Tennessee Bicycle Law

From "Tennessee Traffic Laws Relating to Bicycles"

Bicyclists are, by state law, drivers of vehicles. Bicyclists have the same rights as other vehicle drivers to be on the road.

When passing bicyclists, common sense and state law says that drivers shall pass at a safe distance. Giving 3 feet is a good rule of thumb, but more than 3 feet is recommended if speed limits are above 40 mph.

If bicyclists squeeze over to the right, they endanger themselves. The end up facing debris on the road and bad storm drain grates. Common sense and the law allow bicyclists to ride as far to the left of such roadside hazards as needed for safety.

If the lane is too narrow for the motorist to safely pass the bicyclist within the lane, while still allowing the cyclist a safe buffer-distance from both roadside hazards and the passing vehicle, the law allows the bicyclist to take the entire lane. This means the motorist has to wait behind for a safe chance to pass. Remember that it is easier to pass a person on a bicycle than that same person driving an automobile.

 

This is good to know because everyone is always telling me to get over and now I can say the law says I don't have to! I might get a sign to put on the back of my trike that states just such a law for those idiots who scream at me for not being on the Greenway.


CTG
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