On a ride a car made a right turn in front of me. I hit the car and there was very minor contact. Based on the drivers attitude of "Well your not hurt!" I asked for police. The officer instructed the driver regarding bicyclists and the need for caution. Once the driver left, the officer told me that because I was riding to the right of the white line I had no special rights. Had I been to the left of the white line I did have the same rights of any vehicle. I am wondering if insurance coverage would be affected by this white line issue.
Suggestions:
Check with Jim Reed, cycling attorney RBC consults with. He knows liability cyclist vs driver. He would answer your question at no charge. https://www.zifflaw.com/
Get on this local Facebook discussion group " Rochester Safety, Advocacy, and Education Group. "Describe your experience and ask for thoughts. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1433072003652204
Although this is an old RBC Forum entry. did you ever receive an answer to your question?
If not perhaps you should email Jim Reed the RBC's Bike Lawyer and Dan Flanzig the NYBC's Bike Lawyer.
I believe the police officer is incorrect. There is, I believe a statutory hierarchy of road users and bicyclists/bicycles are higher on the hierarchy than motor vehicle operators/motor vehicles. The road user lower on the hierarchy has to give right of way to the road users higher on the hierarchy.
