Bicyclists have rights, responsibilities on road

As a certified cycling instructor for the League of American Bicyclists, my goal is to provide accurate information regarding cycling laws and cycling safety.

The league's education program is based on the principle that "cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles."

A bicycle is a regular part of traffic, including driving on the right side of the road, yielding right of way, obeying traffic signals and signaling one's intentions. Rights and responsibilities on the road are the same for bicyclists as they are for vehicle drivers.

Thanks to the Palmetto Cycling Coalition and its volunteers, we now have a state law that provides greater safety for bicyclists on South Carolina roads. The law, passed in 2008, provides that bicyclists have the rights granted to vehicle drivers and are subject to the same laws. The law also includes an anti-harassment provision, which carries a fine of not less than $250 or imprisonment of up to 30 days, or both.

We have a beautiful multi-use pathway system on Hilton Head Island and in parts of Bluffton, but state law also gives cyclists the right to ride on the roadway unless a specific "bike lane" exists. Unfortunately, we have no bike lanes around here. (Note to cyclists: Wear a helmet and use lights and reflectors for extra visibility.)

There's enough room out there for all of us. And if gas prices continue to climb, and we don't find alternative fuels, we'll all be on a bicycle.

Beverly Perfect

Hilton Head Island