatly from state to state.
In Georgia, as in most states, the bicycle is legally a "vehicle". In the remaining states, where the bicycle itself is not legally a vehicle (it maybe be a "device" for example) the operator of a bicycle is still required and entitled to the rights and responsibilities of a vehicle operator or at least given the right to use the roads and required to obey traffic law.
In most states, including Georgia, local governements may make special provisions (for example those governing sidewalk bicycling) that are local regulations only. The only way to know of these is to ask locally or observe posted signs.
In Georgia, the "vehicle" classification means that general vehicular traffic law applies to bicycles and the operation of a bicycle. in fact, a vast majority of vehicle code and operation regulations apply to all classes of vehicles and thus include bicycle operation. However the vehicular code and various regulations include many specific qualifications for specific classes of vehicles.
Wherever the code or regulation uses the phrase "vehicle" that section applies to all vehicles, including bicycles. Operation at traffic signals and stop signs would be examples.
When the term "motor vehicle" is used, that portion does not apply to bicycles. Requirements for licensing, registration, and insurance would be examples.
Whenever the specific term "bicycle" is used, that portion applies only to bicycles or bicycle operators only. Special braking and lighting requirements are examples.
Cyclists walking their bicycles are pedestrians, and they must follow the laws and regulations covering pedestrians.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following excerpts are those subsections of the traffic law that deal specifically with bicycle operation.
GEORGIA CODE UNANNOTATED
40-6-290 G
*** GEORGIA CODE SECTION *** 10/14/96
40-6-290.
The provisions of this part applicable to bicycles shall apply whenever a bicycle is operated upon a highway or upon any path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles, subject to those exceptions stated in this part.
40-6-291.
The provisions of this chapter that apply to vehicles, but not exclusively to motor vehicles, shall apply to bicycles, except that the penalties prescribed in subsection (b) of Code Section 40-6-390,subsection (c) of Code Section 40-6-391, and subsection (a) of Code Section 40-6-393 shall not apply to persons riding bicycles.
40-6-292.
(a) A person propelling a bicycle shall not ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto and shall allow no person to ride upon the handlebars.
(b) No bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.
(c) No person shall transport a child under the age of one year as a passenger on a bicycle on a highway, roadway, bicycle path, or sidewalk; provided, however, that a child under the age of one year may be transported on a bicycle trailer or in an infant sling so long as such child is seated in the bicycle trailer or carried in an infant sling according to the bicycle trailer's or infant sling's manufacturer's instructions, and the bicycle trailer is properly affixed to the bicycle according to the bicycle trailer's manufacturer's instructions or the infant sling is properly worn by the rider of the bicycle according to the infant sling's manufacturer's instructions and such child transported in a bicycle trailer or infant sling is wearing a bicycle helmet as required under paragraph (1) of subsection (e) of Code Section 40-6-296.
(d) No child between the ages of one year and four years shall ride as a passenger on a bicycle or bicycle trailer or be transported in an infant sling unless the child is securely seated in a child passenger bicycle seat, bicycle trailer, or infant sling according to the child passenger bicycle seat's, bicycle trailer's, or infant sling's manufacturer's instructions and the child passenger seat or bicycletrailer is properly affixed to the bicycle according to the child passenger bicycle seat's or bicycle trailer's manufacturer's instructions or the infant sling is worn according to the infant sling's manufacturer's instructions.
(e) Violation of subsections (c) and (d) of this Code section shall not constitute negligence per se nor contributory negligence per se or be considered evidence of negligence or liability.
(f) No person under the age of 16 years failing to comply with subsections (c) and (d) of this Code section may be fined or imprisoned.
40-6-293.
No person riding upon any bicycle, coaster, roller skates, sled, or toy vehicle shall attach the same or himself to any vehicle upon a roadway.
40-6-294.
(a) Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, except when turning left or avoiding hazards to safe cycling, when the lane is too narrow to share safely with a motor vehicle, when traveling at the same speed as traffic, or while exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction; provided, however, that every person operating a bicycle away from the right side of the roadway shall exercise reasonable care and shall give due consideration to the other applicable rules of the road. As used in this subsection, the term "hazards to safe cycling" includes, but is not limited to, surface debris, rough pavement, drain grates which areparallel to the side of the roadway, parked or stopped vehicles, potentially opening car doors, or any other objects which threaten the safety of a person operating a bicycle.
(b) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
(c) Whenever a usable path has been provided adjacent to a roadway and designated for the exclusive use of bicycle riders, then the appropriate governing authority may require that bicycle riders usesuch path and not use those sections of the roadway so specified by such local governing authority. The governing authority may be petitioned to remove restrictions upon demonstration that the path has become inadequate due to capacity, maintenance, or other causes.
(d) Paths subject to the provisions of subsection (c) of this Code section shall at a minimum be required to meet accepted guidelines, recommendations, and criteria with respect to planning, design, operation, and maintenance as set forth by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and such paths shall provide accessibility to destinations equivalent to the use of the roadway.
(e) Electric assisted bicycles as defined in Code Section 40-1-1 may be operated on bicycle paths.
40-6-295.
No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle, or other article which prevents him from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars.
40-6-296.
(a) Every bicycle when in use at nighttime shall be equipped with a light on the front which shall emit a white light visible from a distance of 300 feet to the front and with a red reflector on the rear of a type approved by the Department of Public Safety which shall be visible from a distance of 300 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlights on a motor vehicle. A light emitting a red light visible from a distance of 300 feet to the rear may be used in addition to the red reflector.
(b) Every bicycle sold or operated shall be equipped with a brake which will enable the operator to make the braked wheels skid on dry, level pavement.
(c) No bicycle shall be equipped or operated while equipped with a set of handlebars so raised that the operator must elevate his hands above his shoulders in order to grasp the normal steering grip area.
