Cyclists

Motorists

Be Visible

1. Ride where motorists expect vehicles to be - never ride against traffic
2. Wear bright clothing
3. At night, use a white front light, red rear reflector, and reflective tape or clothing
4. Make eye contact with motorists

Look

1. Watch for cyclists, especially children
2. Children on bicycles are often unpredictable—expect the unexpected and slow down
3. Most children don’t have adequate knowledge of traffic laws
4. Children are harder to see because they are typically smaller than adults

Be Predictable

1. The same laws that apply to motorists also apply to cyclists
2. Always ride in the same direction as other traffic
3. Obey all traffic control devices such as stop signs, lights, and lane markings
4. Ride in a straight line and don’t swerve around parked cars
5. Anticipate hazards and adjust position in traffic accordingly
6. Use lane position to signal your destination at intersections
7. Use proper hand signals to indicate your intention to turn
8. Do not pass motorists or other cyclists on the right
9. Always wear a well-fitting helmet

Be Aware

1. The same rights that apply to motorists also apply to cyclists
2. Expect cyclists to take the entire lane when hazards, road width or traffic speed dictate
3. Scan for cyclists in traffic and at intersections
4. Look for cyclists when opening doors
5. Though not recommended, Idaho law allows cyclists to proceed through stop signs without stopping and proceed through traffic lights after stopping, if traffic is clear

Be Alert

1. Check for oncoming traffic before entering any street or intersection
2. Consistently scan in front and around you to anticipate potential problems
3. Make eye contact with motorists to anticipate their actions

Be Alert

1. Leave at least three feet of space between your car and a cyclist when passing
2. Wait until road and traffic conditions allow you to pass safely
3. Check over your shoulder after passing a cyclist before moving back to a normal position

Be Assertive

1. Ride confidently on the roadways among other vehicles
2. Take the lane when the roadway is too narrow to accommodate both a motor vehicle and a bicycle
3. Remember the ‘first come, first served’ rule – you have the right to be there
4. If you reach the intersection first, proceed through it safely – don’t wave on a motorist just to be courteous

Be Assertive

1. Resist the temptation to wave a cyclist through an intersection if you arrived there first – follow the expected protocol

Be Considerate

1. Even though legal not to in Idaho, stop at stop signs and wait for the green light at stop lights
2. Ride single-file to allow cars to pass if the lane is wide enough for them to do so safely
3. Follow the rules of the road—don’t take shortcuts just because you can
4. Avoid riding on the sidewalk
5. SHARE THE ROAD—we’re all just trying to get to our destination as calmly and safely as possible

Be Considerate

1. Allow extra time for cyclists to traverse intersections
2. Don’t blast your horn near cyclists
3. SHARE THE ROAD—we’re all just trying to get to our destination as calmly and safely as possible