Sharing the Road With Motorcycles and Bicyclists: Space, Mirrors and the Three-Foot Rule

Motorcycles and bicycles are small, quick and easy to miss.

That is exactly why so many crashes with them begin with the words I never saw them.

Riders have the same right to the road as you do.

They also have far less protection if something goes wrong.

A minor bump between two cars can be a life-changing crash for a person on two wheels.

The good news is that a few simple habits make a huge difference.

This guide explains how to watch for riders, how much space to give them and how to pass, turn and park safely around them.

The rules come from the California Driver Handbook.

Other states have similar rules, but some details differ, so check your own state driver handbook too.

Same rights, same responsibilities

The California Driver Handbook is clear on this point.

Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicle drivers.

So do bicyclists.

That means a rider in a traffic lane is not in your way. They are traffic.

Treat them the way you would treat another car, with extra room for their smaller size.

Part one: motorcycles

Look for them on purpose

Our eyes are trained to look for cars and trucks.

A motorcycle is narrow, and it can hide behind a pillar of your own car or in a blind spot.

The handbook advises checking for motorcycles and using your mirrors when you change lanes or enter a road.

It notes that motorcycles are smaller and harder to see, so they easily disappear in vehicle blind spots.

Before any lane change, turn your head and look over your shoulder.

Take a second look at intersections, especially before turning left across oncoming traffic.

A motorcycle can be closer and faster than it first appears.

Keep a three-second gap

The handbook recommends a three-second following distance behind a motorcycle.

This space helps you avoid hitting a rider who brakes suddenly or falls.

Motorcycles can stop very quickly, and riders often slow by downshifting without showing brake lights.

Road conditions can also force a rider to change speed or direction suddenly.

Gravel, potholes, wet paint and metal plates are minor for a car but serious for a motorcycle.

Our guide to the three-second rule shows how to measure the gap.

Give them the full lane

A motorcycle is entitled to the whole lane, not just part of it.

The handbook says to give a motorcycle the full lane whenever possible.

Never try to pass a motorcycle in the same lane as you.

To pass, change lanes completely, just as you would to pass a car.

Lane splitting

In California, it is legal for motorcycles to share lanes with other vehicles.

This is known as lane splitting, and it often happens in slow or stopped traffic.

The handbook suggests moving to one side of your lane when possible to give motorcyclists more room to pass.

Never block a rider on purpose or open your door into their path.

Lane splitting rules are different in other states. Many do not allow it at all.

Part two: bicycles

What bicyclists are allowed to do

Bicyclists usually ride near the right edge of the road.

Still, the handbook lists several situations where they may legally move away from it.

A bicyclist traveling slower than traffic may leave the right edge when:

  • Passing a vehicle or another bicycle going the same direction.
  • Preparing to make a left turn.
  • Avoiding a hazard, such as a parked car, an animal or trash.
  • The lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a car to travel safely side by side.
  • Approaching a right turn.
  • Riding on a one-way road with two or more lanes, where they may ride near the left edge.

Bicyclists may also choose to use a crosswalk by stopping and crossing as a pedestrian.

In some places, they may legally ride on certain freeway sections when there is no other route.

When a rider moves into the lane, there is usually a reason you cannot see yet.

Slow down and give them room.

Passing a bicyclist safely

Passing a bicycle is where many close calls happen.

The handbook gives a clear approach.

When possible, change to another lane to pass, then return to your original lane.

If you cannot change lanes, allow at least three feet between your car and the bicyclist.

If you cannot give three feet of space, do not pass until you can.

Three feet is the minimum, not the goal. More space is always better, especially at higher speeds.

The handbook also reminds drivers of these points:

  • Give bicyclists enough space so they are not forced into parked cars or open car doors.
  • Be careful when approaching or passing a bicyclist on a two-lane road.
  • Check for bicyclists when changing lanes or entering traffic, because they may be hidden in a blind spot.

Turning across a bike lane

Right turns are one of the most common places for car and bicycle crashes.

A driver turns right while a bicyclist is riding straight ahead in the bike lane beside the car.

The handbook explains how to avoid this.

  1. Check your mirror and look over your right shoulder for bicyclists.
  2. Signal your turn early.
  3. Merge toward the curb or into the bike lane only when it is safe.
  4. Enter the bike lane no more than 200 feet before starting your turn.
  5. If a bicyclist is close, slow down and merge in behind them, not beside them.
  6. Make your turn once the lane beside you is clear.

The same care applies to motorcycles.

The handbook says to always check for motorcycles and bicycles riding next to you before turning right.

For more on how bike lanes are marked, see our guide to road lines and lane markings.

Bicyclists at night

A rider at night can be very hard to see, even with good headlights.

California requires specific lighting and reflectors on bicycles after dark:

  • A front lamp with a white light visible from 300 feet.
  • A rear red reflector or red light visible from 500 feet.
  • White or yellow reflectors on each pedal, on the rider's shoes or on the ankles.
  • Reflectors on the wheels, or reflective tires.

As a driver, do not count on every rider having all of this.

Slow down on dark streets and watch the right edge of the road.

Our guide to night driving has more tips for seeing after dark.

The door habit that prevents crashes

Opening a car door into the path of a rider is a common and painful crash.

The handbook advises checking for motorcyclists before you open your door next to traffic.

The same check protects bicyclists riding beside parked cars.

Before you open your door on a street, look in your side mirror.

Then turn and look over your shoulder.

Many drivers open the door with the hand farther from it.

That small twist turns your body and points your eyes back toward approaching riders.

Ask passengers to check before they open their doors too.

Why small vehicles need extra patience

Riders on two wheels are more affected by things drivers barely notice.

  • Wind: a gust or the wake of a passing truck can push them sideways.
  • Road surface: sand, wet leaves and cracks can cause a sudden swerve.
  • Visibility: they are easily hidden by other cars, signs and parked vehicles.
  • Speed: it is hard to judge how fast a small vehicle is approaching.

Expect the unexpected, and leave space for it.

A quick checklist

  • Look over your shoulder for riders before every lane change.
  • Keep at least three seconds behind a motorcycle.
  • Never share a lane with a motorcycle when passing.
  • Give bicyclists at least three feet, or wait to pass.
  • Merge into the bike lane no more than 200 feet before a right turn.
  • Check your mirror and look back before opening your door.

The bottom line

Riders are easy to miss and hard to protect.

Look for them on purpose, give them room and pass only when it is truly safe.

Those habits cost you seconds and can save someone else a lifetime of injury.

Sources and Further Reading