In addition to the above, cyclists loathe cars that park in the bike lane. And drivers are startled when they suddenly come up on a bicycle without lights in the night.

We talked to drivers and bicyclists alike, and summarize their POVs here: 

Life in the bike lane

One of the biggest takeaways: just how scary it is to be a small, unprotected, slow moving thing in a sea of huge, armored, speedy things. 
A small mistake on the road usually doesn’t spell death for the driver of a car, whereas a minor miscalculation can mean serious injury or worse for a bicyclist.

Sometimes bicyclists use the sidewalk

Because of this fact, bicyclists will often do things that make them feel safe, even if contrary to vehicle code - like sometimes riding on the sidewalk if the roadway seems dangerous. Bicyclists will also use crosswalks to cross busy intersections. 

Bicyclists can take the lane, but most want to leave room for drivers

Any roadway user knows it can be tough to negotiate space, especially when speeds vary from vehicle to vehicle. It’s extra tough for cyclists riding on a road without a bike lane, a narrow shoulder, or a row of parked cars (or a combination of all three). In these cases (and a few others), a cyclist will likely “take the lane,” a move they’re legally allowed to do. Otherwise, bicyclists must ride as close to the right side of the road as practicable. So drivers, please be kind if you find yourself temporarily stuck behind a cyclist—they will move to the right and let you pass as soon as it is safe.

Car doors can break collarbones

The door zone. It can be challenging to balance avoiding the door zone (lest an unassuming motorist open their driver’s side) and leaving enough room for cars to pass safely. California Vehicle Code (CVC) 22517 applies to drivers and passengers, stating: "No person shall open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of such traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.”
Read more about liability and legal rights in California when it comes to dooring accidents.

Bicyclists are also trying to avoid driveways and alleys where cars may be backing out suddenly and unable to see a cyclist crossing their path.

Fear of the dreaded “right hook”

"Right hooks” occur when a car turns sharply across the bike lane to make a right turn or to access a right-turn-only lane. Essentially, “a right-turning car is supposed to move into the bike lane before the intersection—anywhere from 200 to 50 feet—before first signaling the lane merge, then merging right to the curb lane, and finally making the actual turn once it’s deemed safe (CVC 21717)."

Cyclists don’t like it when you park where they ride

Bottom line: Parking in the bike lane is waaaay inconsiderate.

Cars come too close for comfort

Another common concern cyclists share: cars passing dangerously close. In California, motorists must keep a minimum of three feet (read: California law) between their vehicles and the bicyclists they’re passing. Not only is this the law, it also helps keep cyclists from panicking.

Life behind the wheel

Bikes are legally considered vehicles, but they sure don’t act like them sometimes! A familiar refrain from many motorists is: Bicyclists break traffic rules… a lot. 

Red means stop

Okay cyclists... You’ve totally run a stop sign - at least once. Although blowing through a four-way may seem inconsequential, it can be scary and irritating for drivers who are trying to negotiate the intersection, same as you. Heeding signs and signals is a good way to prevent injury - or worse.

Be predictable: Stay in the bike lane; ride with traffic; signal

Riding predictably is really the key to making drivers feel comfortable and safe sharing the road with cyclists. Drivers fear the oncoming. Head-on crashes are usually devastating. That’s why highway medians exist. So when drivers encounter a cyclist riding the wrong way in the bike lane, it triggers panic. Plus, it’s illegal; just don’t do it.

Distracted bikers are dangerous

Distracted biking is a huge problem for drivers and riders alike, but it’s an especially dangerous practice for cyclists, the more vulnerable of road users. Biking with headphones covering both ears (covering one ear is OK) is illegal, because not being able to hear traffic noises that signal danger can mean a crash. I shouldn’t even have to mention texting or holding a phone while biking (sheesh!). Keep those hands on the bars unless signaling a turn.

If you have any questions about bike safety, please reach out to us anytime at SRPGObikes@stanford.edu.