the "door zone". This means they're allowed to ride three or four feet away from the sides of parallel parked cars to avoid getting hit when a driver opens the car door. If a cyclist's avoidance of the door zone places them in the right-most lane, they are allowed to travel in that lane.

While laws vary in different jurisdictions, motorists must often give three feet of clearance when passing a bicycle. Often, motorists must yield to a cyclist if the cyclist has the right of way, such as during a merge or a four-way stop. In many jurisdictions, cyclists are also afforded the same rights as pedestrians, such as when using a crosswalk.

Dedicated bicycle lanes are for cyclists only and are never places to park or pass -- even if only for a second. Cyclists traveling in a bicycle lane that's blocked by a car or delivery truck will have to swerve into a motor vehicle travel lane, and they are allowed to do so. Bicycles must cross railroad tracks at right angles, if the grade crossing is at an angle, bicycles may leave the bicycle lane and swerve out into the traffic lanes in order to make the crossing safely. Sometimes, bicycle lanes cross over turning lanes. Check your blind spot for a cyclist when passing through one of these lanes.

Stop signs

Some jurisdictions have "Stop as Yield" laws for cyclists, where bikes are allowed to treat uncontested stop signs as yield signs and coast through, as long as it's safe. Some places even allow the same behavior at red lights, though that's less common. In most areas, however, bikes must stop at stop signs. Some cyclists assume they don't have to stop even if the law requires them to, so be aware of bikes whenever you approach an intersection.

Expect cyclists

In urban areas, cyclists can be everywhere. When following a cyclist, expect him or her to swerve at any time to avoid a pedestrian, vehicle, debris or pothole. Pay special care at night on roads frequented by cyclists.

One of the most common causes of injury or death for cyclists is "dooring," when a motorist opens a car door into the path of an oncoming bicycle. When parking on a curb, always check for oncoming cyclists before opening the door or pulling into traffic.

In suburban areas where cyclists aren't seen as frequently, you should still expect to see bicycles on the road, especially in areas near bike trails. If a group of bicyclists is traveling in a lane of a roadway, slow down and wait until it's safe to pass the entire group.

Be courteous

If you see a cyclist who isn't following the rules of the road, don't bully him or her with your car. The act of road rage could cost the cyclist his or her life and result in criminal charges for you.

Remember, cyclists belong on roadways just as much as motor vehicles do. If you've never ridden a bike on a public road, try it out. It may give you a greater appreciation for cyclists.

This page was last modified 11:33, 2 October 2010 by frantaylor. Based on work by howto_admin.

Authors: How-To Wiki

to know more click here