The Top 5 Reasons to Claim the Lane

1. Motorists give you more room. This is the best way to avoid getting buzzed by cars breaking the thee-foot law in Utah. When you are all the way to the right, cars will almost always try to squeeze by you. When you claim the lane, they are forced to slow down and wait for an opportunity to pass you which means they take plenty of room to do it.

2. You are more visible. Drivers are used to looking for other large, metal boxes. And they’re used to looking in the middle of the lane ahead of them. When you hug the side of the road you are often outside their field of vision and far outside there situational awareness zone. By claiming the lane you are much more likely to be seen by motorists traveling in both directions.

3. You avoid dangerous debris and obstacles. The sides of roads are usually covered in debris. Stuff that can slash your tires and/or fly up and hurt you. There are also things like sewer grates and uneven shoulders to worry about. By claiming the lane you avoid most of this.

4. It’s easier to ride a straight line. Riding a straight line is not only the most efficient way to ride, it’s also the safest. One of the best things cyclists can do to avoid accidents is to be predictable. Dodging in and out of parked cars or around debris is a sure way to get nailed from behind or doored from the side.

5. It’s an easier, more enjoyable ride. When stuck squeezing the side of the road, feelings of stress abound. Constantly watching the terrain ahead of you, swerving out of the way of obstacles, slowing down for pedestrians and many other things that you are forced to pay attention to are reduced when you claim the lane.

Adapted from Tim Grahl’s Top 5 Reasons to Claim the Lane (and why it’s safer)

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To learn more about your legal rights, call (801-424-5252) or email Greg for a free consultation.

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