Cyclists

Be Visible

• Ride where motorists expect vehicles to be – never ride against traffic
• Wear bright clothing
• At night, use a white front light, red rear reflector, and reflective tape or clothing
• Make eye contact with motorists

Be Predictable

• The same laws that apply to motorists also apply to cyclists
• Always ride in the same direction as other traffic
• Obey all traffic control devices such as stop signs, lights, and lane markings
• Ride in a straight line and don’t swerve around parked cars
• Anticipate hazards and adjust position in traffic accordingly
• Use lane position to signal your destination at intersections
• Use proper hand signals to indicate your intention to turn
• Do not pass motorists or other cyclists on the right
• Always wear a well-fitting helmet

Be Aware

• Check for oncoming traffic before entering any street or intersection
• Consistently scan in front and around you to anticipate potential problems
• Make eye contact with motorists to anticipate their actions

Be Assertive

• Ride confidently on the roadways among other vehicles
• Take the lane when the roadway is too narrow to accommodate both a motor vehicle and a bicycle
• Remember the ‘first come, first served’ rule you have the right to be there
• If you reach the intersection first, proceed through it safely don’t wave on a motorist just to be courteous

Be Considerate

• Even though legal not to in Idaho, stop at stop signs and wait for the green light at stop lights
• Ride single-file to allow cars to pass if the lane is wide enough for them to do so safely
• Follow the rules of the road— don’t take shortcuts just because you can
• Avoid riding on the sidewalk
• SHARE THE ROAD—– we’’re all just trying to get to our destination as calmly and safely as possible

Motorists

Look

• Watch for cyclists, especially children
• Children on bicycles are often unpredictable– —expect the unexpected and slow down
• Most children don’t have adequate knowledge of traffic laws
• Children are harder to see because they are typically smaller than adults

Be Alert

• Leave at least three feet of space between your car and a cyclist when passing
• Wait until road and traffic conditions allow you to pass safely
• Check over your shoulder after passing a cyclist before moving back to a normal position

Be Aware

• The same rights that apply to motorists also apply to cyclists
• Expect cyclists to take the entire lane when hazards, road width or traffic speed dictate
• Scan for cyclists in traffic and at intersections
• Look for cyclists when opening doors
• Though not recommended, Idaho law allows cyclists to proceed through stop signs without stopping and proceed through traffic lights after stopping, if traffic is clear

Be Assertive

• Resist the temptation to wave a cyclist through an intersection if you arrived there first follow the expected protocol