Throughout the United States, bicyclists are treated like motorists with regard to the rules of the road. Because cyclists are granted equal rights to motorists on the road, that means they must also follow the same rules. It is important, then, for cyclists to understand right-of-way rules and how they could potentially affect an accident claim.
Here’s a quick overview of what you should know.
Right-of-way when there are no traffic signals
When two vehicles (of any type) approach an uncontrolled intersection, the vehicle arriving first will have the right-of-way. However, if the vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right will have the right-of-way.
When there are stop signs controlling all four directions, the same rules apply. But if there is a minor street intersecting with a major street, it is unlikely the stop sign will control all four directions, meaning the traffic on the major street will most likely have the right-of-way because it is unlikely there will be a stop sign present.
Right-of-way when there are traffic signals
The traffic signals will control right-of-way at these controlled intersections. However, if the sensor does not detect the presence of a bicyclist, the cyclist can either move closer to the sensors in the road, wait until it is safe to cross against the light, or get off the bike and proceed to cross at the crosswalk as a pedestrian.
Cyclists, like motorists, are allowed to make right turns at right lights, but not left turns.
For more information about the rules of the road a cyclist must obey, contact an experienced Bradenton, FL auto accident lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh.