Non-Commercial Driver’s License Manual (Class D)
(Page 32)
SHARING THE ROAD WITH BICYCLES Bicyclists generally travel at slower speeds than motorists, which can create special considerations for sharing the road safely.
- Remember to reduce speed when encountering bicyclists.
- Recognize situations that may be potentially dangerous to bicyclists and give them space.
- When passing, maintain a safe operating distance between your car and a bicyclist. The individual operating the motor vehicle is required to leave a minimum of three feet of passing space between the vehicle and bicycle. Pass a bicyclist only when road and traffic conditions dictate that it is safe to do so. Check over your shoulder after passing a bicyclist and before moving back to normal position. In inclement weather, give bicyclists extra room.
- Scan for bicyclists in traffic, particularly at intersections. Most crashes involving a motor vehicle and a bicyclist occur at intersections. Allow bicyclists extra time to cross intersections.
- When turning right, check your blind spot for bicyclists before initiating the turn.
- Avoid driving in designated bicycle lanes other than to make a right turn. Do so safely; signal and look before moving into the bicycle lane on approach to your turn.
- Children on bicycles are often unpredictable and may not have adequate knowledge of traffic laws. Children may be harder to see because they are typically smaller than adults. So, expect the unexpected and slow down!
Bicycles and Motorized Bicycles Traffic laws apply to everyone.
Whether you are driving a car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, or motorized bicycle, you must always obey the same basic rules of the road.
Rules and Guidelines for Bicyclists (Page 37)
- Obey all traffic laws.
- Ride not more than two abreast (single file is safest).
- Keep to the right side of the roadway.
- Give pedestrians the right of way.
- Use hand signals before turning and stopping
- Do not carry more people on a bicycle or motorized bicycle than it was designed to carry.
- All bicycles and motorized bicycles must be equipped with a brake. • If under 18, an approved safety helmet is required to operate a motorized bicycle. A good practice is to wear a safety helmet while riding a bicycle and motorized bicycle regardless of age.
- It is a good idea to wear brightly-colored clothing to increase your visibility in traffic.
- Only carry a package or bundle if it allows you to keep at least one hand on the handlebar.
- Do not hold on to other moving vehicles for the purpose of being towed.
- At night, all bicycles must be equipped with a headlight visible from a distance of 500 feet. The bicycle must also have a red reflector on the rear. If equipped with a taillight, it must be visible for 500 feet to the rear.
PEDESTRIANS (pgs. 36 – 37)
Traffic rules apply to pedestrians as well as motorists. Some special rules for pedestrians are listed below.
Remember: Joggers are considered pedestrians and must also obey these rules.
Obey traffic signals. Walk in the crosswalks.
Do not start to cross the roadway on a flashing “Don’t Walk” signal. If you are already in the intersection, move to the other side at a normal pace.
If you cross a road where there is no crosswalk, you must yield the right of way to all vehicles on the roadway.
Do not cross intersections diagonally unless an official traffic control device says you may.
Walk facing traffic. Use sidewalks when you can; if there are no sidewalks, get as far off the road as possible.
You have the right of way only in crosswalks. Yield to vehicles any place else. Use your common sense—yield if there is any danger.
When you walk at night, walk facing traffic and wear light or white clothing. Make sure drivers can see you.
You are not allowed to stand on the traveled portion of the street or highway for the purpose of hitchhiking.
Drivers must always be on the lookout for pedestrians. Be alert for children at play. For instance, a ball rolling onto the street tells you a child might be chasing it. Your reactions might save a life.
North Dakota State Statutes (Century Code) Relating to Bicyclists and Pedestrians.
Click here for Chapter 39-10.1 Bicyclists
Click here for Pedestrians
Note: Century Code references pedestrians in numerous sections of Title 39 Chapter10. Thus, See specific sections related to pedestrians: 39-10-06 (Title 39, Chapter 10, section 06) as well as sections: 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, (33.1 through 33.4) and 34.
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