Sharing the Road with Bicyclists

Bicyclists

• Watch for bicycles: Bicycles are considered vehicles and should be given the appropriate right of way, as with other vehicles. People riding bicycles have the right to be on the road (and are often prohibited from riding on sidewalks), so respect their right to be there. Reduce your speed when encountering and don’t tailgate.
• Children on bicycles: Children on bicycles can be unpredictable, so slow down and use extra caution. Don’t expect children to know traffic laws. Because of their size they can be harder to see.
• Passing safely: Stay at least 4 feet away from bicyclists (and other vulnerable road users, such as garbage collectors, police officers, and tow truck operators) when passing, and don’t return to the right until well clear of the person. If there isn’t enough room to safely pass in the same lane, you must use another lane or wait for a safe opportunity to pass. Do not pass a person on a bike and then immediately turn right.
• Avoid the “right hook”: Look for and yield to people biking on the right when turning right.
• Avoid the “left cross”: Look for and yield to people walking across the street and yield to oncoming people on bikes when turning left.
• Visibility: Look for bicyclists at night and watch for their reflectors or lights.
• Check blind spots: Watch for bicyclists coming from behind, especially before turning right.
• Doors are dangerous: Before opening your car door, look in your side mirror and physically turn your body to make sure no bicyclists are coming. Learn more here: http://www.dutchreach.org/dutch-reach-practice-tips-door-latch-reminders