If you’re a driver, you’ve probably found yourself on the same road as a bicyclist. Slowly, municipalities have begun to recognize the fact of bicyclists, and there are a good number of cities and towns with bike lanes. When a bicycle is on a road, it’s considered a vehicle just like a car if the bicyclist is at least 10 years old.
Bicyclist needs to be mindful of their surroundings and the rules of the road. Laws for bicyclists in California include using bike lanes when available, riding in the same direction as traffic, wearing a helmet and not using headphones while riding. While obeying these laws help keep cyclists safe, drivers of cars, trucks and SUVS need to be even more cautious when sharing the road. They’re not only driving an immensely more powerful and dangerous vehicle, but the roads were built for them in the first place. Here are some things for a driver to know when sharing the road with a bicyclist.
Obey the Speed Limit
While a driver should always obey the speed limit, they should be especially careful to obey it if there’s a bicyclist sharing the road with them. They should also take the bicyclist’s speed into account. An ordinary bicycle can’t go nearly as fast as a car, but it can go surprisingly fast. A car driver should treat a bicyclist the same way they would treat another car driver, especially if they or the bicyclist is making a turn.
Keep Out of the Bike Lane
Drivers should also stay out of lanes designated for bicyclists. There are some municipalities where bikes aren’t allowed on the sidewalk, where they can pose a hazard to pedestrians. Bicycle lanes are set apart by white dots and often by a painted silhouette of a bicycle. A driver should try to stay out of these bike lanes and check to see if there’s a bicyclist traveling inside one that’s right next to their vehicle. Drivers should also avoid parking in bike lanes.
Look Around for Bikes When Stopped
If a driver is stopped at a stop sign or red light, they should look around for bicyclists before they proceed. Some bicyclists, unfortunately, don’t heed red lights or stop signs as they should. Others might be in the driver’s blind spot. The driver should also look behind them before they back up.
Take Care When Opening a Door
A driver or passenger who’s getting ready to leave their car should check for bicyclists before opening their door. It’s surprising how often bicyclists are “doored” by car drivers and passengers who aren’t looking for them resulting in devastating injuries.
Don’t Go Around a Bicyclist Stopped for a Pedestrian
Another thing a driver should not do is try to go around a bicyclist who’s stopped at a crosswalk for pedestrians.
Don’t Be Distracted
A driver who’s sharing the road with bicyclists should also avoid distractions such as using smart or mobile phones. If they’ve visited a fast-food place, they should wait until their car is stopped or until they get home to start eating. They absolutely should not text while driving. Texting while driving is already against the law.
