For drivers, sharing the road begins with the understanding that bicyclists and motorcyclists have the same rights as you. They also face unique safety challenges, such as being smaller and less visible. To maintain a safe coexistence, motorists must act with added care and respect for outlined rules and regulations when it comes to sharing the roadways.
Share the Road!
- Bicycles and motorcycles are still moving vehicles – meaning they have the same rights to the road as other vehicles, including the right to occupy the entire lane if there isn’t enough room for a car and a bike to fit safely side by side.
Lay Off the Horn
- Honking can startle bicyclists or motorcyclists and make them swerve off the road or into traffic, causing serious accidents.
Stay in Your Lane
- Do not drive, stop, or park in a marked bike lane. When you drive into a bike lane, even just for a moment, cyclists have to swerve into traffic lanes. Cyclists can sometimes be hard to see, and this could easily result in an accident.
Have Patience
- A little patience could save your life, or someone else’s on the road around you. Wait to pass a cyclist until you have a fully clear view ahead and are sure there’s no oncoming traffic.
Double-Check Blind Spots
- Bicycles and motorcycles can easily be overlooked because of their size. Be sure to double-check your mirrors when changing lanes, making turns, and before opening your door. By using turn signals before lane changes you can allow cyclists to anticipate your next move and ensure they move out of any blind spots.
It is important to be respectful of everyone on the road in an effort to keep all parties safe. Remember, no one has sole rights to the road. It’s a shared space where we all have rights and responsibilities.
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury as a cyclist caused by a motorists’ negligence or faulty road conditions, please contact the personal injury attorneys at Potter Burnett Law.