Cycling offers an environmentally friendly alternative to driving and provides an excellent source of exercise. State law allows cyclists to use public roadways and requires motorists to share the road. That’s why it
is important for motorists and cyclists to work together to keep our streets safe for everyone. Below are ways for everyone on the road to stay safe while traveling.
Ways for cyclists to stay safe on roadways:
- If you’re riding with someone else, ride side by side on the road – cyclists are more visible to drivers and parents can provide a safety buffer between young riders and automobile traffic
- Ensure that your bicycle is in good working condition
- Always wear a helmet – it is the most effective safety device available to reduce head injury and death from bicycle crashes
- Ride with traffic, use appropriate hand signals, and obey all stop signs, traffic lights, and signals as if you were driving a motor vehicle
- Make eye contact with motorists while making turns to ensure that they are paying attention to you
- Ride as close to the right side of the road as possible except when turning left, while avoiding hazards, when the lane is too narrow, when traveling the same speed as traffic, or while passing a stopped vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction
- Wear bright-colored clothing to increase visibility
Ways for drivers to protect cyclists:
- Bicycles are recognized as vehicles by Georgia law and have the same rights to use public roadways as motor vehicles
- Provide a 3-foot buffer between your vehicle and the cyclist
- Never use a bike lane to pass other vehicles or as a parking space
- Yield to cyclists just like you would for pedestrians crossing the roadway
- Watch for cyclists in low-light conditions
- In bad weather, give cyclists extra passing room
- Check for approaching cyclists before opening your car door