Driving on the roads of America today requires quite a lot of observation of the surrounding area, other vehicles, and possible hazards. One of the most popular forms of transportation outside of a car has proven to be the bicycle, but sharing the road with bicyclists can be difficult for any driver.
Use this list of salient pointers for sharing the road with bikes to ensure everyone’s safety no matter how far you travel from home.
Be On the Lookout for Bicycles Everywhere
The simple fact of the matter is that bicycles can use the roadway just like cars. While there are some exceptions, most drivers can expect to pass a bicyclist at some point during the day. The expectation that smaller vehicles and unprotected riders will be present is an important part of modern driving culture.
If you are heading to places you frequent regularly, do not assume that all riders will behave similarly. Some bicyclists get on the sidewalk. Others use the road, and some will even ride in the opposite direction so that they can see you. Moreover, you should signal to bike riders in the exact same way you would to other drivers so that you can share the road safely.
Assume That Bicyclists Cannot Hear You
Modern vehicles are extremely refined, giving you an experience that is both quiet and comfortable. The same is not true for bicyclists. The world around them is loud, and helmets often cover their ears. For this reason alone, you cannot assume that any bike near you will hear you coming.
Moreover, electric vehicles make almost no sound at all. It is best to tread carefully when you see a bicyclist because you are in the larger vehicle and they may be wholly unaware of your presence.
Beware of Other Vehicles at Night
Bicyclists are often quite serious about wearing safety gear, but driving at night is difficult for everyone. Some drivers don’t see well at night to begin with, and then they may not notice a small reflector on the edge of the road. For this reason, you should be even more diligent about who and what is near you while driving when it is dark.
This is especially important around dawn or dusk when lighting is fuzzy and may not provide the field of vision you imagined, if the lighting is yellow and obscures other objects, or when the odd bicyclist doesn’t have the brightest reflectors.
Watch Out for Bike Lanes
Bike lanes have been set aside in cities across America to provide a safe space for bicycles to use busy roads. Cities may have several types of bike lanes. Such as in Spokane, Washington, where you will find buffered, separated and shared bike lanes. These dedicated bike lanes each share the road with cars and even separated lanes still intersect with car lanes. As a result, you should make certain that you are not drifting into an oncoming bike rider when changing lanes because these dedicated bike spaces often sit in between larger vehicles and dedicated right turn lanes.
Watch Out for Bicyclists Everywhere You Drive
Any road is available for bicyclists who are traveling from Point A to Point B just like you. However, you must be even more diligent than normal to keep everyone safe. Aside from the tips above, you also want to be extra careful when exiting your vehicle so that you do not hit a bicycle rider with your door. From start to finish, every journey in a car is made much safer when you keep your eyes peeled for your friends on bikes.
