u/ScruffyRasputin

Hey ya'll!

I've had a lot of close calls on my bike commuting to work this month, and while some of the issue is road rage in drivers, I think a lot of it is the lack of familiarity with bike law.
So, in the hopes this reduces accidents or road rage by even one person, here's some info too many people don't know about Georgia bike law or local conditions.

Especially useful for cyclists:

• Cyclists over the age of 12 are prohibited from riding on sidewalks unless local city/county ordinances say otherwise.
  • In the historic district the city allows children 12 and under on bikes on sidewalks except in these areas: on Broughton Street from MLK to Lincoln St, on the central sidewalk of Forsyth between the fountain and the playgrounds/Collins Quarter, in any of the historic district square.
  • The offroad mixed-use bike path does not count as a sidewalk for this purpose and can obviously be ridden on (and is lovely - enjoy!). [edited to specify this as the Truman Linear Park Trail - link to route - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55829272]
• Cyclists are required to travel in the same direction as motor vehicle traffic and to abide by traffic lights and stop signs.
• After dark, cyclists are required to use a forward-facing white light, and either a backwards-facing red light or an approved red reflector.
• Hand signals for turning and slowing and stopping are a good idea to learn and use. When cars, other cyclists, and pedestrians know what you're doing, they'll usually behave more safely.
• While cyclists are legally allowed to use Drayton and Whitaker Streets, honestly, there are better and safer options right now, so I'd suggest going a block over in either direction if you can. And maybe get involved in the future proposal to turn one lane of those roads into a bike lane and additional parking.

Especially useful for drivers:

• Cyclists are allowed to use the full lane of traffic if the lane is not wide enough for a motor vehicle and cyclists to exist side-by-side in the same lane of traffic with three feet between them, or if road conditions (such as potholes, overgrowth, car door range, etc) would eliminate safe space to the right hand side of the wide lane. Otherwise, cyclists should ride to the right as far as safely possible unless turning left.
• Again, cyclists are prohibited from using sidewalks.
• Cyclists are not required to use the bike lane even if it exists on the same road, but it is probably a really good idea. 🙃
• Motor vehicles are required to keep three feet between their vehicle and cyclists.
• If a second lane is available when a cyclist is in traffic, motor vehicles are required to merge into the next lane to pass. If not available, drivers are required to reduce speed until they can pass with three feet between them and the cyclist. When cyclists are in a designated bike lane, please just proceed forward past them in a safe manner.
• While operating a motor vehicle, behaving with the intent to annoy, harass, molest, intimidate, injure, or obstruct another person (this includes honking aggressively or shouting at cyclists for daring to exist on the road as legally required) is legally considered Aggressive Driving, which is a misdemeanor in Ga and is punishable with a fine of up to $5000 and/or jail time up to 12 months.

Especially useful for pedestrians:

• Pedestrians (including joggers) should use the sidewalk whenever possible (I know Savannah sucks at accessibility and curb cuts though) and not the bike lanes. If you are using the bike lane, please at least walk in the opposite direction of traffic when you can so you can see a cyclist coming.
• When you hear a bike bell, you should typically move to the right, unless the cyclist says "on your right". Definitely do not freeze in the bike lane in a way that makes the cyclist choose between getting hit by a car, hitting you, or wiping out (personal experience 😬).
• Pedestrians and cyclists with headphones/earbuds/airpods should probably all turn the volume down low enough that you can hear bike bells and car horns, especially in mixed-use areas.

Oh, and if you're frustrated with cyclists on the road southside, maybe talk to the city about putting in more bike lanes. Most if not all of us would prefer to be out of your way too, but still need to get to work or back home, and teleportation isn't an option yet.

And if anyone wants any additional info, including references to state or local code of law, just ask 😁

Now let's all go out there, live copacetic, and be good to each other.

[edited for better readibility]