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Do you want to know what 'Share the Road' really means? Keep these
tips in your pocket the next time you want to inform anyone about
the safe way to operate a vehicle, be it bicycle or car.
Sharing the Road - Cyclists
1) Ride on the right
• Always ride in the same direction as traffic
• Use the lane furthest to the right that heads in the direction that you are travelling
• Slower moving cyclists and motorists stay to the right
2) Act like a motorist
• The same laws that apply to motorists apply to cyclists
• Obey all traffic control devices, such as stop signs, lights, and lane markings
• Always use hand signals to indicate your intention to stop or turn to motorists and cyclists
3) Always wear a properly fitting helmet
• Make sure that the helmet fits on top of the head, not tipped back
• Always wear a helmet while riding a bike, no matter how short the trip
• After a crash or any impact that affects your helmet, replace it immediately
4) Ride predictably
• Ride in a straight line and don't swerve in the road or between parked cars
• Check for oncoming traffic before entering any street or intersection
• Anticipate hazards and adjust position in traffic accordingly
5) Be visible
• Wear brightly colored clothing at all times
• At night, use a white front light, red rear light or reflector and reflective tape or clothing
• Make eye contact with motorists to let them know you are there
Sharing the Road - Motorists
1) 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
2) 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
3) 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
4) Pass with care
• Leave at least three feet of space between your car and the cyclist when passing
• Wait until road and traffic conditions allow you to safely pass
• Check over your shoulder after passing a cyclist before moving back to normal position
5) 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
• Children are harder to see because they are typically smaller than adults
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