Misconception - "Cyclists Don't Belong on the Road"

Fact - Tennessee State Law says cyclists have the privilege to ride on the road.

55-8-172. Traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles -- Penalty. ~ (a)Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway is granted all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title, except as to special regulations $$ 55-8-171 - 55-8-177, and except as to those provisions of this chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title which by their nature can have no application.

b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. [Acts 1955, ch. 329, 72; T.C.A., $ 59-873; Acts 1989, ch. 591, $ 113.]

In fact, all 50 states grant cyclists the use of all roads except some controlled access highways ( Interstates). Some western states allow cyclists on Interstates where no alternative exists.

Misconception - "Motor vehicle operators have the right-of-way over bicyclists"

Fact - Tennessee State Law says the car driver must execute a safe pass.

55-8-117. Overtaking a vehicle on the left. -- The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction. subject to those limitations, exceptions and special rules hereinafter stated:

(1) The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle: and

(2) Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of the overtaken vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle [Acts 1955, ch. 329, && T.C,A., $ 59-817.]

55-8-119, Limitations on overtaking on the left. -- No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless such left side is clearly visible and is free from oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken.[Also see Lane Width issues] In every event the overtaking vehicle must return to the right-hand side of the roadway before coming within one hundred feet (100') of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. [Acts 1955, ch. 329, $ 18; T.C.A., B 59-819.]

Fact - Tennessee State Law says you can be penalized if you don't comply with the state traffic laws.

55-8-103. Required obedience to traffic laws -- Penalty. -- It is unlawful and, unless otherwise declared in this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title with respect to particular offenses, it is a Class C misdemeanor, for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required in this chapter and chapter 10 of this title. [Acts 1955, ch. 329, $ 3: T.C.A., 4 59-803; Acts 1989, ch. 591, $ 113.]