Other road usersHigh risk
Cyclist awareness
Share the road safely with bicycles
Cyclists are highly vulnerable road users with every right to use the road. Understanding cycling behavior, giving adequate space, and anticipating their movements prevents tragedies.
Why this matters
Cyclists have minimal protection. Even a minor collision can cause serious injury. Drivers must take responsibility for maintaining safe distances and watching for cyclists.
Key actions to take
- Give at least 1.5 meters when overtaking
- Check for cyclists before opening doors
- Look for cyclists before every turn, with a shoulder check toward the side you are turning
- Wait behind if overtaking safely is not possible
- Be patient: cyclists have every right to the road
- Check blind spots specifically for cyclists
Do
- Treat cyclists as you would other vehicles
- Expect cyclists in bike lanes and on roads
- Give extra space in wind, rain, and near drains
- Make eye contact at junctions when possible
Don't
- Pass too closely
- Cut across cyclists when turning
- Honk aggressively at cyclists
- Underestimate cyclist speed
Important warning
When turning across cycle lanes, check twice for cyclists. They are easily missed in mirrors and can arrive faster than expected.
Pro tips
- The Dutch reach: open door with far hand, forcing you to look back
- Cyclists may swerve to avoid hazards you cannot see
- Many cyclist deaths occur in drivers blind spots