TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SHARING THE ROAD WITH BIKES
(and other vulnerable road users)
Because the person on that bike might be your barista, or your kid’s teacher. Maybe it’s your doctor, or your town’s fire chief. Maybe it’s your babysitter, or your favorite bartender. Please don’t kill your community members.
Give us space
In most states, it is required by law to give cyclists three feet of space when passing them. Some states require four. Even if your state doesn’t have a legal requirement, please give us room.
The faster you drive by us, the less control any of us have, and the more reckless it is.
And, also, did you know that speed plays a huge factor in a cyclists’ chances of living or dying when struck by a driver? If you don’t want to kill us, please slow down:
23 mph: 10% risk of death
32 mph: 25% risk of death
42 mph: 50% risk of death
50 mph: 75% risk of death
58 mph: 90% risk of death
Slow down
To oncoming traffic, and to vulnerable road users. Wait until the road is clear and it’s safe to pass before you pass a cyclist or pedestrian.
Yield to cyclists and pedestrians when turning. It’s hard to tell how fast a cyclist is going, so if you think you can race them to turn in front of them, that is a huge gamble that could end tragically.
Yield
Look one more time
Most driver vs. cyclist crashes happen when drivers turn without looking. Please look left before you turn right. Look ahead when you’re making a left.
When you’re opening your door next to a bike lane, look behind you for a cyclist first.
Just look out for other people on the road.
For the love of all things holy, please use your turn signal
It doesn’t take a lot of effort, and it helps cyclists predict your movements. Help us help you.
Have your own tip or trick you’d like to share? Send us a message
Did you know in most states vulnerable road users (VRU) have specific rules to keep them safe? In general, motor vehicles must yield to VRU.
Cyclists generally have the same rules as drivers do, with a few nuances in some states. The most common exception is the Safety Stop law, or the “Idaho Stop” as it is often referred to. This law allows cyclists to safely roll through stop signs if there are no other vehicles present. The states that allow this are:
Arkansas
Colorado
Delaware
Idaho
Minnesota
North Dakota
Oklahoma
Oregon
South Carolina
Utah
Washington
Washington, D.C.
Please research your specific state for details about this law; ie, age restrictions, acceptions, etc.
You can look up your own city and state laws with a simple Google search. If you have any questions about your local laws, ask your local advocacy group, city councilors, or, reach out to me here and I can help straighten things out.