Bike Month: Five rules of the road for driving around bicyclist | Independence Examiner

Headlines are quick hits from media outlets from Missouri and around the world. Follow the headline link for the full story. The source of this headline says:

Here are five rules of the road for drivers when it comes to driving near bicyclists:

• Know Bicyclists’ Rights: According to Missouri law, on public streets and highways, a bicyclist has the same rights and responsibilities as a motor vehicle operator. . . . drivers must pass cyclists at a safe distance. When a travel lane is not wide enough to share, bicyclists can move to the middle of the lane to insure that motorists use the next lane over to pass or wait until it is safe.

• Consider the benefits of bicycling for drivers: One cyclist on the road is one less car. They create less pollution and don’t wear out the road, which means fewer potholes for you.

• Give cyclists three feet of clearance: Just like any other vehicle on the road, it is best to give bicycles on the roadway at least three feet of space. This will help the cyclists feel safer.

• Look around and don’t be distracted: If drivers only expect other cars on the road, they’re setting themselves up for dangerous interactions. Act as though there’s always a cyclist riding near you.

• Accept that bicyclists are here to stay: Bicycling is on the rise. . . .

Link: 

Bike Month: Five rules of the road for driving around bicyclist | Independence Examiner

MoBikeFed comment: Click through to the article for Warlen's five tips for bicyclists riding in traffic.