Rhode Island driving lesson · Sharing the Road Safely
Bike Lanes, Shared Lanes & Dooring
A 3-minute lesson from the Rhode Island course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Painted bike lanes and shared-lane symbols tell you where to expect cyclists. The most common city hazard for riders is a car door opened in their path—something every driver and passenger can prevent.
Know the rule
Rhode Island bicycle lanes are marked with a solid white line, the words 'Bicycle Lane' and bicycle symbols. Do not drive in a bicycle lane.
You may cross a bicycle lane only when turning a corner or entering or leaving an alley, private road or driveway—and you must yield to bicyclists in the lane or on the sidewalk first.
Children may not judge the speed and distance of vehicles well, and young children are unpredictable. Slow down and use extra caution near them, especially in school zones.
R.I.G.L. 31-21-1: don't open a door on the traffic side until it's reasonably safe and won't interfere with traffic, pedestrians or bicycles, and don't leave it open longer than needed to load or unload passengers.
You parallel park on a busy street with a bike lane. Before getting out, reach across with your right hand to open the door—your body turns and you check the mirror and window for a cyclist coming up behind.
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.
What is the 'Dutch Reach' technique described in the handbook?
A hand signal used only by bicyclists
A method for parallel parking close to the curb
A technique for merging onto a bike lane
Opening the driver's door with the right hand
Answer: Opening the driver's door with the right hand
The Dutch Reach is opening the driver's door with the right hand, turning your head to look out the side and rear windows.
