Share the Road! Bicycles are vehicles, too!

Bicyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers of motor vehicles (MGL Ch.85 Sec. 11B; BTD Art. 1). Respect for the rights of all users of the road goes a long way toward avoiding crashes. Some bicyclists ignore the rules. That doesn't mean you should imitate their behavior.

Most crashes involving bicyclists and motorists occur at intersections. This often happens when a motorist pulls out from a stop sign or driveway without yielding, or turns across the bicyclist's path.

• When turning right, slow and merge behind a bicyclist ahead of you to make your turn from the right edge of the road (MGL Ch. 90 Sec. 14).
• When turning left, yield to on-coming bicyclists, even those at the far side of the road (MGL Ch. 90 Sec. 14). Do not underestimate the speed of a bicyclist.
• A stop sign means you must stop and wait until no traffic is coming close enough to be a danger (MGL Ch. 89 Sec. 9).
• A yield sign means you must wait for traffic, and this may well require you to stop (MGL Ch. 89 Sec. 9).
• Signal well in advance of turns so that bicyclists know your intentions (MGL Ch. 90 Sec. 14B).
• When getting out of a car, check for approaching bicyclists before opening the door.

You may overtake only if it is safe to do so (BTD Art. 6 Sec. 5). Change lanes to pass if you can't pass safely in the same lane. Leave plenty of room and pass at a safe speed (MGL Sec. 89 Sec. 2; MGL Ch. 90 Sec. 14) Do not cross the center line if you can't see the road at least 400 feet in front. (MGL Ch. 89 Sec. 4) Don't take unnecessary risks for the sake of convenience. If you think a bicyclist is farther out from the curb than necessary, look closely. Bicyclists need to ride at least a door's width away from parked cars to avoiding being hit by a suddenly opening door. Bicyclists also need to allow room to avoid potholes and debris and to pass double-parked cars. Bicyclists may occupy any part of a traffic lane when their safety warrants it. If the lane is too narrow to share, it is safer for the bicyclist to communicate that information by riding in the center of the lane.

City traffic can be slow and frustrating. Don't take anger out on others. Threatening other road users with your voice or your vehicle is impolite and illegal. Bicyclists have the same right to the road as you do.

MGL: Massachusetts General Laws .
BTD: Boston Transportation Department Traffic Rules and Regulations

Based on a publication of the Toronto City Cycling Campaign .
Funded in part by the Governor's Highway Safety Bureau .

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