Sharing the Road with Bicyclists

Last updated November 10, 2026

In every state, a bicycle on the road is generally treated as a vehicle. Cyclists have the same right to use the road as drivers and must follow the same basic rules. Because they're much more exposed, drivers need to give them extra space and attention.

Passing a bicyclist

• Give at least 3 feet. Most states require at least 3 feet of space when passing a bicyclist. Pennsylvania requires 4. Some states just say "a safe distance," and a few have no specific rule. Three feet is the minimum everywhere. Give more at higher speeds.
• Slow down and pass only when you can see far enough ahead and no one is coming.
• Change lanes to pass on multi-lane roads, just like passing a car.
• Be patient on narrow roads. Wait behind the cyclist until it's safe. It usually takes only a few seconds.
• Don't honk right next to a cyclist. It can startle them into a fall.

Turning: right hooks and left crosses

Right hook: the most common crash happens when a driver passes a cyclist and then turns right across them. Before a right turn, check your mirror and look over your shoulder for bikes, then let the cyclist go first and turn behind them. Never pass a cyclist just before turning right.

Left cross: when turning left, look for oncoming cyclists. They're harder to see and may be going faster than you think. Yield to them just as you would to an oncoming car.

Opening car doors ("dooring")

A car door opened into a cyclist's path can cause a serious crash. Many states make it illegal to open a door into traffic. Before you open your door, check your mirror and look back. Try the "Dutch reach": open the driver's door with your right hand, which turns your body so you naturally look back over your shoulder.

Bike lanes and lane position

• Don't drive or park in a bike lane. Cross it only to turn or park where that's allowed, and yield to cyclists in it first.
• Cyclists usually ride near the right side of the road, but they may use the full lane when it's too narrow to share safely, to avoid hazards like potholes, glass or parked-car doors, or when getting ready to turn left.
• Expect cyclists to move out of the bike lane to avoid debris or turn left.

Bicycle signs and road markings

• Bike lane: a lane marked with a solid white line and a bicycle symbol, reserved for bikes.
• Sharrow: a bicycle symbol with two chevrons painted in a regular lane. It means bikes and cars share the lane and shows cyclists where to ride.
• Bike box: a painted box at an intersection, in front of the car stop line. Stop behind it on red so cyclists can wait in front of you.

Rules for cyclists

If you ride, you're part of traffic too:

• Ride with traffic, never against it, and obey all signs and signals.
• Use hand signals before turning or stopping.
• At night, most states require a white front light and a red rear reflector or light.
• Wear a helmet. Many states and cities require them for young riders.
• Be predictable: ride in a straight line, and don't weave between parked cars.