Bicyclists, roadside workers, people on foot and others have no protection in a crash. Massachusetts law requires you to give them room, at least four feet whenever you pass.
Vulnerable road users include:
- Pedestrians and roadside workers
- Bicyclists
- People riding horses or horse-drawn carriages
- People using wheelchairs or personal mobility devices
- People on motorized bicycles, or motorized or non-motorized scooters
- People on skateboards or roller skates
Minimum safe passing distance between your vehicle and a vulnerable road user
Handbook p. 57 ↗Know the rule
To pass, you may use all or part of the next lane and cross the center line if necessary, when it's safe. You must obey the speed limit while passing.
Handbook p. 57 ↗
Know the rule
Bicyclists and moped riders have the same right to use public roads as other drivers (except limited-access or express state highways posted against them) and must obey the same traffic laws.
Handbook p. 58 ↗When passing a bicycle or moped:
- Lower your speed: the wind from your vehicle can throw a rider off balance
- Leave a lot of room between your vehicle and the rider
- Not enough room? Wait for oncoming traffic to pass or for the lane to widen
- At night, dim your headlights for an oncoming bicyclist
As a motorist near bicycles, don't:
- Return to the right before you've safely passed a bicycle on your right
- Turn right abruptly after passing a bicyclist near an intersection or driveway
- Squeeze a bicycle in a narrow lane: be patient until you can pass safely
- Fail to yield to an oncoming bicycle when you turn left
Know the rule
Bicycles may legally ride to the right of motor vehicle traffic, and it's no defense for a motorist in a crash that the bicycle was on the right.
Handbook p. 123 ↗Know the rule
Drivers and passengers can be fined up to $100 for opening a vehicle door into an oncoming bicycle. Always check behind you for bicyclists before opening your door.
Handbook p. 123 ↗The "Dutch Reach" for opening your door:
- Check your rear-view mirror
- Check your side-view mirror
- Open the door with your far hand: your body turns so you see bicyclists, and the door opens slower
Know the rule
Bicyclists may ride two side by side, but must stay in one lane on roads with more than one lane in their direction. They don't have to signal turns if both hands are needed to control the bicycle.
Handbook p. 123 ↗Put it into practice
You come up behind a bicyclist on a narrow two-lane road with oncoming traffic. You can't give four feet without entering the oncoming lane, so stay back until it's clear, then pass with at least four feet at or below the limit.