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With the return of warmer weather, more people will be riding bicycles either to work or for recreation. Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists do on the road. One thing motorists have to remember is that cyclists are vulnerable as they are less visible and less protected than other road users. Be observant of your driving surroundings at all times, especially in residential areas where children may be riding their bicycles.

Below are some tips on how motorists can share the road with cyclists:

Know the rules
• Yield to cyclists as you would to any other vehicle.
• Be aware that cyclists don’t always have to stay on the right. For example, to make a left turn, they need to cross over into the left lane.
• Pay attention to bicycle lanes.

Communicate with the cyclists
• Understand the hand signals cyclists use: right turn – cyclist extends the right arm straight out, or left arm out and up; left turn – left arm out; stop – left arm out, down, palm back.
• Make eye contact if you can. Cyclists often rely on eye contact as a means of communication.
• Avoid honking your horn. This only startles the cyclists which may cause them to fall.

Passing a cyclist
• Do not pass too closely.
• Cyclists need room to maneuver, always allow one metre between the cyclists and your vehicle.

Opening your door
• Make sure to check for any cyclists around you before exiting your vehicle. Remind your passengers to do the same.
• Do not leave your door open for any length of time.

Turning
• Always check your blind spots when turning.
• Before making a left turn, check carefully for oncoming cyclists.
• If driving straight through an intersection, watch out for cyclists waiting to turn left.
• Use your indicator at all times.

Remember, the key to sharing the road with cyclists is awareness. The more focused you are on the road, the less chance there is of being involved in a collision. Be safe.

Sources:
http://ottawa.ca/residents/onthemove/driving/road_safety/motorists/respect_ped_cyc_en.html
http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/road-user-safety/features/cyclists.html
http://www.toronto.ca/fleet/sb_cycling.htm
http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/health/living/injury_prevention/road_safety/share_en.html