As a bicycle rider, you are recognized legally as a driver of a vehicle in all states. Therefore, drive your bicycle as you would any vehicle. Obey all traffic laws. The fact that a bicycle is very maneuverable does not mean that the cyclist can violate traffic laws with impunity. Be confident and assertive, but never reckless or endangering. Believe in your rights - the cyclist is a legitimate user of the roadways. Observe your responsibilities as a roadway user - signal, position and travel correctly.
Ride just to the right of the motorized traffic when the lane is wide enough to safely share. When the lane is too narrow to safely share, ride in the center of the lane or just to the right of center (in the right hand tire track).
If the bicyclist can keep up with traffic, use the entire lane ("take the lane").
Ride in the right most lane that goes to your destination. In single destination lanes, ride on the right hand side of the lane. In multiple-destination lanes ride the side of the lane appropriate for your destination and current traffic conditions.
A large part of being predictable in your actions on the roadway is letting others know what you plan to do before you do it. Hand signals are a vital communication tool.
Plan ahead. Look behind without swerving, perhaps several times. Signal your intention. Act carefully, smoothly, and deliberately. Negotiate with other drivers through eye contact and signals. Never move in front of another vehicle so close as to constitute a hazard.
Although cyclists are generally required to travel on the right, cyclists are allowed to pass other vehicles on the left (or the right) side of the lane. It can be extremely dangerous to pass slowly moving vehicles in the right lane on the right, since a motorist suddenly turning right could leave the cyclist with no escape route. On multi-lane roads, it is usually much safer for a cyclist to pass a line of stopped or slowly moving cars on the left side of the lane - between the two right-most lanes of cars.
Galen Evans, Pembroke Pines, Florida, USA, bike@ludeca.com
1. Leave at least 3 feet of passing space between the right side of your vehicle (including the right side mirror!) and a bicyclist.
2. Be aware that when the road is too narrow for cars and bikes to ride safely side by side, bicyclists should "take the lane," which means riding in or near the center of the lane.
3. Reduce your speed when passing a cyclist, especially if the roadway is narrow.
4. When turning left at an intersection, yield to oncoming bicyclists just as you would to oncoming motorists.
5. After passing a cyclist on your right, check over your shoulder to make sure you have allowed adequate distance before merging back in. Experienced bicyclists often ride 25-30 MPH and may be closer than you think.
6. Don't blow your horn when approaching bicyclists - you could startle them and cause an accident.
7. In inclement weather give bicyclists extra room just as you would other motorists.
8. Learn to recognize situations and obstacles which may be hazardous to cyclists, such as potholes, debris, and glass - then give them room to maneuver.
9. Look for bicyclists before opening your car door.
10. Don't pull up and partially obstruct the right side of the cross street when waiting to make a right turn or pulling out from a driveway. Bicyclists travel on the right and you may be blocking their right of way without leaving maneuvering room.
Galen Evans, Pembroke Pines, Florida, USA, bike@ludeca.com