Share the Road: Advice for Drivers and Cyclists

If you are a road cyclist, you know how dangerous riding can be. Watching cars fly by while sitting atop a thin metal frame on wheels is sometimes intimidating. Drivers are often guilty of passing too close or otherwise not paying attention to cyclists. However, there are many things that cyclists can do to share the road and ensure their own safety.

How to Share the Road

Above all, you need to know the rules. If both cyclists and drivers are aware of and obey traffic laws, many accidents can be prevented. Here are a few road-rule basics that cyclists should know:

• Ride with the flow of traffic
• Ride as far to the right on the roadway as possible
• Only ride on sidewalks and trails when it is allowed, and yield to pedestrians
• Use the proper hand signals at least 2 seconds before completing a turn or stop
• Always wear a helmet
  • In Utah, you are not legally required to wear a helmet. You are free to make this decision for yourself, but statistics show that wearing a helmet can minimize the impact of an accident.

Tips for Cyclists

Beyond following the laws and rules of the road, these are some important things that cyclists can do to share the road.

Be cautious when passing on the right

• Utah law was recently amended to allow cyclists to use the right shoulder to pass. Be cautious while doing this, as you may be in a driver’s blind spot.

Don’t use headphones while cycling

• You need to be able to hear what’s going on around you. If you like listening to music while riding, try listening with one earbud in and one out.

Dress to be seen

• Wear brightly colored clothing to make it easier for drivers to see you, especially at night.

Use lights at night

• You should have a functional front headlight and rear reflector.

Group riding

• When riding in a group, try to ride single-file when you’re on a busy road or highway. Make it easy for cars to share the road with you. It is also acceptable to ride two-abreast.

If you have been in an accident involving a car and a bike, contact us today. We are avid cyclists ourselves and we understand where you are coming from. As Utah’s Bicycle Lawyers, we are experienced getting cyclists the compensation they deserve.