BIKE: right turn lanes on 360

[Lane S. Wimberley]

Good morning fair Austin cyclists!

On another list today, I learned about some cyclists out on 360 being
informed by APD that (a) APD is involved in stepping up enforcement of
traffic laws among cyclists (and hopefully other road users), and (b)
that proceeding straight through an intersection from a right
turn-only lane to the shoulder on the other side is a ticketable
offense.  The riders merely got a warning this time, but were told by
the officer that the proper way to handle these intersections is to
merge into right-lane traffic prior to the intersection, and move back
over to the shoulder once through the intersection, and that tickets
will be issued for such offenses starting very soon.

Needless to say, this law is counter-intuitive to cyclists, as well as
arguably impractical and downright dangerous.  I'll spare the
discussion of why as I suspect all/most on this list already know and
agree.  (Oh, silly me! ;-)

Now, strictly speaking, I believe the officer was correct, as Texas
law says that, with few exceptions, cyclists are bound by the same
rules as motorists, so if it's right-turn only with no exception for
bikes made explicit, then it's right turn-only.

I will say, though, that I suspect the "right turn only except
cyclists" signs on bike routes around town do tend to convince
cyclists that this is normal, safe and expected behavior where there
is a right turn-only lane, sign or no sign.  And, arguably it should
be.

Here's my feeling: right turn only should not apply to cyclists on 360
(and possibly other places without explicit exception for bikes
currently).  It seems the most straight-forward solution (as opposed
to changing Texas law or APD/TxDOT enforcement policy) is to get
signage out there to make exception for bikes explicit.

Is this something that UTC would take up?  Is that the right place to
start?

Comments?  Discussion?

Thanks,

-Lane

_______________________________________________________________________
Lane Wimberley, Wayport, Inc.,  512.519.6195 (voice)  512.519.6200 (fax)
Southpark Commerce Center II, 4509 Freidrich Lane, Austin, TX 78744