Ride in a straight line
Be predictable; don’t weave in and out between parked cars – bicyclists may disappear from motorists’ sight and get squeezed when they need to merge back into traffic. Likewise, motorists should stay in their lanes and not swerve into bike lanes.
Take the lane
It is generally safest for bicyclists to “take the lane.” They should ride near the center of any travel lane of ordinary width (10-12 feet), when traveling close to the speed of other traffic, and when approaching intersections, driveways, and alleys. Such lane control improves bicyclist visibility and vantage at intersections, keeps bicyclists out of motorist blind spots, prevents motorists from trying to squeeze by within the same lane, and reduces conflicts with turning traffic.
Bicycling side by side
Two bicyclists may ride side by side, but only if they don’t impede other traffic. Ride single file if traffic doesn’t have enough room to pass. It is illegal for bicyclists to travel between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction.
Bikes lanes
Bike lanes separate bicyclists from other traffic. They may be marked by signs as well as white lines and icons applied to the pavement.
Motorists should not drive in a bike lane except when turning. Before crossing a bike lane to turn, scan for bicyclists to the right and rear. Use a turn signal, scan again for bicyclists, and then merge into the bike lane for the turn.
Bicyclists and motorists must share the road, whether or not bike lanes are provided.
Sharrows
Shared Lane Marking [Sharrows] are road markings used to indicate where a bicyclist should be riding in the lane. They are used next to parked cars to help a bicyclist avoid being hit suddenly by opened car doors and on lanes that are too narrow for cars and bicycles to comfortably travel side by side in the same lane. Occasionally they are used on steep downhill slopes to allow the bicyclist more maneuvering space to react when traveling at a high speeds.
Keep a safe distance
- Bicyclists should avoid traveling too close to parked cars to avoid the risk of having a door open in front of them!
- The bicyclist in the photo below is correct. He has taken the lane and is traveling three to five feet from parked cars to stay out of their door-opening zone.
