Cars and bicycles need to coexist. These tips on how drivers and bicyclists can share the road safely could decrease incidents on the road.
Cars and bicycles aren’t natural enemies, although, in the middle of heavy traffic, it can seem like it. The main problems are a lack of knowledge and a lack of courtesy on both sides. But these tips on how drivers and bicyclists can share the road safely may help bridge the gap.
Tips for Drivers
Take a Deep Breath
Your first thought upon spotting a bicyclist might be annoyance. Your second might be that it will slow you down. You both have a right to the road. This is not the time to prematurely pass just to make a point. You might have to wait behind the cyclist for a bit, so make peace with that.
Give Them Some Space
If you and a cyclist were to collide, it wouldn’t be an even fight. They are more vulnerable than you. Acknowledge that by leaving at least three feet of space between you and the bicycle.
Don’t Door Anyone
“Dooring” is when a parked car door swings open just as a cyclist is passing, and it’s not pretty. Check your surroundings before you start to leave your car.Be Flexible
When you’re sharing the road with a bicyclist, you can’t assume that you’ll have textbook conditions. You’re insulated against many hazards, but obstacles on the road are harder for a cyclist to navigate. Stay alert for any unintended swerving, braking, lurching, or unexpected behavior in the bike lane.
Pass Slowly
Yes, you’re allowed to pass a cyclist, but don’t speed up to make up for lost time. Passing slowly can keep you both safe. Maintaining a steady pace is also a nice thing to do.
Respect Bike Lanes
Even if the bike lane is clear, it’s not yours to use. It’s not a shoulder, it’s not a right-turn lane, and you might not see a cyclist coming. Don’t pull over there, park, or use it for passing.
Anticipate Intersections
These are tricky when bicyclists are present. If a cyclist is going to turn right or go straight, they’ll be on your right side. If you’re turning right, you need to exercise extreme caution. Cyclists can use the left lane, too, so you’ll have to adjust your speed accordingly.
Yield To Bicycles
When in doubt, be the bigger guy. Give the bicycle the right of way. If you let them go first at an intersection, you can make eye contact and let them know they’re on your radar.
For Bicyclists
Dress the Part
Wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet is the equivalent of wearing a seatbelt in a car, so take it seriously. And while you don’t always have to wear bicycle shorts, at least put on your brightest, most reflective clothes.
Stay on the Right
You’re required to be on the right side of the road in most cases. If you’re cycling with friends, stay in a single-file line. Once you start trying to navigating in and out of other lanes, you’re putting cars at a disadvantage. If they can’t predict where you’ll be on the road, they can’t know how to react.
Use Arm Signals
Will drivers actually know what they mean? Likely not. But if you’re voluntarily sticking out a limb, it will nonetheless alert cars that something is up. They can always use a little reminder to stay alert.
Don’t Exceed 20 mph
If you’re in a regular lane, maintain a speed of 20 miles per hour or less. You might want to challenge yourself, but don’t push it when cars are present.
Ride With Traffic
Pedal in the same direction as the traffic flow so drivers can see you more easily.
Cycle Defensively
Bicycles haven’t taken over the roads quite yet, and you’ll have to allow for the fact that cars don’t always expect to see you. Until all drivers switch to two wheels, you’re going to have to stay alert. Never assume that a driver knows you’re there. Maintain a wide berth and be ready to get out of the way.
Obey All Rules
We’ve all seen 1986’s “Quicksilver” with Kevin Bacon as a hotshot bicycle messenger, darting in and out of traffic, dodging cabs, and leaping off curbs. It’s tempting to zoom through intersections and beat traffic by forging your own lane between cars, but it’s an easy way to get injured. You can’t ask cars to be civil to you on the roads if you’re not prepared to follow the rules, too.
Tips for Municipalities
Even the most conscientious, courteous drivers and bicyclists need a little help on the roads. The proper signage, signals, and markings are essential guidance we need to coexist. They clarify any confusion and remind us that we can’t get anywhere without sharing. Municipalities can implement these measures for more responsible roads:
Well-Marked Bike Lanes
If a street is wide enough to accommodate bike lanes, it’s worth the investment. If your town already has them, make sure the paint is fresh enough to be highly visible at night. Separating bicyclists from drivers means they can travel at the speed they wish, and their behavior is more likely to be predictable.
Bicycle-Specific Signage
Encourage bicyclists to take advantage of bikeways with traffic control signs identifying where they intersect and how long it takes to ride to various destinations: shopping districts, public transportation, entertainment venues, and so on.
Bike Signals and Beacons
Car drivers take a test to learn the rules of their road, not bicyclists’. Not everyone knows when bicyclists have the right of way or how the other vehicles should behave. Bicycle signs can make it clear when cyclists should cross an intersection. Active warning beacons can alert drivers to bike routes and frequent bike use.
The surging interest in bicycling and walking is positive news for the environment and should lead to better health. Of course, without some ground rules and cooperation, it instead can be fatal. By familiarizing yourself with how drivers and bicyclists can share the road safely, you’ll be saving everyone a lot of grief.
At Custom Products Corporation, we’ve been in business since 1985 and have seen road requirements changing. Contact us so we can keep everyone on your streets safe and keep you on the right side of regulations.
