What Motorists Should Know When Sharing the Road With Bicyclists

Bicyclists are some of the most vulnerable users of the road and can easily be hit by a moving car. Accidents involving bicyclists are usually fatal, with crashes causing a high death rate. Every motorist owes it to other road users to exercise the highest degree of caution to prevent accidents.

According to reports, the number of bicycle commuters tripled in 2020 and has continued to increase.

“When motorists know what to do when sharing the road with bicyclists, it can go a long way in minimizing accident occurrence,” says attorney Amy Gaiennie of Amy G Injury Firm. “As the number of bicycle riders continues to rise, motorists should strive to maintain safe driving habits and make the road safe for everyone.”

Things to Know as a Motorist When Sharing the Road with Bicyclists

Below are some crucial points for motorists to note when sharing the road with cyclists:

#1. Bicyclists Also Have a Right to be on the Road

Some motorists pay little or no attention to bicyclists, treating them like they are not supposed to be on the road.

Traffic rules apply to bicyclists as much as it does to motorists. Bearing this in mind, motorists should be prepared to yield the right of way when the situation demands it and adhere to other traffic rules when sharing the road with bicyclists.

#2. Maintain a Safe Distance

According to the Three Feet for Safety Act, drivers must maintain a safe distance of 3 feet when passing a bicyclist. This helps to ensure that there are no mishaps on the road as either party veers in the lane. Drivers who adhere to this are less likely to be involved in a crash with a bicyclist.

#3. Stay Off Bike Lanes

Bike lanes are provided explicitly for bicyclists. It is not uncommon to see motorists encroaching on such lanes, forcing bicyclists to ride on the edge of the road, which increases the risk of accidents and falls from cracked pavements and debris.

Staying away from the bike lanes gives bicyclists a safe lane to travel, preventing collisions.

#4. Never Assume

One of the things that can lead to an accident is when motorists assume the bicycle rider is experienced. There are many inexperienced bicycle riders on the road. Reports have shown that inexperienced riders are twice more likely to be involved in accidents than experienced ones.

An inexperienced bicycle rider may suddenly swerve, apply the brake, or even fall when you least expect it. It is, therefore, critical for drivers not to assume that a rider will stay in their lane and exercise more caution when driving close to one.

#5. Alert Bicyclists

A safety-conscious driver will signal to other drivers when changing lanes at an intersection. Motorists should alert cyclists when necessary, especially at crossings, to prevent collisions.

#6. Avoid Dooring Accidents

A dooring accident occurs when motorists open their car door without checking for oncoming bicycles. Bicyclists can crash into an open door and significantly injure themselves. Motorists should check the surrounding area to ensure they are clear before opening the car doors to avoid such accidents.

#7. Be Cautious When Making a Turn

It would help to exercise caution when making a left or right turn as a driver. Most cyclists ride on the right side of the road. Therefore, making a sudden right turn may result in hitting an unsuspecting bicyclist.

Be sure to always check for unseen riders and stop when at a red light. Also, be on the lookout for riders who may be in your blind spot before turning so that you do not hit them.

How Bicyclists Can Maintain Safety While Riding

Motorists are not the only ones that should take necessary precautions while on the road. It is also vital for bicyclists to prioritize safety.

Here are things bicycle riders can do to ensure their safety while riding:

■ Wear a helmet: a helmet is a crucial riding accessory that every rider should wear. A helmet helps to prevent head injuries in a fall and is necessary for every rider

■ Obey traffic rules: riders should pay attention to traffic regulations and obey them

■ Stay to the right: riders are expected to stay on the right side of the road. Bicyclists riding on the left side, therefore, run the risk of being hit by a vehicle

■ Signal: before making any turn, signal to oncoming vehicles with your hands

Bottom Line

One of the ways to reduce the number of accidents involving motorists is by equipping drivers with the right information. When drivers become more responsible and considerate towards bicyclists, the number of accidents can be significantly minimized.

Similar Stories