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
Sometimes it is safest to “take the lane”. Ride closer to the center of the travel lane if the lane is narrow, or when you are riding close to the same speed as other traffic. Also ride closer to the center to prevent motorists from passing you when there isn’t room, and to improve your visibility. This will keep you out of motorists’ blind spots and reduce conflicts with right-turning traffic.
Riding side by side
Bicyclists cannot ride more than two abreast on highways. When riding two abreast, bicyclists cannot impede the movement of traffic and need to move into a single file when being overtaken from the rear. On a laned roadway, bicyclists shall ride in a single lane.
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. However 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.
Bike lanes are frequently unavailable and sometimes unsafe due to potholes and litter. Remember that 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 your 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.
