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What can drivers do to protect cyclists?

On Behalf of | May 10, 2024 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

If a car collides with a bicycle, the person on the bicycle will almost certainly come off worse. Unlike a car, a bicycle offers the user no protection. Cyclists should abide by the rules of the road and avoid doing anything stupid or unexpected that could increase the chance of a crash. But drivers must also take great care to protect these more vulnerable road users.

Here are some things drivers should do when they share the road with cyclists:

Expect the cyclists to be there

One of the biggest problems for cyclists is that drivers do not expect to see them. They get so used to seeing vehicles propelled by engines, that they forget some people ride self-powered ones. Research has shown that people often miss something right in front of their eyes because they were not expecting it to be there. Looking out for cyclists reduces the chance a driver causes a crash because they did not see the cyclist.

Allow plenty of space when passing

Potholes, glass on the road, missing drain grates and other such things can force a cyclist to swerve with little notice. When cars pass too close it does not give a cyclist any room to deviate from their course. If the drivers pass too close and fast, the rush of wind can knock the cyclist sideways. The law requires drivers to leave a minimum three-foot gap when passing a cyclist. More is better.

If a driver knocks you from your bicycle, there’s a good chance they were not doing one of the above. Getting legal guidance to determine what they did wrong can help you get the compensation you need.

 

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