With so many people now hopping on their bicycles, knowing the traffic rules is imperative

Whether it is spring fever, looking for some healthy exercise, or simply saving on gas money, many Mainers are rolling out onto the roads with their bicycles. The rules of the road are the same for drivers of both motorized and non-motorized vehicles. “Same Roads, Same Rules, Same Rights” is the slogan for the state’s Share the Road Campaign led by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, Maine Department of Transportation, and the Bureau of Highway Safety.

Maine’s new laws help clarify these rules for both sets of drivers.

Sharing the road is a two-way street – both bicyclists and motorists need to follow road rules and show basic courtesy. Here are a few key tips for both bicyclists and motorists.

A bicycle driver needs to remember that while it feels fun and carefree to “ride” a bike, you are subject to the same rules as all the other vehicles on the road. You are a driver of a vehicle – it just so happens your clean burning engine is your muscles. The most important bike driving tips to practice include:

• Always drive your bike on the right, with traffic. There are no exceptions to this. Wrong-way riding (facing traffic) is the most dangerous thing you can do, because you will surprise drivers who are turning or don’t expect wrong-way traffic.

While you should keep to the right side of the roadway, Maine law does clarify you may move into the travel lane to avoid hazards and obstacles or when turning left – but always be sure to signal and merge safely with other traffic.

• Obey stop signs and traffic lights. Ignoring traffic controls will not only lose the respect of car drivers, it’s downright dangerous.

• Use lights at night. This too is the law, and essential not just so you can see where you’re going (though that helps) but so other road users can see you. Just like these other laws, if you ignore them, you will surprise drivers. As a bicyclist, those consequences are severe.

Car and truck drivers must remember that bicyclists are driving vehicles and have all the same rights as other vehicle drivers.

The only roads bicycles are not allowed on the Interstate and Route 1 between Brunswick and Bath. It is illegal for bicyclists to ride on sidewalks because they are for the safety of walkers.

Be sure you always:

• Give bicyclists three feet when passing. This safety guideline became the law last year. When approaching a bicyclist from behind, it is the driver’s responsibility to pass them with care, just as if passing any other vehicle on the road. Maine law also now allows motorists to pass in no passing zones, because it is much easier to pass a smaller and slower bicycle than other vehicles, but you may only pass when there is no oncoming traffic.

• Yield to bicyclists when turning. Look before you turn and wait until the bicyclist has cleared the intersection before turning. Maine law requires motorists to yield to bicyclists whether you are turning left or right.

• Never honk or shout at bicyclists. It’s rude, but worse yet, you will startle bicyclists, cause them to look back suddenly, swerve into the travel lane, and perhaps cause a crash that will likely not be pretty for anyone. Honking and shouting are road rage; there is no excuse for this dangerous behavior.

Driving on public roadways requires a lot of attention, patience, and courtesy, no matter what kind of vehicle you are driving or sharing the road with. The Bicycle Coalition of Maine Web site – www.bikemaine.org – has many great resources, including a more complete list of rules for motorists and bicyclists.

When we all follow the rules of the road, it’s easy to “Share the Road.”

Thanks for doing your part!

Jeffrey Miller of Augusta is president & chief executive officer of the Thunderhead Alliance for Bicycling and Walking, and former executive director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine.