Local Bikers Asking to Share the Road
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Sharing the road is not always easy, even with a bike lane. “Sometimes there can be trash because it’s typically the farthest part on the side of the road,” said cyclist Adrian Parchman. “So sometimes there can be glass or other stuff in the road that can cause a flat.” Flats are not the biggest problem bicyclists are facing on the city roads. “A lot of the times in the city, cars aren’t really used to seeing bikes, so a lot of times it’s not as biker-friendly,” said Parchman. As opposed to pedestrians, bicycles are considered a vehicle and ride in the same direction as traffic. “People still have to respect them, if they’re behind them. They can only go so fast,” said Madison County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Joesph Gill. “You’ve got to be patient, and when you get to a point where you can pass, give them plenty of room and go ahead and make the pass.” Drivers are less likely to notice cyclists if they are distracted; anything from texting, adjusting the radio, or even just turning on the A/C. They don’t hear things, sometimes because they’re distracted they don’t see things,” said Sgt. Gill. It is also the cyclists’ job to stay visible and alert. “The best thing to do is just have the right equipment,” said Parchman. “Any kind of bright gear, flashing lights, anything that’s going to help you get noticed on the road.” Just like a motorist, bike riders can also receive fines for disobeying rules of the road.
