What does it mean?

The roads are a cooperative system. They are a common space in our communities where we all interact daily. Our conduct on the roads influences the quality and livability of our communities.

Share the Road signs indicate the likelihood of cyclists on the roadway. They are used where the road is not wide enough for bicycles and cars to be operated safely within one lane. Therefore, “share the road” means “one after the other.” The bicycle driver, or group of cyclists, has the right of “first come, first served” and the full use of lane. Motorists wishing to pass, must yield and wait until is is safe to do so.

Bicycle drivers usually ride in the right half of the lane, to offer visibility and easier passing for motorists. But they are not required to stay out of the way or to share their lane if it is not wide enough for side-by-side operation. The best position for cyclists in a narrow lane is between the right tire track and the center of the lane. There are times when cyclists need to ride on the left side of the lane: to avoid a hazard or bad pavement; when traveling the speed of traffic; preparing for a left turn; or even to strongly discourage a motorist from passing when it is not safe.

Bike Lawyer, Steve Magas has an excellent article about why the concept of “sharing” fails cyclists.

Bicycles are vehicles, they belong on the road.

Bicycles do not belong on the sidewalk. Riding on the sidewalk is unsafe for cyclists and pedestrians. Cyclists are not required to ride on the shoulder. They may choose to do so, but shoulders can present hazards to cyclists. Cyclists should never ride in the gutter or hug the curb. Many inexperienced riders do this because they don’t know it greatly increases their risk of crashing.

Competent cyclists “Ride Big.” They ride several feet from the edge of the road to increase their visibility to other drivers, give themselves operating room and discourage motorists from trying to squeeze past them in narrow lanes.

Here’s how to avoid the
common mistakes that cause crashes.

Right-hook: Motorist turning right hits cyclist going straight.

Don’t pass a cyclist before making a right turn! Bicycles move faster than you think. Slow down and wait for the cyclist to clear the intersection.

When driving on a road with a bike lane – look, signal and merge into the bike lane before turning right. Properly marked bike lane lines should be broken before an intersection to encourage motorists to merge right and cyclists to merge left. Be aware that if you have been sitting in slow traffic, a cyclist could be passing you on the right. ALWAYS look over your right shoulder before merging or turning right!

Drive-out: Motorist pulls out from side street into cyclist’s path.

Yield to bicycles with the right-of-way just as any other vehicle. Don’t underestimate a cyclist’s speed, they are faster than you think. Always stop behind the stop bar and be alert for bicycle riders on the sidewalk, or hugging the edge of the road.

Remember, many quiet streets are bike routes. Always make a full stop and scan carefully before proceeding.

Left-cross: motorist turns left into, or in front of, cyclist.

Scan the whole roadway area, including the sidewalk, before turning left. Don’t underestimate a cyclist’s speed! You must yield to bicycles just as any other vehicle.

Side-swipe: Motorist misjudges passing clearance while trying to squeeze between cyclist and centerline, median or oncoming traffic.

The Missouri state driver’s manual advises you to change lanes to pass a bicyclist. Many cyclist ride too close to the edge of narrow lanes. It is very tempting to try to squeeze past them within the same lane. But it is illegal and unsafe! You must wait until it is safe to use part of another lane pass. If passing safely requires you to use part of an oncoming lane, you must have ample clearance to pass before coming within 200 feet of oncoming traffic.

Trailers and rental trucks, whose drivers don’t account for the width of their vehicles, are especially problematic for cyclists. If you are towing a trailer or driving a vehicle with extended mirrors, make sure you allow extra clearance.

Door prize: Motorist opens the door of a parked car into the cyclist.

This can be a deadly collision. Typically, the bike’s handle-bar hits the door, turning the front wheel to the right and sending the cyclist flying to the left – where the cyclist is then run over by overtaking traffic.

NEVER open your car door without looking for passing traffic. Many inexperienced cyclists ride too close to parked cars. Some bike lanes are striped within the reach of car doors. It is your responsibility to make sure the lane is clear before opening your door, whether that lane is a narrow traffic lane or a bike lane.

Pause and think it through.

When you encounter a bicycle driver, take a moment to observe the roadway. In many cases it is not necessary to pass a cyclist right away, or at all:

• Is there a red light, stop sign or stopped traffic ahead?
• Is there an opportunity to pass with greater clearance in a short distance?
• Are there vehicles at cross streets that might turn into the oncoming lane as you are passing?
• Is the cyclist riding within a few mph of the speed limit?
• Are you on a residential street with speed bumps?
• Are you planning to turn off that road in 500 feet?

Once you have assessed the situation and determine it is safe and necessary to pass, give the cyclist plenty of space (the law requires at least 3 feet). On high-speed roads, reduce your speed as you pass. Even with plenty of clearance, it is not safe or considerate to pass a vulnerable road user at 70mph.

Take a deep breath, you have nothing to lose but stress.

Everyone is in a hurry. And lots of things get in the way: freight trains, red lights, other motorists, buses, etc. will all seem to be in your way throughout your journey.

Again, think before you pass. If there is stopped traffic, a stop sign, red light or speed bump ahead, you’ll gain nothing by passing. Save your gas.

A cyclist or group of cyclists in the road represents the most minor and momentary delay. Waiting a few seconds to pass a cyclist safely will not affect your total trip time at all. Injuring another road user because you are impatient and frustrated will cost you a lot more than a few seconds.

Purposely passing a cyclist too close with the intent to intimidate is ASSAULT. Passing too close at high speed because you are in a hurry is RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT.

If you see another motorist assault or endanger a cyclist, please call the police. We’re somebody’s daughter, son, mother, father, sister, brother, wife or husband. We might be your friend, neighbor, co-worker or doctor. Help us ensure the safety of Florida cyclists and the quality of our communities by driving cooperatively and reporting reckless driving and hostility.