Let’s improve our road relationships!
By following a few simple rules, we can all do our part. Whether in a car or on a bicycle, we are all drivers on our roads. Together, we can work to improve our road relationships and drive change in Greater Kalamazoo.
Most bicycle-vehicle crashes occur at intersections and road crossings.
Pay extra attention to each other at intersections and road crossings. Don't assume you know what the other is going to do.
Bicyclists must stop at red lights and stop signs just like vehicles.
When driving, be extra cautious when turning right – bicyclists can be hard to see.
Do not pass bicyclists and turn right in front of them unless it is safe to do so.
At intersections, treat bicycles the same as any other vehicle. If a bicyclist is riding ahead of you in the road and stops to complete a left turn, you must yield to the bicyclist just as you would for another car.
Before turning right at an intersection or out of a driveway, check for bicyclists coming up from behind your vehicle on the right-hand side. As appropriate, yield and allow them to pass before turning.
Watch for bicyclists coming from behind your vehicle at intersections or crossing from the left. The smaller size of a bicycle can make it difficult to judge its distance and speed.
Motorists: Give at least half a lane when passing a bicyclist.
The 5-foot distance helps ensure that motor vehicles allow adequate space to avoid sideswiping bicyclists or causing them to overcorrect to avoid a vehicle. Do so even if you have to slow down and wait for enough room to pass the bicyclist. In fact, that’s the law in the cities of Kalamazoo & Portage, and in Oshtemo & Kalamazoo Townships.
Bicyclists: See and be seen!
- 1. Ride in the same direction as traffic. Predictable = drivers are more likely to see you. Look drivers in the eye when crossing streets and driveways.
- 2. Be visible. Wear light / bright / reflective clothing. Use head and tail lights. For night riding, use a bright head lamp to light up the way ahead.
- 3. Helmets Are The New Cool!* ... and required on most organized rides. *Safe Kids of Kalamazoo Co.
Driving Change in Kalamazoo
Greater Kalamazoo is home to a robust bicycling community that is inclusive of all ages and abilities – from children learning to ride for the first time to avid adults to athletes training hard to ride many miles. Our area offers many opportunities for road cyclists, triathletes, mountain bikers, trail riders and families, boosting our local economy and keeping our residents healthy.