Driving with cyclists is not something most people are very comfortable doing. If you are one of the many who are leery driving near a cyclist, here are some tips to avoid accidents.
- Give them space - allow 3 feet between your car and the cyclist when passing.
- Check your mirrors when turning - if you are waiting to turn right at a light, make sure to look in your side mirror before making the turn. Sometimes cyclists are going faster than you and may be in the process of passing when you go to turn.
- Drive the speed limit.
- Stop before the stop sign - don't let the front of your car pass the stop sign or sidewalk when pulling up to an intersection. There may be a cyclist traveling down the sidewalk who won't have time to stop.
- Treat cyclists like another car on the road - Of course use your best judgement, but don't be overly, or ultra-considerate of someone just because they're on a bicycle. Example: If a cyclist is waiting on a side street to cross the road, don't stop to let them go just to be nice. If you don't have a reason to stop in that part of the road, you are creating dangerous situation. If the cyclist goes, there is an open lane which another driver could blow right through without knowing the situation. Your car is also a hazard on the road at that point. Most cyclists are not going to think any less of you for going about your business as usual. Think about it this way... would you stop for another driver in a car who was waiting to do the same thing? Chances are you wouldn't even notice.
- Be patient! The less rushed you are, the safer everyone will be.
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