Feb. 1. By Dave Vieser. You may have already noticed new signs being installed alerting motorists that bike riders may use full lanes, as per NC law. The signs were requested by the town to improve safety.

“We have installed 20 of these signs on West Catawba Avenue, as well as Torrence Chapel, Bethel Church and Bailey Roads,” said Assistant Town Manager Tyler Beardsley. More signs are on order Hwy. 21 and Hwy. 115, as well as Jetton and Westmoreland roads.

The Bikes May Use Full Lane sign, first established on a nationwide basis in 2009, designates roads with lanes that are too narrow to be safely shared side-by-side by a bicycle and another vehicle.and to warn motorists that bicyclists ahead may be using the full lane.

Bike law refresher

—Bicyclists usually ride on the right side of the lane, but are entitled to use the full lane.

—Drivers wishing to pass a bicyclist may do so only when there is abundant clearance and no oncoming traffic is in the opposing lane.

—When passing a bicyclist, always remember the bicyclist is entitled to use of the full lane.

To read more on bike laws and safety, courtesy of the North Carolina Driver’s Handbook, click here.