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TRIKKE eV5 Owner Manual March 2013
3.4 Riding
The basics (Swap left and right for UK)
eV5 riders basically have the same responsibilities as the drivers of other vehicles using the road. These responsi-
bilities are specifically defined under local Traffic Laws. Make sure you are familiar with your local Traffic Laws and
regulations before using your eV5 on public roads.
eV5 riders who ride predictably, following the rules of the road and behaving like other vehicles, are likely to be
treated like regular vehicles and are also more likely to be seen by other road users. Reducing conflicts among
road users reduces the risk of collisions.
Additionally every rider must master basic eV5 handling skills such as riding in straight lines, stopping, shoulder
checking and correct signaling, before venturing into traffic.
Positioning
Ride on the right side of the road, not on the left side or on the sidewalk. Riding in the wrong direction is a major
cause of vehicle collisions. Riders who drive facing traffic are vulnerable because motorists don’t expect to meet
traffic coming the wrong way.
Riding on the sidewalk is dangerous for similar reasons. Pedestrians don’t expect to meet eV5 riders. As well,
each driveway becomes a potential intersection. Local bylaws often set out the age limit or the size of vehicles
allowed to drive on sidewalks.
According to most European Traffic Laws any vehicle moving more slowly than normal traffic must drive in the
right hand lane, as close as practicable to the right edge of the road. The best position for an eV5 rider depends
on the width of the lane and the speed. eV5 riders should ride far enough from the curb, to travel in a straight line
and avoid sewer grates, potholes, debris and the doors of parked cars. If the lane is too narrow to share safely, it’s
legal to occupy the whole lane. Although courtesy should prevail, eV5 riders should not compromise their safety
for the convenience of motorists. It may be safer to take a different route. Increasingly, bike lanes are providing
a good alternative.
eV5 riders should never squeeze between moving cars and the curb.
Yielding to crossing traffic
eV5 riders and motorists must decide who has the right of way at an intersection. The two rules that govern
intersection behavior are a) the driver on the minor street yields to the driver on the major street. b) If arriving
simultaneously, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
Same direction yielding
When traveling in the same direction as other traffic,drivers of all vehicles (including Trikkes) must yield to traffic
already in the lane. Before changing lanes, a rider must look behind to make sure conditions are safe, signal the
lane change and negotiate with the driver behind to make sure the motorist sees the eV5 rider and agrees to let
the eV5 rider in. Lane changes should be started early, with plenty of distance between vehicles.