Tips for Motorists

To safely pass a bicyclist, a motorist should leave a safe distance – a minimum of three feet – between the side-view mirror and the handlebars of the bicycle. If space allows, motorists should pass a bicyclist in a separate lane.

About 40% of crashes occur at intersections. Motorists should pay extra attention when approaching bicyclists near intersections. A bicyclist may “take the lane” temporarily when approaching an intersection to deter motorists from passing or turning right when it’s not safe to do so.

Distracted driving increases the likelihood of a crash that can have devastating consequences for everyone involved. The three main types of distractions are:

• Visual: taking your eyes off the road to check a mobile phone or interact with passengers.

• Manual: taking your hands off the wheel to eat or drink, search for directions, or grab an item inside the vehicle.

• Cognitive: taking your mind off driving due to stress, conversations, or daydreaming.

A bike lane is a lane of a roadway specifically for the use of bicyclists. Bike lanes are designated by road markings, physical barriers, or signs. Motorists are prohibited from driving and parking in bike lanes.

Other examples of bike infrastructure include:

• Bike Box: a designated area for bicyclists to wait at a red light in front of motor vehicles. Bike boxes allow bicyclists to travel through an intersection before motor vehicles. They reduce crashes, improve traffic flow, and increase intersection safety.

• Sidepath: a bidirectional shared-use path located next to a roadway, designed for both pedestrians and bicyclists. Sidepaths provide a safer and more comfortable experience compared to biking on busy roads, especially in areas with high traffic volume and speed.

• Bike Boulevard: a continuous, comfortable bike route through a local street network. Bike boulevards are characterized by slow motor vehicle speeds and low motor vehicle volumes.

• Bump Out or Curb Extension: a concrete or temporary barrier that visually and physically narrows a roadway, creating safer and shorter crossings for pedestrians.

Motorists who drive safely near bicyclists increase safety for all road users and are referred to as Bicycle Friendly Drivers. They are familiar with the Illinois Rules of the Road, intentionally share the road with others, are familiar with bike infrastructure, and understand the causes of common crashes.

Ride Illinois aims to educate child and adult bicyclists, though some bicyclists make mistakes or do something that is dangerous. Examples include:

• Distracted biking

• Biking against traffic

• Weaving between lanes or vehicles

• Biking without lights after dark

• Not obeying traffic signs and laws

Ride Illinois encourages bicyclists to avoid mistakes and ride safely and predictably. At the same time, motorists have an added responsibility because crashes involving motor vehicles can have life-altering consequences. Please drive safely near bicyclists!

Below are a few additional recommendations to safely drive near bicyclists and pedestrians.

• Do

  • Obey the speed limit

  • Be patient when approaching and passing a bicyclist or group of bicyclists

  • Use the ‘Dutch Reach’ to check for bicyclists before opening your car door

• Don’t

  • Speed up to pass a bicyclist to complete a turn

  • Honk at, shout at, or drive aggressively near a bicyclist

  • Stop or park in a bike lane