What You Should Know When Sharing the Road with Cyclists
The number of cyclists on our roads, especially in large cities, has increased over the years. When you’re sharing the road with cyclists, it’s important for the safety of everyone to drive with extra caution. Here’s what every driver needs to know when sharing the road with cyclists:
Pay attention to the bike lane. Just as bikers should respect car lanes, drivers should respect bike lanes. That means not to park in the bike lane or swerve over into the bike lanes. When you disregard bike lanes, it increases the chances of the biker being forced into car lanes, and ultimately increases the chance of a collision.
Be careful opening your car door. If you’re exiting your vehicle from the driver’s side, be sure to look behind you for any cyclists before you open the door. Put down your phone and look before you exit your vehicle.
Watch your turns. When making a turn, the cyclist has the right of way. So take the time to look for a cyclist before you turn. It could mean the difference between a collision and reaching your destination safely.
Not all roads have bike lanes. While it would be safer and more efficient if all roads were designed with a bike lanes, that’s simply not that case. So when you’re driving on a road without a bike lane, pay extra attention to your surroundings. If you have to slow down or let a cyclist pass you, do it.
Have patience. Sharing the road with cyclists isn’t always easy, but it is important to have patience. While you may be in a hurry to reach your destination, it’s not worth causing a collision, injuring a cyclists, a pedestrian, yourself or your passengers.
With more bikes on our roads today, it’s crucial to take the time to understand some basic principles about sharing the road with cyclists. Drive with extra caution, be patient, and be aware of your surroundings. In doing so, you’ll ensure safer roads for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Why is sharing the road with cyclists more important than it used to be?
The number of cyclists on American roads has grown substantially over the past decade, particularly in large cities where commuting by bike is increasingly common. More cyclists in traffic means more interactions with drivers, and a small mistake by either party can have serious consequences for the cyclist. Drivers need to actively account for bikes in their scanning and decision-making rather than treating them as occasional surprises.
Is it okay to drive or park in a bike lane?
No. Bike lanes are dedicated space for cyclists, and parking or swerving into them forces riders out into the regular travel lanes where they're far more likely to be hit. Treat the bike lane the same way you'd treat oncoming traffic. Stay out of it unless your state's traffic laws explicitly allow a crossing or a brief merge for a turn. Respecting the lane keeps cyclists predictable and traffic flowing safely.
What's the safest way to open my car door near a bike lane?
Look behind you for cyclists before you open the driver's side door, every time. Getting hit by an opening door, sometimes called dooring, is one of the most common ways cyclists are injured by parked vehicles. Put your phone down, glance over your shoulder, and check your side mirror before pulling the handle. A second of attention prevents a serious crash.
Who has the right of way when I'm turning and a cyclist is nearby?
The cyclist generally has the right of way when you're making a turn, so look for bikes before you commit to the maneuver. Cyclists travel faster than many drivers expect, especially downhill, so a bike that looked far away when you started signaling can be alongside you by the time you finish the turn. Take an extra second to check before turning across or onto a bike lane.
What if the road I'm on doesn't have a bike lane?
Not every road is built with a bike lane, so when you're driving on one that isn't, treat the cyclist as a vehicle that simply takes up less space. Give them a wide berth when passing, slow down if you can't safely pass yet, and avoid squeezing past them just to save a few seconds. Paying close attention to your surroundings on these roads matters because a cyclist may be just around a bend or partially hidden by parked cars.
What's the right mindset when driving near cyclists?
Patience. You may be in a hurry, but no destination is worth a collision that could injure a cyclist, a pedestrian, your passengers, or you. Sharing the road well comes down to slowing down when you need to, keeping a comfortable distance, and accepting that bikes will sometimes take a little extra time to pass. A calm, attentive driver makes the road safer for everyone on it.
