A 3-minute lesson from the Georgia course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Bicyclists may ride on almost every Georgia road and can use the full lane. Many bike-car crashes happen because drivers don't see cyclists soon enough, and most occur in daylight on straight, dry roads, near intersections or driveways.
Know the rule
Bicyclists may use every road in Georgia except interstates and interstate-like (limited access) highways.
Road defects cause more problems for bikes than cars. Give cyclists plenty of room when passing in case they swerve around a pothole. The minimum legal passing space is 3 feet.
Change to a lane not next to the bicycle if you can. If not, slow to at least 10 mph below the limit or 25 mph, whichever is more, and keep 3 feet. Violation: misdemeanor, fine up to $250.
A cyclist rides in the middle of the lane on a two-lane road, and oncoming traffic keeps you from changing lanes. Slow down and stay behind until you can pass legally with at least 3 feet of space.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
Are bicyclists required to ride in a bike lane when one is present?
Yes, whenever a bike lane is present
Only on roads posted over 35 mph
No, they may use the full lane
Only when riding at night
Answer: No, they may use the full lane
The law allows bicyclists use of the full lane; they are not required to use a bike lane even when one is present.