Looking for a few tips that will help you navigate your way safely around cyclists on the road, here are a few tried and true guidelines to help you be a safer driver.
Drive cautiously
- Reduce speed when encountering cyclists
- In inclement weather, give cyclists extra trailing and passing room
- Recognize situations that may be potentially dangerous to cyclists and give them space
Yield to cyclists
- Cyclists are considered vehicles and should be given the appropriate right of way
- Cyclists may take the entire lane when hazards, road width or traffic speed dictate
- Motorists should allow extra time for cyclists to traverse intersections
Be considerate
- Scan for cyclists in traffic and at intersections
- Do not blast your horn in close proximity to cyclists
- Look for cyclists when opening doors
Pass with care
- Leave at least three feet of space between your car and a cyclist when passing (buses/large vehicles should provide even more space than this)
- Wait until road and traffic conditions allow you to safely pass
Watch for children
- Children on bicycles are often unpredictable - expect the unexpected and slow down
- Most children don't have adequate knowledge of traffic laws
Be Patient
- If you encounter a cyclist riding poorly, don’t take out your frustration on the next cyclist you come upon.
- Cyclists, unlike drivers of motor vehicles, typically don't receive any training and they're operating a roadway typically designed with the needs of cars first. More training and changes in traffic engineering for cyclists are clearly needed. Get involved in WBWC, if you're feeling frustrated and want to happen quicker.
