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is it illegal to ride your bicycle in the bus lane?

I have a small part of Bothell Way I need to ride on to avoid the lengthier Burke Gilman detour, about 20 blocks, and on the way home there is a bus lane. Is it illegal for me to ride to the far right of the bus lane?

Wendy Manning asked in Bicycles 11 months ago | Report

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2 Answers

  • Serena_small
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    It it totally legal to ride in the bus lane. However, I would actually recommend not riding super far to the right. If you ride more towards the center of the lane you will be more visible to the bus drivers and they will pass you at a safer distance. Have a safe ride!

    Serena Lehman, Cascade Bicycle Club answered in Bicycles 11 months ago | Report
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  • 276319_500023274_8075782_n_small
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    No not illegal. But not recommended by King County. However... I live near this route and off and on ride the lane. Sometimes I just use the bus to get to the top of the hill and take the straight drop down 153rd > 37th > 150th > 39th > 40th to Riviera to the Burke. About a 90 second descent at a slow safe speed. Anyway bus drivers when I ride their bus have been telling me it is no big deal to for them go around the cyclists they encounter in the lane. And cyclists I have spoken to say they feel safe riding it. If you don't, I suggest using the bus rack for two stops and taking the drop route to the Burke described above. It is about a six minute ascent up the hill from Ballinger to 153rd for me so during rush hour you will be encountered by 2-3 buses. Another caution... Riviera is flat but very rough. Probably more dangerous than the drop ... or the bus lane.

    Doug Hansen answered in Bicycles 8 months ago | Report
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