With the growing awareness of obesity and health issues, more people are looking for healthier ways to travel. This had led to a significant increase in the number of bicycles on the roads. Many cities have created bike lanes and offer bike rentals to encourage this cleaner, cheaper mode of transport.
However, cyclists and car drivers have to share the same roads. When collisions happen, it’s obvious who’s going to come out worse. But with a little mutual respect, the roads can be shared harmoniously and accidents can be avoided. Here are four tips for driving safely around cyclists.
1. Be Aware of Cyclists
Observation is one of the most important aspects of driving. As a driver, you should always stay aware of what’s going on around you by regularly looking in your mirrors and checking over your shoulder before turning right or changing lanes.
With cyclists being more difficult to see than cars, this is even more vital. When pulling out at intersections, take an extra couple of seconds to make sure there isn’t a cyclist approaching. Also, check your mirrors before opening your door.
2. Be Patient and Respectful
It can be frustrating to get stuck behind a cyclist on the city streets, but if you can’t get past, wait. Don’t be tempted to squeeze past, as you could put the cyclist’s life at risk. Most cyclists will try to let you pass when there is room.
They have as much right to be on the road as cars do, so give them respect and don’t yell or curse at them. A few seconds’ delay won’t ruin your day!
3. Give Cyclists Enough Space
Cyclists are vulnerable and encounter a variety of hazards that drivers don’t have to think about. Slippery manhole covers, debris in the road, and people opening car doors near them can cause them to swerve or, worse, to fall.
When you’re passing a cyclist, give him or her plenty of room and look for any potential dangers he or she might need to avoid. In some states, passing drivers are required to allow cyclists at least 3 feet. If you imagine a cyclist falling in front of you, would you have space to miss him or her?
4. Use the Dutch Reach
The Netherlands has more than 22 million bicycles in an area less than a tenth the size of Michigan, so the Dutch know about cycle safety. The Dutch Reach involves drivers and passengers opening the car door with the hand farthest from it.
As you reach for the handle, your upper body turns, making it simple to look in the side mirror and over your shoulder. Open the door slowly, looking all the time. Not only are you more likely to spot a passing cyclist, but you’ll also reduce the risk of having your door hit by a passing vehicle.
Cyclists can cause you minor delays, but being involved in a collision is going to keep you held up for a lot longer, so keep your cool.
Image via Flickr by the_donald_fotos used under CC BY 2.0
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