With the back-to-school season upon us, now is a particularly good time to remind your students to be on the lookout for bicyclists. Motorists often fail to take note of bicycles in the driving environment, and many drivers are annoyed by the slower speeds of bicycles. These are the wrong attitudes. Bicycles are considered vehicles, and cyclists have all of the rights and responsibilities of drivers.The most common motorist-caused collisions between a motor vehicle and a bicycle occur when a driver fails to yield to a cyclist when turning or after stopping at a stop sign. This is usually because drivers overlook bicycles when they scan the driving environment, or because they misjudge the cyclist's speed. Drivers must remain vigilant, however, since their inattention can have serious consequences, as this recent article from the Fort Myers News-Press illustrates.
Drivers should remember these tips when encountering bicyclists:
- It is a primary responsibility of drivers to ensure the safety of bicyclists.
- Always afford bicyclists plenty of room.
- Never tailgate a bicyclist.
- When passing a bicyclist, reduce your speed and give at least a three-foot space cushion.
- Check your mirrors and blind spots regularly, especially when preparing for a right turn.
- Always be courteous and patient with cyclists — especially with younger riders who may not know or obey traffic rules.
- Check the left side mirror for bicyclists before opening the door of a parked vehicle.
