Riding on the road is a war-zone: a war-zone onslaught by little communication, little understanding, and little tolerance of others. Selfishly, we commute, entitled to our destination. As a result, the equilibrium of road etiquette is muddled. Motorists abuse cyclists unintentionally. Cyclists abuse motorists with unexpected actions and words. Either way, where is the love? Fewer cyclists will be victims of negligence if motorists understood how to drive around a cyclist. Likewise, cyclists need to embrace the same code of conduct.
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3 THINGS TO KNOW WHEN YOU SEE A CYCLIST ON THE ROAD
1 – The Three foot rule:
- If passing a cyclist there needs to be three feet to the side of the cyclist to pass safely.
- A motorist may cross the center lines in order to give a cyclist three feet.
- A motorist cannot pass a cyclist within one hundred feet of an intersection.
2 – Cyclists can use the full lane:
- Don’t be frustrated if a cyclist is using the full lane. They are entitled to be there.
- A cyclist can use the full lane when:
- passing another vehicle or cyclist.
- preparing for a left hand turn.
- riding straight through an intersection just to the left of vehicles turning right.
3 – Don’t Drive Distracted:
- Adhere to Utah’s cell phone laws.
- Pay attention to traffic stops.
- Always check your blind spots when changing lanes.
Remember, cyclists are vehicles, too. Both motorists and cyclists alike are under the same obligation to keep the roads safe. Cyclists should follow regular traffic laws and respect the vehicles they share the road with. Learn to communicate each other. Learn to tolerate each other. Learn to understand each other. Doing so will prevent shattered cycles and battered bumpers. The road is made for vehicles, share it!