By Marti Babb
The Town of Fishers recently installed “Share the Road” signs throughout the Fishers area. As a cyclist, I was more than thrilled to see these signs. But the signs provoked a question, “What does Share the Road mean for both motorists and cyclists?”
Learning and understanding the concept behind “Share the Road” can help promote safer roads and decrease stress for drivers and cyclists alike. These simple yet important ideas come directly from bicycleindiana.org.
Motorists’ responsibilities include:
- Passing cyclists with care. Please slow down and give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing. If there isn’t room, be patient and wait until it’s safe to pass.
- Don’t honk. A car horn can startle a cyclist, causing a wreck.
- Treat bicycles like other vehicles. Never cut cyclists off. Yield to them when turning. Always assume cyclists are traveling straight unless they signal otherwise.
Cyclists’ responsibilities include:
- Obey all traffic laws.
- Stop at stop signs and traffic lights.
- Signal all turns.
- Ride with traffic, in the right side of the lane.
- Use lights when it’s dark.
Here are a few rules cyclists must follow AND drivers must accommodate:
- Two abreast. Cyclists may ride two-abreast, even in traffic.
- Room to ride. Cyclists are not required to ride on the shoulder or to surrender the lane to vehicles.
- Extra room. Cyclists may move away from the right side of the road when avoiding a hazard such as a pothole, debris, animals or other vehicles.
Bravo to Fishers for helping remind us all to “Share the Road.” Next time we are rushed and need to get to our destination, let these ideas be forefront in our minds.
And don’t forget to sign up for the Give Hope Ride at Givehoperide.com. There are many options for kids, families and avid riders on May 26at Heritage Park and proceeds benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