(d) No bicycle shall be equipped, modified, or altered in such a way as to cause the pedal in its lowermost position to be more than 12 inches above the ground, nor shall any bicycle be operated if so equipped.
(e)(1) No person under the age of 16 years shall operate or be a passenger on a bicycle on a highway, bicycle path, or sidewalk under the jurisdiction or control of this state or any local political subdivision thereof without wearing a bicycle helmet.
(2) For the purposes of this subsection, the term "bicycle helmet" means a piece of protective headgear which meets or exceeds the impact standards for bicycle helmets set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation.
(3) For the purposes of this subsection, a person shall be deemed to wear a helmet only if a helmet of good fit is fastened securely upon the head with the straps of the helmet.
(4) No bicycle without an accompanying protective bicycle helmet shall be rented or leased to or for the use of any person under the age of 16 years unless that person is in possession of a bicycle helmet at the time of the rental or lease.
(5) Violation of any provision of this subsection shall not constitute negligence per se nor contributory negligence per se or be considered evidence of negligence or liability.
(6) No person under the age of 16 failing to comply with any provision of this subsection may be fined or imprisoned.
40-6-297.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to sell a new bicycle or a pedal for use on a bicycle unless the pedals on such bicycle or such pedals are equipped with reflectors of a type approved by the Department of Public Safety. The reflector on each pedal shall be so designed and situated as to be visible from the front and rear of the bicycle during darkness from a distance of 200 feet. The commissioner of public safety is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations and establish standards for such reflectors.
(b) This Code section shall not apply to any bicycle purchased prior to July 1, 1972, by a retailer for the purpose of resale.
40-6-298.
(a) It is a misdemeanor for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required in this part.
(b) The parent of any child and the guardian of any ward shall not authorize or knowingly permit such child or ward to violate any of the provisions of this part.
40-6-299.
The Board of Public Safety is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to carry this part into effect and is authorized to establish regulations for any additional safety equipment or standards it shall require for bicycles.
For others that are reading this article and it's comments alot of speculative information can be implied due to the lack of facts regarding the situation.
I advise anyone that is considering riding a bicycle on any road to become educated and confident in safety practices. Riding a bicycle on a road with cars is not kids play and should be taken seriously. A cyclist should be predictable (follow the law), maintain a straight line (no swerving), and be aware of what is going on around them(know where cars are and make eye contact with drivers before assuming that they see you.)
I could list more but the point is to be educated and confident in your bicycle handling skills before you hit the road with 2 ton cars that are traveling at 20 - 60 mph. Knowing your risks and what to look for will make your ride alot safer and more enjoyable.
There are many places around this world where bicycles and cars coexist on the same roads. Unfortunately, accidents happen and everyone is at risk of having an accident.
I can't imagine someone willing to share the road with the a 18 wheelers barreling down hwy 36 and exspecting to survive the experience. There is the law and then there is common sence which in these days is not very common. Get a mountain bike or stay on county roads and you may live longer.
get exerise and get outside to breath some fresh air.
We need to teach our children to ride bikes again and
get outside and play instead of inside in front of a
computer.
And why would anyone bring up buying tags for a bike?
Don't you pay enough on taxes and insurance? If you
don't pay enough--pay some of mine please...........
Good, you can join the idiot that can't remember who he is after losing the argument with tons of steel in a hurry.
Right or wrong, the "cyclist", aka roadway hazard will lose every time in an encounter like this.
I was bringing firewood home last week, over a ton's worth, when two of the lycra dressed idiots swerved into front of my truck. Had the gall to make an obscene gesture at me when I blew the horn at them. Wonder who was in better shape, bike riders or someone that just loaded a ton of wood?
When bikes buy tags, and pay taxes on their tires, then they can claim their rights to the road. Otherwise, pick a handsome headstone for your grave because that is where you are heading.
First, the "more steel=more right to be on the road" argument is really quite specious. If applied across the board, 18 wheels would have the right to never use their brakes when encountering drivers in any other vehicle and SUV drivers would have the right to not yield the right of way to those in compact cars. The obvious ethical consideration in these discussion is that all operators of vehicles, including those who ride bicycles, should act in such a way that does the most to preserve the lives and safety of those around them. This applies even when the other driver (or rider) hasn't acted in the safest manner. You don't decide not to apply your brakes when a car pulls out in front of you just because your vehicle is bigger.
Secondly, most of us who ride are not just cyclists also drive cars. We pay property and sales taxes that are used to fund county and state roads as well as tag taxes, fuel taxes and licensing fees for our cars that also fund road construction and maintenance. As such, we have as much right to use the roads as allowed by and in accordance with state law as those who drive on them.
Thirdly, just as drivers do when they get behind the steering wheel of their vehicles, we assume certain risks with the knowledge that while there are ways to reduce that risk, it is always present. In this, I would suggest that it would be appropriate to think of cyclists in much the same way we those who ride motorcycles. While it is incumbent upon us to know and understand those risks and do what is reasonable to reduce them, we have are certainly allowed to practice an activity that brings us a sense of well-being and fulfillment with expectation that our fellow citizens will act with good will towards us as we do.
Do some cyclists act like jerks? Absolutely. We're human beings just like everyone. Do some drivers? Most of us who ride have had encounters that are definitive proof of this. But that doesn't mean all or even a majority of each group are. I just returned from Salt Lake City where cyclists and motorists are learning to live and travel in the same spaces as each other by acknowledging the issues that face both groups and being aware of each groups' responsibility to the other. I would hope that we here in Lamar and surrounding counties can do the same.
As one who has been riding and around Lamar county for around a decade now, I am continually thankful for the 95% of the drivers who have been courteous to me. I hope that we can continue to all use the roads we all pay for in a civil and neighborly manner.
Happy New Year to you all.