Loudoun County Sheriff
I was pulling the kids in the trailer behind my Softride today. We went to the Little Gym and on our way home, the Loudoun County Sheriff pulled up alongside me and told me that he would like me to stay to the right while riding. I tried to explain that I wasn't turning right and therefore shouldn't be in the right lane. He said, "I know what you were trying to do, I'm just worried that a car is going to come up from behind and hit your kids." I've always been told to operate my bike like a motor vehicle, I'll be predictable to motorists and by not surprising them, I'll be safer.
The problem with staying to the right in the right hand turn lane is that when I get to the intersection, I'll have to watch for cars making right turns in my path. SO...All you cyclists out there...Do I follow the law enforcement officer's suggestion even though it contradicts safe riding behavior?