Every year, hundreds of bicyclists die in traffic accidents involving motor vehicles, and thousands more are injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Bicycling advocates say drivers can play a big role in reducing those grim statistics, paving the way for peaceful coexistence. It's a two-way street as they say and yes, bicyclists have responsibilities, too.

Things to consider

Little to no protection:

Cars and trucks in the U.S. weigh 2-3 TONS and the average bicycle weighs 10-20 pounds. Cars and trucks have countless physical and technological safety features built-in, bicycles have none. If there is a collision the bicycles and its rider are going to lose, and lose badly. Give them space, be sure before making turns. 

Bicycles are considered vehicles and belong on the road:

Most drivers have no idea of the traffic laws that apply to bicyclists. Bicycles in the roadway are considered vehicles. NHTSA says cyclists 10 years and older should behave as though they were vehicles on the street, riding in the same direction as other traffic that's going their way and following the same traffic rules. Teenage or older cyclists aren’t supposed to ride on sidewalks, they should be sharing the road with motorists. Cyclists are on the same level as motorists in the eyes of the law. Bicycle riders on public roads have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists and are subject to the same rules and regulations.

Change the way you think:

We tend to think of cyclists as ''in their way," when we should think of them as equals, just as entitled to the roadway as drivers are. Drivers who get impatient with bicyclists might want to stop for a moment and think about the human being on that bike. What if that rider was my friend, a friend of a friend, or a neighbor? Somehow, seeing bicyclists that way makes people a little more patient and considerate. 

Bikes take up less room on the road, more bikes fewer car, equals less traffic:

One cyclist on the road is one less car, cyclists don't wear out the road, cyclists lessen traffic congestion and don’t pollute. So think of it this way, if that cyclist was in a vehicle they’d be in the way the whole commute.

Give them room:

More than 20 states have passed laws requiring motorists to give bicycles on the roadway about 3 feet of space, and bike riders really appreciate that. Whether your state has this law or not, it’s a good idea to give them this space at a minimum. It's best for drivers to pass bicycles slowly and smoothly. Many drivers speed up and get by the cyclists as quickly as possible and this can be more dangerous. 

Pay extra attention at intersections:

Intersections are where the majority of car and bicycle crashes occur, there can be so much going on that cyclists can go unnoticed until it’s too late. Use caution at all times at intersections, but beware of these specific scenarios. Right Turns: Drivers making right turns, especially, should watch out for cyclists. A cyclist may be a little behind and to the right of you, and maybe planning to ride straight ahead. If you don't signal your right turn, you could wind up hitting each other, with the point of contact somewhere on your car's right side. Left Turns: A driver trying to make a left turn sees an oncoming bicyclist, but the driver figures he has plenty of time to complete the turn. Sometimes, that's not true.

Look before you exit:

Imagine a cyclist pedaling along next to a row of parked cars. Suddenly, a driver flings their door open. The impact can send the cyclist flying, and riders have died when they've been thrown into traffic.

Before you open the door, look out the side-view mirror on the driver side then use your right arm to open your door. If you use your right arm to open the driver's side door it forces you to turn in that direction and open your door slowly and only a minor amount to start.  Learn the “Dutch Reach” ——->

Don’t drive distracted and look for more than cars and trucks:

After a car and cycle crash, most motorists claim, “I never saw them.” Avoid distractions, and realize that you shouldn’t only be looking out for other cars and trucks on the road. Motorcycles, Bicycles, pedestrians and other hazards need to be what you’re looking for, cars and trucks are easy to see!

Bicycles are only getting more popular:

As our roads have gotten busier, bicycles have gotten more popular. With the more recent addition of electrically assisted bicycles, this trend has only picked up speed, figuratively and realistically. Let’s respect them and keep all of us safe on the road.

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