| Iowa DOT Drivers Manual BICYCLES
Bicycle
riders are common on Iowa's roads. You will meet them in cities and on country
roads. Bicycles are a recognized form of transportation. Under Iowa law,
bicyclists and motorists must comply with the same rules of the road and be
given the same rights. Sharing the road means sharing these rights and
responsibilities. Just as motor vehicle operators have different levels of
skill, you will find bicycle riders with varying levels of skills. When you
approach bicycle riders, assess the bicyclists' capabilities.
Common
signs of bicyclist inexperience may include:
-
riding
near the gutter
-
swerving
unpredictably
-
ignoring
traffic signs and signals; and
-
riding
without a light at night.
If you
see these signs, be ready for any sudden movements by the bicyclist.
Give
bicycle riders the room they deserve and need for safety. When passing a bicycle
rider, pass as if the cyclist were a vehicle and move into the other lane. On
multi-lane roads with wide outside lanes, allow at least three to four feet
between your vehicle and the bicyclist for clearance. On narrow, two-way roads,
wait for a break in traffic before passing. Do not pass if oncoming traffic is
near. After passing, cautiously return to your lane-a bicyclist could be in your
blind spot. Do not honk your horn or flash your headlights at bicyclists. They
may be startled and lose control. Bicycles often travel nearer the right edge of
a traffic lane. However, they may swerve to avoid road hazards such as pot-
holes, glass debris, drainage grates, or a strong crosswind.
Failure to
see bicycle riders can cause vehicle/bicycle crashes. U se extra caution during
peak morning and afternoon traffic-the sun's glare may hide a bicyclist in your
path. An experienced bicyclist on a multi-speed bike can maintain a speed of 15
to 25 miles per hour on level pavement.
When making
a right turn near a bicycle rider, move to the far right before turning. If
there is a bicycle lane, merge into it to prevent being overtaken by a cyclist.
Do not race around a cyclist and make a right turn across his or her path. You
may be setting up a collision if the cyclist cannot stop in time. Be sure to
check the blind spot over your right shoulder before beginning to turn.
Some
bicyclists may choose to ride on the street even though there is a bicycle path
available nearby. If so, give the rider the needed space. Some studies have
shown there are more bicycle collisions on bike paths than on the roadways.
Be careful
when opening your vehicle door. Road widths can force bicyclists to ride close
to parked vehicles where they may be injured by an opening door.
Give
bicyclists the extra courtesy they need to negotiate railroad tracks and narrow
bridges.
When in
doubt, yield to bicyclists !
Iowa
Driver's Manual, 2003-3004 "Iowa Department of Transportation," pp. 50, 51. Used
with permission. Emphasis in original.
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