Do Drivers Even Know the Laws That Protect Cyclists? Do You?
From Bicycling.com
BY MICAH LING
SEVERAL NEW LAWS HAVE BEEN PASSED RECENTLY TO KEEP CYCLISTS AND OTHER MORE VULNERABLE ROAD USERS SAFE.
Did you know that many drivers think the “Share the Road” signs are aimed at cyclists? Of course the intended purpose is the opposite, to remind drivers to be vigilant and considerate of more vulnerable, slower-moving modes of transportation on the road.
And what about “taking the lane,” when a cyclist moves to the middle of the traffic lane because there’s no shoulder or it feels too dangerous to have a car pass? Perfectly legal and the smartest course of action in some situations.
Generally, people riding bikes are treated by the law the same as people driving vehicles —they have similar rights and responsibilities.
But a 20-pound bike is a lot different from a 5,000-pound vehicle, so several laws have been passed recently to keep cyclists and other more vulnerable road users safe.
For instance, most states now adhere to the 3-feet law, which says that the drivers of vehicles must give cyclists 3-feet when passing. And six states require vehicles to completely change lanes when passing a cyclist, if more than one lane is present.
