Safety Tips for Sharing the Road: Cyclists And Drivers

Written by Mary Salatino

Sharing the streets with cyclists can be a smooth experience if everyone understands the rules and respects each other's space. Whether you're in a car or on a bike, knowing how to navigate the road helps prevent accidents.

With nearly 1,000 deaths and over 130,000 injuries attributed to cyclist crashes each year in the United States, it's clear that safety is crucial.

In this article, we'll explore practical insights for both drivers and cyclists to ensure a safer and more harmonious experience.

Guidelines for Bicyclists

Cyclists need to follow traffic laws to stay safe. This means stopping at stop signs, adhering to lane rules, looking both ways and not riding under the influence. While cyclists often have the right of way, it's crucial for them to ride defensively and stay alert.

Cyclists should:

Maintain control of the bike: Use a properly sized bicycle, build stamina gradually for long rides and ensure the bike is maintained.
Follow speed limits: Riders on traditional or electric bicycles should not exceed posted speed limits. Even legal speed limits can be dangerous for bicyclists.
Wear a helmet: Helmets protect your head and brain, significantly reducing the risk of serious injury or death.
Be alert: Stay aware of your surroundings and potential hazards — watch for motorists who may not see you or anticipate your movements.
Be visible: Use reflectors and front and rear lamps at night. Wear bright or fluorescent clothing to enhance visibility.
Communicate your intentions: Use hand signals to signal left turns, right turns or slowing down.
Ride with traffic: Always ride in the same direction as traffic to improve visibility.

Keeping Cyclists Safe

Motorists must share the road responsibly with cyclists, recognizing their vulnerability. Remember that collisions with cyclists can be fatal, and cyclists have just as much right to use the streets as automobile users.

Car operators should:

Give cyclists space: When passing, allow at least three feet of clearance.
Check before turning: Look twice before turning to avoid collisions.
Yield to cyclists at intersections: Be aware of cyclists' right-of-way at intersections and yield when required.
Avoid distracted driving: Stay focused and avoid distractions like texting, removing your hands from the wheel and more.
Use signals: Always use turn signals to indicate lane changes or turns, giving cyclists a clear understanding of your intentions.
Stay alert around bike lanes: Be mindful of bike lanes and avoid encroaching or parking in them.

Adhering to these guidelines keeps bicyclists safe and helps prevent accidents, injuries and deaths.

Upgrade Your Skills Today

By understanding and practicing road etiquette, car and bike operators can create safer, more cooperative streets. SafeMotorist provides training in safe driving practices, defensive techniques and more.

You'll learn about the leading causes of accidents, crash prevention techniques, strategies for sharing the streets and more. Enhance your skills behind the wheel by enrolling in our courses today.