November 01, 2004
Harmony on Huron River Drive
Cycling on Huron River Drive west of Main Street has long been an issue between cyclists and motorists, both of which have the right to be there. Oftentimes motorists do not realize, nor do they care that cyclists have a right to use the traffic lane, while less frequently, cyclists are inconsiderate of motorists and other cyclists while sharing the same stretch of road.There are many narrow streets in the city of Ann Arbor, and this one is no exception. Add to this the winding path the road takes, along with the visual obstructions such as trees and foliage on both sides, steep embankments on the south side, and it certainly has the potential for stressful and dangerous situations, short tempers, injury, and even tragedy. Common sense and cool heads should always take precedence over actions based on proving a point or making a statement.
To clarify how the city ordinance addresses this issue while cycling in the Ann Arbor city limits, cyclists can legally ride two abreast unless a motor vehicle approaches from the rear and sounds the horn. The cyclists must then single up and allow the vehicle to pass. This doesn’t allow for dangerous or double-yellow passing on the part of the motorist, just because a cyclists is being passed, but they are still bound by legal passing movements. Anyone has access to all city ordinances by going to the Ann Arbor website at: www.ci.ann-arbor.mi.us/Clerks/citycode.html This particular section is found in Chapter 127 “Bicyclists” section 10:164. It’s not the most user-friendly website so have patience when you visit.
Outside of the city limits, the road is policed by the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department which utilizes state law. Section 257.660(2) allows cyclists to ride two abreast whether a vehicle approaches from the rear or not. Citizens are invited to check out this and other traffic laws by visiting the cite www.michigan.gov/msp then search with “michigan vehicle code” then click on the “Michigan Vehicle Code: Electronic Version,” then search with the word “bicycle” and will they all pop up on one screen.
Of course anytime Huron River Drive enters a city, township, or village, there may be slightly different versions that apply which are specific to that particular jurisdiction, so if cycling through any of these areas the local ordinance should be checked to be sure.
Although the temptation is great to inconvenience motorists (especially if a cyclist has at some point been the victim of malicious behavior on the part of a passing motorist), it is encouraged that cyclists promote harmony and consideration by transitioning to single file and allowing the motorist to pass. This is one of the most beautiful roads to cycle on a sunny afternoon, so don’t let any motorist (or other cyclist for that matter) get the best of you and ruin your ride. Be as considerate as you can without jeopardizing your safety and let everything else roll off without spoiling the day.
I hope the websites help and ride your gluteus to its maximus! Comments and questions are welcome.
Officer Kathleen Vonk
Ann Arbor Police Department
kvonk@ci.ann-arbor.mi.us
International Police Mountain Bike Association Instructor #042
USDOT Law Enforcement Bicycle Safety Instructor
League Cyclist Instructor #1139
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