Cape Fear Cyclists members on a ride through New Hanover County. (StarNews file photo)

The original question:

“There is a large group of cyclists that travel through the Glen Meade area at least once a week in the afternoon. I am certain that it is an organized group or club. They travel in a group of 20 to 30. They ride two, three, and four bikes wide down the road. They do not signal when turning, they do not stop at the stop signs, and do not use the marked bicycle lane. I do not know where the group originates or what their final destination is.”

And the answer:

“Unless the police get there at the time they’re riding by, we can’t do anything,” said Wilmington Police Department spokeswoman Lucy Crockett.

Bicycles are entitled to be in the right-of-way just like cars, Crockett said.

“The bike lanes are for the convenience and safety of cyclists,” she said. “They don’t have to use them.”

Added Craig Mann, president of the Cape Fear Cyclists, a Wilmington-based cycling club:

“The area referred to is south of Oleander and (the reader) appears to be referring to our Flaming Amy’s Ride,” Mann said. “We are always advocating to share the road, but must also remember that we share the same rules.”

The rules are all contained in the N.C. Department of Transportation Bicycle/Pedestrian Laws guidebook.

“Please take a moment to brush up on the rules, talk about them, and ride by them,” Mann said.

Date posted: September 13, 2011

User-contributed question by:
M. Smith