How Drivers Can Improve Safety for Cyclists
We all share the road, which means we must stay alert and keep each other safe. This is particularly important for drivers who share the road with cyclists. It’s important for cyclists to brush up on the rules of the road and ride responsibly, but they also rely on drivers doing their part to keep streets safe for everyone. Luckily, making the road safer isn’t complicated. Learn how drivers can improve safety for cyclists, and make these best practices part of your driving habits.
Respect Bicyclists as Road Users
Cyclists may not dominate roads, but that doesn’t change the fact that they’re legal road users, just like motorists. Give them the same courtesy you would give to anyone else on the road. This means maintaining a safe distance when driving behind bicycles and giving cyclists a full lane of space when passing them.
It’s important to follow safe driving practices such as obeying the speed limit, using your turn signal, and stopping completely at stop signs and lights. Take extra care when visibility is low or during poor weather when road conditions aren’t great. The greater your awareness, the safer everybody will be.
Pay Attention to Blind Spots
Always check your blind spots before turning or changing lanes. Following this rule is crucial when driving near cyclists. Bikes are harder to see than vehicles, so take the time to check your mirrors and look over your shoulder.
Blind spot detection systems are important for improving blind spot safety. This feature includes sensors that detect objects in your blind spot and emit a warning to prevent you from turning and colliding with something. Blind spot monitors help you stay aware of what’s happening around your vehicle at all times.
Yield and Be Patient
Remember that your vehicle is very large, so you pose more risk to cyclists than they do to you. Always err on the side of caution—yield to cyclists at crosswalks, and give them extra time to maneuver when they’re turning. In parking lots, be patient and don’t pass cyclists to get into a parking space ahead of them. Maneuvering around a cyclist might slow you down sometimes, but it’s better than acting hastily and hurting someone.
Patience and responsibility can go a long way. Implement these driving tips to improve safety for cyclists, and share the road peacefully to make travel safer for everyone.