Road Respect

Cyclists riding on the nation’s roads have always had an uneasy relationship with motorists. Before there were cars on the roads, bicyclists were occasionally the object of insults and even the flick of whip during the horse and buggy days. The bad behavior of today comes from both sides: bicyclists sometimes act as if mere traffic laws do not apply to them and anger motorists. Motorists create dangerous situations for cyclists by passing too closely or turning right in front of oncoming cyclists. It’s a situation that desperately calls for both sides to live by the rules and respect each other as we learn to share the roads.

I was privileged to take part in Utah’s Road Respect Tour, a bike ride around the state around the state to spread the message about road rules and cycling etiquette that took place June 13-18. The ride was sponsored by  Utah Department of Transportation, Zero Fatalities and the Department of Public Safety. The Road Respect ride started in northern Utah in Logan and wove through many of Utah’s cities and towns, riding through Zion’s National Park then finishing in Hurricane, Utah. Our core group consisted of about 2 dozen cyclists. We were joined along the way by those who just wanted to ride with us for just a few miles or an entire day. Many towns had rallies and community events that brought awareness to the needs of cyclists on the road. My favorite experience was in a small town where we led a group of nearly 50 children on a short ride, teaching them how to signal, how to ride on the right side of the road and more. This town was so small it had no bike shop, so a few of the guys in the group spent  over an hour lubing rusty chains, fixing flats, raising seats, and performing other quick repairs on the children’s bikes.

Ride with Respect

• When not impeding traffic, ride no more than two abreast. When a car is coming, ride single file
• Obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings. If you want the respect of motorists, you must show respect for traffic laws.
• Ride predictably in a straight line. Don’t swerve in and out of parked or stopped cars.
• Ride on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic. Stay as far to the right side of the bike lane or roadway as safely possible.
• It is legal to occupy the center of a travel lane when passing another vehicle, preparing to turn left, going straight through an intersection past a right-turn-only lane, avoiding unsafe conditions on the right-hand edge of the roadway, when traveling in a narrow lane and when you are moving at the same speed of traffic.
• Wear bright clothing that increases your visibility to motorists.
• When riding at dusk or dark, use reflective clothing and lights.
• Always wear a helmet. Your helmet should sit level on your head and the straps should be snug.
• Make eye contact with motorists when making a turn, so each party is aware of one another.
• A bicyclist about to enter or cross a road from a parking lot, driveway or sidewalk shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles already on the road.
• Don’t weave between parked cars or cars stopped at red lights.
• Signal when turning. Use proper signals for turning.
• Be respectful of other road users. Courtesy is contagious.

Drive with Respect

• Give at least 3 feet of space when passing a bicyclist. If traveling on higher speed roads, give more space.
• Watch for bicycles in traffic; they are smaller and harder to see.
• Don’t underestimate the speed of a bicyclist. Many bicyclists can easily travel at 25-30 mph.
• When driving near a child on a bike, be prepared for the unexpected.
• When turning, yield to any vehicle, including a bicycle approaching from the opposite direction.
• Slow down around cyclists.
• Be respectful of other road users. Courtesy is contagious.
• When overtaking a bicyclist proceeding in the same direction of travel and making a right hand turn, safely clear the cyclist before turning.
• When turning right, yield to cyclists riding in the same direction of travel.
• Be patient when driving around cyclists. Roadway conditions may make it necessary for cyclists to take up a lane because of pot holes, road debris, or a parked vehicle. Be aware of your surroundings and don’t drive distracted.