Arrested in Texas for riding on the road

[Biciclista]

note to self:

I don't want to move to Texas

[Maxxxie]

Wow, that was quite a read. I can't believe the prosecutors/courts/police are actually spending any time on this. Good on him for fighting it.

That said.. the pictures of the road in question do depict a very wide shoulder. Why wouldn't he ride it where it is practical to do so? I ride in the shoulder when one is available. It makes a more pleasant ride all round - I can ride unimpeded, motorists can drive unimpeded.. what's the hassle? If the shoulder runs out, I just do a shoulder check and merge into the traffic lane. The motorists can just be patient and/or overtake me safely. When a shoulder becomes available again, I ride in it.

I note that he mentions that this particular shoulder contains an unsafe road surface, or that parts of it are unsafe. I accept that. But he surely knows by now which parts of the shoulder are rideable and which are not?

My comments should not be interpreted to mean that I think he was in the wrong. I do not believe he was. I also support his right to claim a lane if he needs to do so.

Max

[OakLeaf]

Apparently LAB doesn't have a legal defense fund? Nor is there any statewide or local advocacy organization that does?

Max, from the story, the shoulder isn't consistent. There's nothing more dangerous than weaving in and out of traffic. If traffic's backed up behind you, sure, pull over and wave them on, but then re-take the lane as soon as the line clears.

[Maxxxie]

Oakleaf, I'm not advocating weaving in and out of traffic. I concede that not all of the shoulder is rideable. But if part of the shoulder is rideable, why not use it?

Out of interest, it looks like he was found guilty in at least one of the trials. This is a very disappointing outcome. I believe he's appealing it, and that another trial is still to be commenced. Hopefully they will see things in his favour.

Max