I agree. I wish more of the cyclists on campus would practice this whether they a passing another cyclist or pedestrian.

Mike Carter

Office Assistant

College of Education/Business Office

P. O. Box 117041, Norman Hall Room 150

Phone: 352-273-4122

Fax: 352-392-7159

Email: mcarter@coe.ufl.edu

From: gccmail-manager@simplelists.com [mailto:gccmail-manager@simplelists.com] On Behalf Of Martha Scott
Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2014 3:59 PM
To: James Thompson
Cc: Clifford Gionet; Gainesville Cycle Club
Subject: Re: GCCMail: Passing protocol

I appreciate hearing "passing on your left" so I do not have the bejesus scared out of me.

I also like the idea of including how many bikers are passing. That provides an even better heads-up.

Like Diann, I usually am huffing like a steam engine, and the ears just aren't what they used to be; so nice and loud is good.

Martha Scott

On Tue, Apr 22, 2014 at 1:27 PM, James Thompson <jtexconsult@gmail.com> wrote:

This seems of general interest, so . . .

Vehicular Law FS316.083 and .085 require us as vehicles in the roadway to pass on the left except where right side passing is permitted. And according to the law all vehicles (that means us) must give three feet to bikes and other non-motor users. Vehicles are even allowed to cross lanes to do so.

According to cycling tradition "on the left" is a standard for most club riders. It is even the name of teams and coaching programs (the idea being you are passing the competition). I have found however that "stay where you are" works better with slower or less experienced riders esp. in a commuter crowded situation.

Notably sidewalk cyclists are required by law to give an audible signal when overtaking other users. FS316.2065(11). I believe we should voluntarily extend this rule to ourselves.

If someone doesn't like your signalling it is usually because you are passing them up. :) You said OYL. They heard OYL, Sucker!

James

On Apr 22, 2014 12:57 PM, "Clifford Gionet" <taxfirmone@gmail.com> wrote:

When we did our first Cycle Oregon many years ago we were instructed by ride officials to say "On your left" as we passed slower riders.

We developed the habit of saying this every time we pass slower riders. We do not say it too loudly or attempt to scare anyone but are trying to be courteous and not scare someone by just racing past them with no advance warning.

Some riders seem to appreciate the notice while others seem offended.

We also make a comment how many riders are behind us if riding in a group or we may say something like "One rider on your left".

Do riders in the club have a preference or is there any recommended procedure for notifying slower riders as you pass on the left? Is it better to just pass someone or is it advisable to give notice that one or more riders are passing on the left?

I would be interested to hear if there is a consensus among club members. I will say from experience that very seldom do pace line groups or single riders make any comment when passing.

Thanks,

Cliff Gionet

taxfirmone@gmail.com

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