While you’re on the roadways on your bike, you hope that those around you will be cautious. You don’t want to get into an accident because a driver isn’t paying attention or takes risks at your expense. Of course, there are always ways drivers can improve bicycle safety on the roads.
On behalf of Joseph Caprara of CBLAW posted in Bicycle Accidents on Wednesday, May 20, 2015.
While you’re on the roadways on your bike, you hope that those around you will be cautious. You don’t want to get into an accident because a driver isn’t paying attention or takes risks at your expense. Of course, there are always ways drivers can improve bicycle safety on the roads.
For instance, drivers should be respecting you on the roads. You have the same right to be there as the driver of the vehicle does, so he or she should not be passing too closely or following you at rapid speeds, and tailing you. The motorist should be obeying the speed limit to avoid striking a cyclist riding at higher speeds than expected in the area, as well.
Drivers can also help prevent cycling injuries by coming to full stops at all intersections with red lights and all stop signs. Failing to do so could mean failing to see a cyclist who is then struck. Drivers should always yield to pedestrians and cyclists in crosswalks, and they should use turn signals if they plan to turn in front of a bicyclist who could be passing on the right or left of the vehicle, depending on the roadway.
Patience is one of the most important things for drivers to have. Drivers need to be cautious when passing bicyclists, not in a rush to do so. Passing too closely could result in the vehicle coming into contact with the bicycle or forcing the rider off the road. Both of these instances could cause a crash and injury to the bicyclist involved, not to mention to the driver or anyone in the automobile, as fast speeds and moving vehicles of any sort don’t mix.
Source: Share the Road, “Improving Road Safety for Everyone Who Shares the Road,” accessed May. 20, 2015