Giving a bike rider space
Other safety precautions near a bicyclist
Wrapping up
Giving a bike rider space
Bike riders have the same right to the road as motor vehicles do. This means that you must yield to them when it is necessary, and you must respect their safety the same way you would another driver. On top of that you have to realize that bicyclists are at a much higher risk of severe injury if they are in an accident or collision with a vehicle. If you hit a bike rider, you will be criminally liable as well as responsible for their medical expenses and you will likely also be sued and lose. It will be extremely costly for you overall.
Thus, making sure any bike riders near you on the road are not in danger due to your driving must be a top priority. The most crucial part of doing so will be to give them the proper space. Anytime you are driving near a bike rider, you must give them at least three feet of space if they are alongside of you. If they are in front of you, you must give them at least three car lengths (depending on your exact speed) of space to ensure complete safety.
Other safety precautions near a bicyclist
In addition to giving a cyclist the right amount of space to ensure their safety, there are several other precautions that you must take as well. The first is to reduce your speed a bit in order to allow you more reaction time in case you need to avoid a collision with them. You also must make sure that you only pass them safely while maintaining the three plus feet of space rule. Never drive in or too close to a bike lane. Finally, whenever you are parked and you open your door, always check your mirror and blind spot for an approaching bike rider first.
Wrapping up
The same way that you share the road with other drivers, you will legally and literally also share the road with bike riders. It is extremely important for the safety of the cyclists out there as well as for you in terms of avoiding legal and civil trouble, that you make bike rider’s safety extremely important when you are out driving in Puerto Rico. In order to ensure a bike rider’s safety who is riding in close proximity to you give them at least three feet of space when they are next to you, several car lengths if they are in front of you, never drive in a bike lane and always check for approaching cyclists before opening any of your car’s doors.
