Bicyclist laws & safety from WSDoT
Posted: Wed Dec 24, 2025 11:03 pm
January 1st, 2026 update:
This same driver scared me again on New Year's Eve at 5:10 PM on the County Road between Winthrop and Bear Creek Road. This time he passed me at speed in close range on icy roads while blowing the horn of his SUV.
I am 80% sure it is a grey, second-generation Dodge Durango, which was made between 2004 and 2009. It features bulbous rear lights that are quite recognizable. On Wikipedia, there is a good illustration of pre–facelift Dodge Durango SLT that looks very similar to the vehicle I saw.
Someone must tell him that it is not okay to be a threat to cyclists before he hurts someone.
No further comment to this post is needed.
Happy New Year.
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December 24th, 2025 original post:
Here is a reminder of the law to users of motorized vehicles who may think bicycles have no rights to be on the road, and particularly to the driver of a grey SUV who yelled at me distinctly to "get the f... out of the road" this morning at 5:45 on East County Road while passing me at a distance of only an arm's length on an otherwise deserted road.
No one should behave in a threatening manner towards cyclists, especially individuals in control of vehicles.
According to the Bicyclist laws & safety from the Washington State Department of Transportation:
- "Riding on a roadway - When riding on a roadway, a bicyclist has the same rights and responsibilities as vehicle drivers (RCW 46.61.755). A bicycle is a legal vehicle, just like a car. Bicyclists who violate traffic laws may be ticketed (RCW 46.61.750)."
- "Safe passing - The driver of a vehicle approaching an individual who is walking or bicycling, in the right lane of a roadway or on the right-hand shoulder or bicycle lane of the roadway, shall pass safely. The driver shall move completely into a lane to the left of the lane the pedestrian or bicyclist is in when it is safe to do so or reduce speed to a safe speed for passing and pass at a safe distance, where practicable of at least three feet, before passing and until safely clear of the individual when it is safe to do so (RCW 46.61.110)"
In twenty years of all-season, all-weather commuting by bicycle in the Methow Valley, this was the first time hatred words were addressed to me. For those who wonder, my bike is my main means of transportation, it is equipped with fat, studded tires in the winter, front and rear lights, and I wear bright reflective gear.
Just spread the good words from the law when you feel it is appropriate.
No further comment to this post is needed.
Merry Christmas.
This same driver scared me again on New Year's Eve at 5:10 PM on the County Road between Winthrop and Bear Creek Road. This time he passed me at speed in close range on icy roads while blowing the horn of his SUV.
I am 80% sure it is a grey, second-generation Dodge Durango, which was made between 2004 and 2009. It features bulbous rear lights that are quite recognizable. On Wikipedia, there is a good illustration of pre–facelift Dodge Durango SLT that looks very similar to the vehicle I saw.
Someone must tell him that it is not okay to be a threat to cyclists before he hurts someone.
No further comment to this post is needed.
Happy New Year.
--
December 24th, 2025 original post:
Here is a reminder of the law to users of motorized vehicles who may think bicycles have no rights to be on the road, and particularly to the driver of a grey SUV who yelled at me distinctly to "get the f... out of the road" this morning at 5:45 on East County Road while passing me at a distance of only an arm's length on an otherwise deserted road.
No one should behave in a threatening manner towards cyclists, especially individuals in control of vehicles.
According to the Bicyclist laws & safety from the Washington State Department of Transportation:
- "Riding on a roadway - When riding on a roadway, a bicyclist has the same rights and responsibilities as vehicle drivers (RCW 46.61.755). A bicycle is a legal vehicle, just like a car. Bicyclists who violate traffic laws may be ticketed (RCW 46.61.750)."
- "Safe passing - The driver of a vehicle approaching an individual who is walking or bicycling, in the right lane of a roadway or on the right-hand shoulder or bicycle lane of the roadway, shall pass safely. The driver shall move completely into a lane to the left of the lane the pedestrian or bicyclist is in when it is safe to do so or reduce speed to a safe speed for passing and pass at a safe distance, where practicable of at least three feet, before passing and until safely clear of the individual when it is safe to do so (RCW 46.61.110)"
In twenty years of all-season, all-weather commuting by bicycle in the Methow Valley, this was the first time hatred words were addressed to me. For those who wonder, my bike is my main means of transportation, it is equipped with fat, studded tires in the winter, front and rear lights, and I wear bright reflective gear.
Just spread the good words from the law when you feel it is appropriate.
No further comment to this post is needed.
Merry Christmas.