Sharing Roads
With Bicyclists
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Bicyclists and drivers share the same roads and must obey the same traffic laws. There are major differences between the vehicles, however, and obviously, bikers are far more vulnerable. Also, cyclists have to balance to ride, can't stop as quickly as cars and are affected more by potholes, gravel, railroad crossings, oil and other vehicles. These conditions force sudden and unpredictable moves.
For these reasons, it's important to always approach cyclists carefully. To be safe, slow down and don't attempt to pass until there's plenty of room to do so safely. Move well to the left if you need to pass, or wait for the cyclist to yield if necessary. Here are five guidelines for safe driving around cyclists:
1. Drive cautiously
Always slow down when you encounter cyclists
In inclement weather, give cyclists extra trailing and passing room
Recognize situations that may be dangerous to cyclists and give them space
It's difficult to judge cyclists' speed (almost always, they're traveling much faster than they appear) so don't turn or pull out in front of them
2. Yield
Cyclists are considered vehicles and should be given the appropriate right of way
Don't overtake cyclists and turn right across their path at the last moment; slow down, wait for them to pass through the intersection and then turn right
If you're behind a cyclist approaching a stop sign, don't pass; wait your turn
Cyclists may take the entire lane when they perceive that hazards, road width or traffic speed dictate
Allow extra time for cyclists to cross intersections
3. Be considerate
Scan for cyclists in traffic and at intersections
Do not blast your horn in close proximity to cyclists
Look for cyclists when opening doors
4. Pass carefully
Leave at least three feet of space between your car and a cyclist when passing; more if you're driving a wide vehicle such as a truck with extended mirrors
Wait until road and traffic conditions allow you to safely pass
Check over your shoulder after passing a cyclist before moving back to normal position 5. Watch for children
Children on bicycles are often unpredictable - expect the unexpected and slow down
Most children don't have adequate knowledge of traffic laws
Children are harder to see because they are typically smaller than adults
For these reasons, it's important to always approach cyclists carefully. To be safe, slow down and don't attempt to pass until there's plenty of room to do so safely. Move well to the left if you need to pass, or wait for the cyclist to yield if necessary. Here are five guidelines for safe driving around cyclists:
1. Drive cautiously
2. Yield
3. Be considerate
4. Pass carefully