As the roads become increasingly crowded more people are riding their bikes and sharing the road with cars. However, many drivers often overlook cyclists, which sometimes results in serious accidents. Keep yourself and others safe with these five tips for driving around cyclists. 
Share the Road
Cyclists are required to follow the same traffic laws as motorists in all states. That means that you need to share the road with all cyclists when you’re driving. Pay attention to designated bike lanes to ensure you don’t drift into a cyclist’s area. Stay alert, and scan both sides of the road as you drive. If you spot a cyclist up ahead, give them room. Remember that they may need to move around parked cars or other hazards on the way.
Always check your blind spots for cyclists before you change lanes or make a turn. When you park on the street, check your surroundings before opening the car door.
Watch for Hand Signals
Just like drivers use turn signals and brake lights to notify other drivers of their intentions, so do cyclists. Familiarize yourself with the sign language cyclists use to indicate their next move. If they’re holding their left arm straight out, they plan to turn left. If that arm is bent up at a 90-degree angle, they’re turning right, or if it’s pointing down at the same angle, they’re getting ready to stop. Some cyclists also stick out their arm in the direction they intend to turn, so you may see some stick their right arm out to signal that they’re turning right.
Avoid the Horn
When you want to make your presence known to a biker, don’t lay on the horn. This sudden, loud noise may startle a cyclist and cause an accident. Instead, treat them as you would any other car on the road, and give a quick wave as you pass them. Since cyclists need to pay extra attention to road hazards, like sticks, rocks, and other debris, it might take some extra time for them to move into a safe spot to let you pass, so be patient.
Give Them Room
When you find yourself traveling down a mixed streetscape, the potential for confusion between drivers and riders is high. Cyclists can easily fall off their bikes if they encounter a pothole or debris. If a biker tips over into your lane, you want to give them at least a 3- to 5-foot buffer to fall safely. This will help you prevent a collision.
Follow Stop Lines
Some intersections are now outfitted with advanced stop lines. These guides give cyclists the opportunity to get out in front of traffic, thereby increasing their visibility. If you approach a red traffic light, stop at the first white line you reach. This cautious habit gives riders additional time and space to move ahead safely when the single light changes to green.
Learning how to share the road with cyclists is an essential, safe-driving habit. Put these tips into practice next time you are on the road.
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