Never fails to amaze me

It seems the longer I live the more I become baffled by the things that people do. Now I’m not talking about some incredible feat of bravery or unheard of accomplishment. The thing that amazes me most is how some people can remain so ignorant. That could apply to almost anything. However, what I am referring to here is why people persist in riding their bicycles on the wrong side of the road. You know, I could maybe understand if it was just some young dumb kid. Although, they should know better as well. But, it isn’t just the young that are committing this type of offense.

Today as I was driving down a county road and I noticed up ahead a bicycle rider. Wouldn’t you know it; they were riding on the left side and facing traffic. At first, I thought it was some kid just out for a joy ride on a nice day. But, when I got closer I realized it some a man that was probably somewhere between 60 and 130. Now come on, surely a man that old has heard of the old, old saying “to ride with traffic and not against it”. Nevertheless, he was just joyfully riding along like he owned the entire left side of the road. Any car traveling at any speed on that road could have easily hit him if they were not careful. I guess most riders feel like if they can see oncoming traffic that makes it safer and okay. I don’t think so; at least I don’t want to take that type of chance.

I actually checked into the rules of the road for bicycles in this state. The Indiana Drivers manual lists guidelines for how a bicyclist is to conduct themselves while using the road. It turns out they are to obey the same rules as anyone else. Imagine that! So, for anyone who is interested you can click on the following link. Bicycle Safety. Then scroll down in Chapter 3 to page 20 of the Indiana Drivers Manual. There you will find a lot of information about what all riders should be doing.

Now, maybe other states have different rules. But, I don’t live in those other states so I’m only concerned about the bicycle riders here in Indiana learning proper road rules. So, if you ride a bike around where I live I hope you get the point and start following the proper road rules when you go out for your next bicycle ride.