On a roadway a bicycle is a vehicle, and the rider has the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities you do. Cyclists are hard to see and their skill varies: a skilled rider holds a steady line, while an unskilled one may swerve, ignore signals, or ride without a light.
Know the rule
Bicycles are vehicles when on roadways. Bicyclists must follow the same rules of the road as motor vehicles.
Handbook p. 84 ↗As a driver you must:
- Yield to bicyclists in intersections as you would to pedestrians and other vehicles
- Yield right-of-way where a bicycle path or bike lane crosses a road
- Slow down and give as much space as possible when approaching or passing a cyclist
- Let the cyclist clear the intersection before you turn
- Avoid slowing or stopping quickly; your brakes are more powerful than a bicycle's
Know the rule
Don't stop, park, or drive in a designated bicycle path or lane unless you are entering or leaving an alley or driveway, doing official duties directed by police, or in an emergency. Bike lanes are marked with solid white lines.
Handbook p. 84 ↗Minimum distance Utah law requires when passing any bicyclist or other vulnerable road user
Handbook p. 85 ↗Dim your headlights within this distance when approaching or overtaking a bicyclist at night
Handbook p. 85 ↗Protecting cyclists:
- Don't honk close to a cyclist unless a crash is likely; it can startle them into your path
- Watch children riding on sidewalks; they may ride out without seeing you
- Don't turn sharply in front of a cyclist or force one off the road
- Look for cyclists anywhere on the road, even though they must ride with traffic
- Take extra care when the road is wet or covered with sand or gravel
- Before opening your car door on the street, check the sides and rear for cyclists
- Check for cyclists before backing, especially near schools and homes
Know the rule
If a cyclist is going slower than a reasonable speed, you may pass using the center two-way left turn lane on a road with three or more lanes for two-way traffic.
Handbook p. 85 ↗Do not pass a bicycle or moped going your way:
- When approaching or on the crest of a hill or a curve where your view is blocked
- Within 100 feet of, or while crossing, an intersection or railroad grade crossing (unless signed otherwise)
- When your view is blocked within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct, or tunnel
- Whenever the pass cannot be made safely
Know the rule
To pass a bicycle where there is at least one more lane to your left going the same direction, move into that lane when you can do so safely.
Handbook p. 86 ↗Know the rule
Cyclists must use hand signals for turns and stops, but may need both hands on the handlebars. Look for other clues, such as a head turn or a look over the shoulder.
Handbook p. 85 ↗
Know the rule
A bicyclist turning left may use the left-turn lane or two-way left-turn lane the same way a motor vehicle does.
Handbook p. 85 ↗Put it into practice
You come up behind a cyclist on a two-lane road, and an intersection is 80 feet ahead. You stay behind, because you may not pass within 100 feet of an intersection. Once through it, you pass and leave at least 3 feet.