Rules of the Road

Bicycles and vehicles often share space, which is why it''s important to become familiar with the cycling rules of the road. Whether you''re traveling on a city street, a rural road or a highway, there''s plenty of room for everyone to have a safe and enjoyable journey. Riders can take advantage of bike lanes in many cities, but there are often times when road sharing is the only option.

Obeying laws and paying attention to road signs may seem like common sense, but many drivers and riders are guilty of negligence in these areas. As a rider, you''re obviously more vulnerable, which is why road rules for cyclists should be first and foremost in your mind when riding.

Basic Rules of the Road for Cyclists

The responsibility lies with every cyclist to be aware of the rules of the road. Basic knowledge and strict adherence keeps everyone safer. As a rider, you are performing in the same manner as drivers, but also maintaining a keen awareness that you''re less visible and using an open form of transportation.

It may be surprising, but some novice riders remain unaware of the most basic rules for cyclists, including:

• Always ride with traffic.
• Be knowledgeable of and use appropriate hand signals.
• Obey all traffic signs.
• Remain as far to the right as is feasible, unless planning a left-hand turn.
• Wear a helmet, which is a law in most states, especially for those under age 16.

Experienced and novice cyclists should also be aware of the following:

• door zone: Avoid this area on streets with parallel parking to avoid injury as a driver exits a vehicle.
• merging: This includes knowing when to exit the bike lane and enter vehicular traffic at intersections or when turning off a road.
• passing: Never pass to a right-side position; motorists are unaccustomed to watching for faster traffic to the right.
• rights-of-way: Understand the rules, especially at four-way stops.
• visibility: As a rider, you have the disadvantage. Always wear bright clothing and take proper precautions in low-light situations.

A Few Road Rules for Riding Courteously

While you have the same rights on a bicycle as you do in a vehicle, courtesy often leads to greater safety. Even in cycling rights-of-way, you''ll find times when it is best to take a passive stance. Yielding is often your best method of getting from Point A to Point B.

Some helpful tips to follow are:

• Always make your intentions clear. Intersections and turns are prime locations to display common courtesies to those around you.

• Whether you''re turning or proceeding straight, stay in clear view of other drivers and out of blind spots.

• When going right, remain on the right side of the road, but not on the shoulder.

• If taking a left, ease into traffic between vehicles and move to the left of the lane.

• To proceed straight ahead, merge into the middle of the traffic lane.

Road Rule Basics for Group Cycling

Group bicycle riding adds new rules and behaviors to the mix. Not only are you mingling with vehicles, you''re now riding among other bicyclists. Some of them will be street savvy, while others may not be as knowledgeable about rules of the road. Whether it''s a road tour or city riding, take some extra precautions for a safe ride.

Basic rules for safe group riding include:

• Caution: Never assume and always be alert to the unexpected.
• Focus: Stay in tune with everything around you; be aware of your surroundings.
• Plan ahead: Don''t make sudden moves; do not swerve unless it''s unavoidable.
• Show respect: This applies to drivers, riders, pedestrians and road signage.
• Stay in single file: Do this by keeping space between your front and rear wheels and the riders in front and behind you. If wheels overlap, it''s difficult to take evasive action if another cyclist swerves.

Motorist Rules for Sharing the Roads with Cyclists

While drivers understand that cyclists share the same rules of the road, this won''t eliminate impatience. However, you can take precautions that encompass both the laws and a few simple courtesies:

• Always be aware that cyclists have the same right-of-way.
• Avoid honking unless absolutely necessary.
• Exercise caution when passing a cyclist.
• Leave ample space between your vehicle and a bicycle.
• Slow down for riders crossing intersections.

Avoid "Rage" with a Few Common Sense Rules of the Road

Sometimes, common sense outweighs the law for your best interests, especially in heavy traffic. For instance, you may be able to ride two abreast on city streets. However, if you''re slowing traffic behind you, it''s probably not a wise position. In addition, if you''re visiting with your riding partner, you won''t be as aware of surroundings or potential hazards. Ride in pairs only in extremely low-traffic areas to avoid angry drivers.

Sometimes, the roads themselves become dangerous. They may be pothole-heavy or you may find greater amounts of debris on the shoulders. While you have as much right to be in the middle of a lane as a vehicle, do so only if you can attain the same speeds as traffic around you. In stop-and-go city traffic, you probably won''t draw any ire, but when congestion clears, move back to the shoulder or bike lane or to the farthest right.

Resources

Bikeleague.org (2000-2007). Share the Road. Retrieved June 10, 2007, from the Bike League Web site.