​​​Driving Etiquette

Sharing the Road with Bikes

The League of American Bicyclists offers a course titled Bicycle Friendly Driver that "aims to educate motorists about how and why bicyclists travel the roadways in the ways they do with the objective of developing a shared understanding for all users." This course is available online, and may be available as an in-person course taught by a League Cycling Instructor.

Rights and Responsibilities of Cyclists on the Roadway

Cyclists have legal access to the roadway and "have the same rights and duties as other motor vehicle operators" and must obey stop signs, traffic lights, traffic laws, and signs.Cyclists are legally allowed to "take the lane" and ride in the center of the travel lane in a number of circumstances:
  • The travel lane is less than 14 feet in width and does not have a designated bicycle lane adjacent to that lane, making it unsafe for a bicycle and a motor vehicle to safely travel side by side.
  • The cyclist is passing another vehicle moving in the same direction.
  • The cyclist is preparing to turn left at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway.
  • When there are unsafe conditions on the roadway, including fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, pedestrians, animals, or surface hazards that prevents the person from safely riding next to the curb or edge of the roadway.
Driving Safely around Cyclists and Common Crashes

 


Adequate space and special attention must be given to cyclists. Bicycles do not have the same safety features that vehicles have, such as a metal frame around the user, airbags, and seatbelts. Therefore, any collision involving a cyclist and motor vehicle will likely result in serious injury to the cyclist.

  • Since cyclists may have to swerve to avoid obstacles in the roadway such as car doors suddenly opening, glass, storm grates, potholes, and other hazards, they should be given plenty of room.
  • Automobile drivers should first ensure it is safe and clear before attempting to pass a cyclist. Do not attempt to pass a cyclist unless you are able to provide at least three feet of space between your vehicle and the cyclist during the overtake.​​

Turning

When beginning a turn from a road with a bike lane, drivers ​must scan the bike lane to ensure that it is clear to avoid striking a cyclist continuing straight at the same time.

  • "Right hook crashes" happen when drivers turning right do not yield to cyclists continuing straight who are traveling in the same direction. 
  • "Left hook crashes" happen when drivers turning left do not yield to cyclists continuing straight who are traveling in the opposite direction.​

Parking

Automobile drivers and their passengers in a vehicle parked at a curb must not open a door on the traffic side of a vehicle without looking for other vehicles, including bicycles or motorcycles.

  • "Dooring crashes" happen when a cyclist is struck by an opening car door while riding in the travel lane.

​​Automobile drivers should never stop or park in a bike lane. This is now a ticketable offense.

  • Violators may face a fine up to $200.
  • Stopping or parking in a bike lane forces cyclists to make unnecessary and often dangerous merges into the travel lanes to pass.

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