Driving requires attention to various elements—traffic signs, signals, pedestrians, and other vehicles. An often-overlooked group is bicyclists, who are more vulnerable on the road.
In 2024, the United States recorded 1,166 bicyclist fatalities, marking the highest number since such data collection began. This represents an 87% increase from the all-time low of 623 deaths in 2010, highlighting the growing need for driver awareness and road-sharing practices.
What to Expect When Sharing the Road with Bicyclists
More and more people are riding bikes these days. Both you and the biker need to know what to do in all situations to avoid an accident, which can easily be fatal for the cyclist.
What Drivers Need to Know
Drivers should always follow these rules when cyclists are present:
When passing a bike on the road, keep at least three feet between you and the biker. If you can't safely pass them, wait until you have an opportunity.
Avoid aggressive driving around cyclists like tailgating, honking, or getting angry. You can make the cyclist nervous and increase their odds of an accident.
Never drive in or park in a bike lane. They are there so the bikers have a safe space to ride in without worrying about traffic.
Dooring, or opening your car door in front of a cyclist, is illegal in 42 states. Always check your mirrors before opening your car door to avoid an accident.
Check your blind spots before making a turn. A bike rider could be going through an intersection in a bike lane where you may not see them.
What Cyclists Need to Know
Cyclists also need to follow all of the rules of the road to ensure their safety.
Come to a complete stop at stop signs or red lights. It may be tempting to coast through if there aren't any cars present, but it can become a bad habit.
Be predictable. Don't weave in between cars or anything else drivers aren't prepared for.
If you ride at dusk or dawn, you need a headlight on the front of your bike and a red reflector on the back. Make sure you're as visible as possible to motorists in these low-light conditions.
Wear a helmet! Even though it's only required in 22 states, wearing one can reduce the chances of a traumatic head injury if you're in an accident.
If a lane is wide enough to fit both a car and a bike, the biker should stay to the right side of the lane so a car can safely pass. If the lane is narrow, the biker has full rights to ride in the center of the lane.
What Are Some Common Biking Misconceptions?
There are a few misconceptions floating around regarding bikes that need clearing up for both drivers and riders.
Bikes should stay on the sidewalk — This usually isn't a great idea. A bike is dangerous to pedestrians, especially the elderly.
Bikes cause traffic delays — While it may seem like following a bike is holding you back, it usually takes just a few seconds before you can safely pass them.
Bikers break traffic laws — Sure, there are some bikers who pay no regard for traffic laws, but the same could easily be said about drivers, who can cause even more damage by breaking laws with a car.
Keep Bicyclists Safe by Driving Safely
Sharing the road with bicyclists requires more than just a quick glance; it calls for patience, space, and an understanding of their unique challenges on the road. Whether it’s giving cyclists room to ride, checking for them before turning, or avoiding distractions behind the wheel, small decisions can prevent serious consequences. Staying aware and informed isn’t just good practice; it’s a key part of making our roads safer for everyone.
