Sharing The Road

Safe Lane Positioning

1. Ride on the right

• Ride in the same direction as traffic; stay far enough away from curb to avoid hazards
• Ride in the right third of the right-most lane that goes in the direction you are going
• Take the entire lane if traveling the same speed as traffic or in a narrow lane
  
  2. Visibility
• Always ride in or near a travel lane; stay visible by riding where drivers are looking
• Wear bright clothing at night as well as during the day
• Do not pass on the right; motorists are not looking for other vehicles there
  
  3. Parked cars
• Ride in a straight line, not in and out of parked cars on the side of the road
• Beware of cars merging into the roadway from a parallel parking position
• Always ride far enough away from parked cars to avoid opening doors
  
  4. Take the lane
• If there is insufficient road width for cyclists and cars
• When you're traveling the same speed as other traffic or if hazards narrow the road
• Before intersections and turns to assert your position on the roadway
  
  5. Extra-wide lanes
• Do not ride completely to the right; you're more visible 3 to 4 feet away from traffic
• Also, tight-turning cars and cars entering will be more likely to see you before they turn
• Be careful of motorists passing on the right around left-turning vehicles
  
  Tip courtesy of the League of American Bicyclists (bikeleague.org).

Back to Tip List

Traveling With Bikes

• Proper Racking Prevents Damage And Inconvenience
• Don't Let A Broken Bike Part Ruin Your Trip
• Flying With Your Bike

Sharing The Road

1. Basic Safety Rules For The Road
2. How To Drive Safely Around Cyclists
3. Always Ride On The Right
4. Ride To The Right. But, Not Too Far Right!
5. Traffic Principles To Ride By
6. Safe Lane Positioning
7. Turning Tricks
8. Safe Lane Changes & Turns
9. How To Ride In Bike Lanes
10. Hey! Obey Traffic Lights
11. Dealing With Road Rage