Sharing The Road 2

What CAN bicyclists do?

Bicyclists can ride on certain sections of freeways (where there’s no alternative route and bicycling is legal), move left to avoid hazards (such as parked/moving vehicles, other bicyclists, trash, etc), ride near the left curb or edge of a one-way street, and use crosswalks by walking their bicycles.

What MUST bicyclists do? Part 1

Bicyclists must obey all traffic signs/signal lights/basic right-of-way rules, ride in the same direction as traffic, look over their shoulder before turning or changing lanes, yield to pedestrians, wear a helmet (if a minor)

What MUST bicyclists do? Part 2

Bicyclists must stay visible (such as not weaving between parked cars), ride as close to a roadway’s edge as possible, not ride on the sidewalk (unless the city permits), use hand signals, use turn lanes, have fully functional brakes, and use the bike lane when possible.

What MUST bicyclists have when it’s dark out?

Non-dark clothing, a white bulb front lamp visible from 300+ ft away, a built-in rear red reflector or flashing/solid light visible from 500+ ft away, a white/yellow reflector on each pedal/shoe/ankle visible from 200+ ft away, and a white/yellow reflector on the front wheel (or a white/red reflector on the rear wheel or reflectorized tires).

Bicyclists must ride as close to the edge of the road as possible unless…

Passing a vehicle/bicycle in the same direction, preparing to make a left turn, avoiding hazards/road conditions, the lane is too narrow for a bicycle and vehicle to safely travel side-by-side, approaching a right turn, or on a one-way road with 2+ lanes.

What are some rules for passing a bicyclist?

If you can’t change lanes to pass a bicyclist, allow >3ft between your vehicle and the bicyclist, only merge towards the curb/bike lane when it’s safe, merge safely behind a bicyclist when preparing to make a turn, and enter the bike lane <200ft before starting to turn.

How do you carefully go through a work zone?

Slow down, allow extra space between vehicles, expect sudden slowing/stopping, watch for drivers changing lanes, avoid distractions, let cones/drums/barriers guide you, and merge (without crossing barriers) as soon as it’s safe.

What are some of the penalties for work zone violations?

A work zone traffic violation is $1k, a highway worker assault is $2k and up to 1 year in prison, fines are doubled in SEDFZs (Safety Enhanced Double-Fine Zones), and fines are doubled when workers are present in highway construction/maintenance zones.

How do you safely drive around emergency vehicles?

Move over and slow down for emergency vehicles (such as ambulances and police vehicles), including stationary emergency vehicles, tow trucks with flashing lights, and stopped road work vehicles with flashing lights.

In heavy traffic or bad weather, how fast should you drive?

You should drive slower while not blocking normal traffic flow.

Which lane do you drive in when towing or driving a truck with 3+ axles?

The right most lane

How should you drive around children? Part 1

The speed limit (unless signs say otherwise) is 25mph within 500ft of a school while kids are outside and/or crossing the street. All vehicles must stop for school buses. Obey safety patrol/crossing guards’ directions.

How should you drive around children? Part 2

When a school bus flashes red lights (which are located at the top, front, and back of the bus), you must stop from either direction until their lights stop flashing (unless the bus is on the other side of a divided/multi-lane highway).

What is a blind intersection and how do you drive in one?

An intersection is blind if it has no stop signs at any corner. Move slowly forward until you can see. The speed limit for a blind intersection is 15mph.

What is an alley and how do you drive in one?

An alley is any road 25ft or less wide that’s used to access the rear or side entrance(s) of buildings or properties. You can drive on/cross a sidewalk to enter/exit a driveway or alley. The speed limit for an alley is 15mph.

How do you safely drive near railroads and light rail tracks? Part 1

When you can’t see the tracks for 400ft in both directions, the speed limit within 100ft of a railroad crossing is 15mph. That said, you can drive 15+ mph if the crossing is controlled by a gate, warning signal, or flagman. Even if the gate rises, flashing red warning lights mean stop and wait.

How do you safely drive near railroads and light rail tracks? Part 2

When a crossing device or person warns you that a train is coming, stop 15+ ft away from the nearest track. Always listen for a track chugging or a horn/bell, and look both directions before crossing. Never go around/under lowering gates.

What is the speed limit in business or residential districts?

It’s 25mph unless otherwise posted