RedGage

Well, you've got your bike, your gear, drink, food, etc. and you're ready to hit the road. The first motorist you see beeps at you. What? You just ran a stop sign. You're a cyclist, you own the road. Right? Wrong!!! The growing misconception by many cyclists is that the road is theirs and they make the rules. However, this is so dangerously untrue it is giving all cyclists a bad name.

Cycling on a the can be fun and safe for all involved if the set rules are followed and common sense, your biggest weapon, is used. In most states, state law treats a cyclists not like a pedestrian which is commonly thought, but as a motorist. A cyclist is to follow all traffic laws including (but, definitely not limited to):

the speed limit - I have friends who have been ticketed for speed on a bike
all traffic lights
stop signs
lane designations -

when I'm driving, nothing irks me more then a cyclist who drives straight through the "Right Lane Must Turn Right" lane. It's stupid and dangerous.

Assuming is dangerous. As small and unprotected as you are, assuming can get you killed. Don't assume that the motorist will turn because he has his blinker on, or that he will stop because there is a stop sign. When two cars collide at 25mph the motorists can walk away from the accident. When a car hits a bike at the same speed, the tendency for the cyclist is that it is much more deadly!

Did I mention "don't assume" and "use common sense"? Overall, your behavior on the road is perceived as the behavior of all cyclists. A number of roads and trails have been closed off to riders because just a few choose to ride dangerously.