People on bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as people behind the wheel of a vehicle.
With warm weather comes an increase in bicyclists on streets and highways. The possiblity for accidents between cyclists and motorists increases as well. Following are a few tips for drivers to help avoid a crash with a cyclist:
- Yield to bicyclists as you would motorists and do not underestimate their speed. This will help avoid turning in front of a bicyclist traveling on the road or sidewalk, often at an intersection or driveway.
- In parking lots, at stop signs, when packing up, or when parking, search your surroundings for other vehicles, including bicycles.
- Drivers turning right on red should look to the right and behind to avoid hitting a bicyclist approaching from the right rear. Stop completely and look left-right-left and behind before turning right on red.
- Obey the speed limit, reduce speed for road conditions and drive defensively to avoid a crash with a cyclist.
- Give cyclists room. Do not pass too closely. Pass bicyclists as you would any other vehicle—when it’s safe to move over into an adjacent lane.
Visit The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration for more valuable information on cycling safety.
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