There are over 51 million cyclists in the U.S., according to Statista. Given those high numbers, it’s crucial for drivers to understand how to share the road with them safely and legally. Despite their differences, cyclists have many of the same rights as motor vehicles. Sharing the road responsibly with one another helps everyone coexist more safely.
As biking grows in popularity, it’s a good time to review some basic safety measures that all drivers should follow.
Here’s What Illinois Says About Driving Near Cyclists. What Are the Laws in Your Area?
Sharing the road can be confusing for drivers, particularly in crowded areas with limited space and either no no bike lanes or ones that aren’t well-marked. That’s why it’s important to know what the rules are in your neck of the woods – and you can usually locate them online.
Illinois, for example, posts these safety rules for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians sharing roadways:
- When passing a bike, drivers should proceed slowly and cautiously.
- If a cyclist is biking in front of you, you must yield the right-of-way as you would with a car.
- Drivers are expected to leave at least three feet of space when passing.
- Crowding or threatening someone riding a bike is prohibited.
- A motorist should not park or drive in marked bicycle lanes.
- Drivers should wait before turning left when a cyclist is approaching from the opposite direction, just as they wait for drivers to pass.
Careful Opening Your Car Door
Accidents can occur when doors of parked cars open without giving the cyclist time to adjust. Doing so can hit them or cause them to swerve into traffic. Always check your side mirrors before opening your door, and ask any passengers to check the road carefully before opening theirs.
Never Drive Under the Influence of Alcohol
Even a small amount of alcohol can impair your judgment when behind the wheel of a car, and drinking raises your risk of getting in any type of accident. Thousands of cyclists get in an accident each year. The CDC reports that “about one-third of crashes that result in a bicyclist’s death involve alcohol for the motor vehicle driver and/or bicyclist.”
Intersections Pose More Risks
Car accidents that lead to bicyclist deaths are more common in intersections. The added traffic can make it difficult to see cyclists and decelerate in time to avoid them. Trucks and longer vehicles may also pose additional risks when turning corners.
Next time you approach an intersection, be extra cautious in case there are any cyclists nearby. Look carefully for people riding bikes before turning right or left, take care when merging into bike lanes, and always respect the right of way of cyclists.
What Are Some Other Common Safety Measures That Drivers Should Know?
No one wants to get in an accident, but some drivers may need to adjust their mindset in order to share the road with cyclists and slow down for their safety. Here are three safety measures to keep in mind next time you’re behind the wheel of a car:
- Avoid attempting to pass cyclists on narrow lanes, especially if you lack visibility or other factors make passing risky.
- Be aware that a pothole or debris in the street could cause a cyclist to swerve into traffic, and reduce your speed accordingly.
- Take extra care around children on bikes.
In some situations, making eye contact lets riders know that they are seen and can proceed ahead.
CFSC Auto Services Helps Drivers Take Care of Routine Auto-Related Needs
There’s a lot to think about when it comes to being a responsible driver. CFSC Auto Services can take some of that load off your plate by helping ensure that your plates and stickers are up to date. We can also help you through the process if either of those things is lost or stolen, or you need to transfer your plates or vice versa.
Come by and check out what else we can do for you at your nearest CFSC location. There is a long list of financial services we will handle for you, as well, all under one roof. Check out CFSC Auto Services online to find out more!