Drivers, Cyclists Clash On Tulsa Roads

Thursday, May 31st 2012, 5:16 pm

By: Tess Maune

Green Country's cycling season is in high gear. And with one of the area's biggest cycling events, Tulsa Tough, just a week away, News On 6 wanted to know the best way for cyclists and drivers to share the road.

Hardcore cyclists can ride hundreds of miles week. Joshua Gifford logs up to 300 miles and only has one complaint.

"I either get cursed at, swerved at, diesel-busted at, something thrown at, at least once every time," Gifford said.

Every Wednesday night, those in Tulsa's tight-knit cycling community saddle up for a 25-mile ride. And they're all watching for the same thing.

"You'll see us and we're looking at the cars and making sure that driver is looking at us," cyclist Christy Davis said.

But frustrations come from the other side of the windshield as well. Christy Davis is new to the sport.

"Sometimes I would get frustrated with them actually," Davis said. "Maybe feeling like they're in the way cause I'm trying to get somewhere fast."

In Oklahoma, attorney Malcolm McCollam says the rules of the road are simple: The same rules that apply to a motorist, apply to a cyclist.

"You ride on the right-hand side of the street; you stop at stop signs; if you're going make a left-hand turn, you're going get in the left hand turn lane," McCollam said.

Bikers should ride as close as they feel is safe to the curb, but whether on two wheels or four, sharing the road is key.

"If you're going down a two-lane road, try not to take up the whole road; be respectful of what's coming behind you," bike enthusiast Joshua Gifford said.

There should be at least 3 feet between the motor vehicle and the cyclist when passing on the roadway.