That is a really reasonable speed for the motorist to react to a surprise cyclist. So, if you are riding with traffic, they’ll only pass you at 15 mph, but up to 35 mph. On local roads, cars may only be traveling 30-50 mph, and they’ll most likely slow down near you. Riding a road bike at 13-17 mph is pretty average.

If you are riding against traffic, you’ve unknowingly put yourself at a higher risk for danger. Without looking to the right at all, they’ll turn into traffic thinking that no one is coming. That makes it especially dangerous because it’s much harder to see something that you aren’t looking for.įor instance, if a motorist is turning right, they may only look for oncoming traffic. When you are driving a car, you don’t usually expect to see a cyclist riding against the flow of traffic. Traffic can’t see you (and isn’t looking for you) People have plenty of arguments about which side of the road is safer. Most states require that you either stay as far right as possible or that you at least follow all local traffic laws like a car or motorcycle would. To be more specific, It’s illegal in the US.

Let me explain why, and show you a map of where it’s illegal. Riding against traffic is ALWAYS illegal and unsafe. You should ride your bike WITH traffic, NOT against it. So, I began to wonder, is that is even legal? Which side of the road should you ride your bike on? Growing up, I was taught “walk on the left ride on the right,” but I’ve been on plenty of rides where I’ve passed someone riding on their left.

I hate bicycle riders in traffic