Whether you’re driving a car or riding a bike the same general rules apply.
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Principle no.1 First Come, First Served. Every vehicle is entitled to the space they are using, with clearance behind and to each side, along with a reasonable stopping distance in front. This keeps us from colliding with each other as we travel. |
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Principle no. 2 Ride on the Right. Everyone must ride with traffic, not against it. This means in general that in the United States, we ride on the right hand side of the road. Pedestrians should walk facing traffic. Cyclists should not ride facing traffic. Not only is this illegal, it’s also a common way to get into a collision with a car. Riding with traffic requires getting accustomed to faster traffic coming up behind you on your left. You are much safer and more predictable this way. |
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Principle no. 3 Yield to Cross Traffic. Drivers on less busy roads, including driveways and alleys, must yield to traffic on busier roads. This always applies going from a parking lot to a road or from a residential street to a primary/arterial road. Yielding means looking until you see that no traffic is so close as to be a danger. Wait until the way is clear before proceeding. |
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Principle no. 4 Speed Positioning. Parked cars are usually rightmost on our roads next to the curb. The slowest road travelers ride beside them whereas faster traffic tends to move closer to the center line. Because cyclists travel slower than automobiles, cyclists ride as far to the right as is practicable and safe, allowing faster traffic to overtake. Though there are exceptions (for instance when the vehicle ahead is turning left), never overtake on the right. |
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Principle no. 5 Lane Positioning. While keeping to the right, the cyclist should avoid riding in the gutter or so close to the curb that there is no room to maneuver. Cyclists should also keep clear of the “door zone” of parked cars. So long as the lane is wide enough cyclists and motorists can share the lane side by side. But when there’s not enough room to share a lane and cars are passing too closely, the law allows a cyclist to come out into the center of the lane. This is called “taking the lane” or “controlling the lane.” It lets motorists know they have to wait to pass at a safe distance or pass by moving one lane over. When making any lateral movement, whether it’s switching lanes or moving out into the center, make sure the way is clear first and use your hand signal. |
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Principle no. 6 Intersection Positioning. Get in the correct intersection position before you arrive there. The rule of thumb is to use the rightmost lane that goes in the direction you're going. If you’re taking a left turn, get into the rightmost lane that allows a left turn. If you’re going straight, be in the rightmost lane that allows you to proceed straight. The same goes for right turns. Make your intention obvious with your visible position. There should be no question in other road users’ minds what your intention is. When there are no special turn lanes, make your intention obvious with your position in that lane: close to the center line for a left turn, in the middle of the lane when proceeding straight, and next to the curb when turning right. Use your hand signals to alert everyone else too. |
When using these principles for the first time, stick to low traffic, residential streets.
Special Rule for Bicycles. Unless preparing for a left turn, cyclists should use a bike lane if one is provided and it is in a safe or usable condition.