OUR CITY

Lewiston is the second largest city in Maine and sits across the Androscoggin River from the neighboring City of Auburn. Together, the Twin Cities have a population of roughly 59,000 people. Both cities have some great bicycle paths and trails that are used for both functional and recreational purposes. However, we are still in great need of more infrastructure that supports bicycling as an alternative mode of transportation. We could especially use bicycle lanes on major streets: Main Street, Center Street, Lisbon Street, and Sabattus Street.

RULES OF THE ROAD

Lewiston city ordinance regarding bicycle rules can be found by clicking here. But in general, here are the universal rules of the road:

1) Bicycles, when on the street, should be considered a part of regular traffic, and expected to follow the same traffic laws as other moving vehicles.

2) Bicyclists must ride with the flow of traffic, on the right side of the street, unless they are changing lanes to make a left hand turn.

3) Bicyclists must stop at all traffic lights and stop signs and yield to other vehicles that have the right of way.

4) Bicyclists must signal before turning left or right or changing lanes by holding out their arm, pointed in the appropriate direction. An arm bent downward with a palm facing the car indicates that you are going to stop.

5) If bicycling on the sidewalk, riders must acknowledge that pedestrians always have the right of way. If approaching a pedestrian from behind, make sure to call out to them and warn them that you are approaching by saying "On your left!" or "On your right!" or stopping and waiting for an appropriate time to pass.

6) If bicycling at night, make sure to have reflectors and lights on your bike that improve your vision as well as your visibility to other cars and riders.

7) If there is no shoulder on the road or hazardous obstacles prevent you from staying to the right side of the street, TAKE THE LANE. This means you ride in the middle of one road lane, preventing any anxious cars behind you from trying to squeeze by and threaten your safety. TAKE THE LANE does not mean ride on the divider line.

8) When a line of cars is stopped at a stop light, it is best to wait in line as though you are another car. If you sneak up either side of the cars, you do so at the risk of the cars changing lanes or turning without expecting you to be there.

9) If there is a serious jam that is holding up traffic, then it is best to pass stopped cars with a big smile on your face.

10) Where possible, it is good to register your bike with the local police department. The Lewiston Police do not offer this service.

11) If it's going to be out of sight, lock your bike or say good-bye to it.