Bicycle Safety for Drivers

You are commuting to work in your car; what crosses your mind as you look at the cyclist who, equipped with his helmet and bicycle bag, seems to be making better time than you? Are you annoyed by this extra obstacle on the road that is obviously making your ride in longer? Or, do you simply consider this cyclist a fellow commuter heading to work on two wheels with his lunch and work clothes in his laptop pannier. However you picture cyclists you need to set your judgment aside and respect them as part of the road and of your daily commute.

How much do you know, as a driver, about the rules associated to biking? In Quebec, since 2003, an average of 2 500 cyclists have been implicated in a road accident each year. “An estimated 85% of accidents occur in residential or commercial neighbourhoods, mainly in zones where the speed limit is 50 km/h or less.” [1] In order to make the roads a safer place for bicycles, both drivers and cyclists need to respect the Highway Safety Code [2].

Did you know that you are allowed, even encouraged, to cross a double or single yellow line when passing a cyclist? Most importantly, as a driver, you need to make sure that you always give the cyclist enough space; this is particularly important when you are passing cyclists:

• When passing a cyclist, the minimum recommended distance between you and the cyclist is a meter and a half;
• It is forbidden to pass a cyclist within the same traffic lane unless there is sufficient room;
• As long as it is done safely, motorists are authorized and encouraged to cross over a double or single line when passing a cyclist. 

Most importantly, as a driver, you need to be patient when you encounter a cyclist and be aware that the cyclist may have to swerve to avoid a pothole or another driver blindly opening a car door.

Another way to become respectful of cyclists: ride in their wheels…leave your car at home. Nicely fold you work clothes and place them in your bicycle bag, put your PC in a laptop pannier and get your heart pumping as a result of the exercise instead of the commute! If you want to learn more about cycling and view the latest bicycle bags and laptop panniers visit Arkel.

[1] http://www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/accident_prevention/bicycle/index.php

[2] http://www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/accident_prevention/bicycle/share_cyclists.php &

http://www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/accident_prevention/bicycle/share_motorists.php