# Etiquette and Laws of Bicycle Riding

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/etiquette-and-laws-of-bicycle-riding/697975>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [September 9, 2014, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/etiquette-and-laws-of-bicycle-riding/697975 "2014-09-09T17:02:34Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 3

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**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\
**Post date:** [September 10, 2014, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/etiquette-and-laws-of-bicycle-riding/697975/41 "2014-09-10T21:17:32Z")

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The take-away from this thread is that the rules and laws are inconsistent from bike path to bike path, so if you want to run, walk, or ride on a trail unfamilair to you, it may be a good idea to check to see what the local conventions are (if not clearly signed). When in Rome, and all that.

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**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\
**Post date:** [September 10, 2014, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/etiquette-and-laws-of-bicycle-riding/697975/42 "2014-09-10T22:52:03Z")

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> [@Bozuit](#):
>
> Yeah, it does depend on pedestrians being willing and able to adjust as necessary. Often that just means moving into single file so other traffic can pass. That’s my answer to your point too, **Telemark**. If people are walking two or three abreast, at least they can see oncoming traffic and move out of the way.
> 
> The general rule, as used here on roads without paths, is to adjust when near bends to increase visibility. If walking on the left and the road is bending to the left, you should move to the right for the bend.

I agree. If walkers or bicyclists are walking/riding three abreast and don’t go to single file when someone is approaching there is a problem or politeness. But assuming politeness, this method works much better. The walker may be listening to music and not hear the bell or the warning. Seeing the bicycle approach reduces the chances of the walker getting startled and moving the wrong way.  
And if the bicycle overtakes from the rear, this maximizes the space between the walker and the bicycle.

Bicycles are wheeled vehicles - it only makes sense to use the same rules as you do for pedestrians and cars.

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