Riding on the Street

diagram for bicycling obeying traffic control lights

Obey Traffic Signals & Signs

As a vehicle, bicycles must obey all the Rules of the Road. Cyclists have the same privileges and duties as other vehicles.

diagram recommending bicycles ride to the right of vehicles

Ride to the Right in a Straight Line

Ride as far to the right as practicable, but stay far enough away from the curb to avoid hazards. Ride in a straight line at least three feet away from the curb to allow room for moving around road hazards. Watch for cars entering from driveways.

diagram for bicycle passing other vehicles on street in mixed traffic

Passing moving or stopped cars or bicycles

Three feet of clearance is required when passing moving or stopped cars or bicycles. Motorists passing bicycles also have to give three feet of clearance.

diagram of bicycle turning left at intersection

Making Left Turns

There are two ways to make a left turn:
1. Look back for traffic, signal, then move when safe.
2. Ride straight through the intersection, dismount at the opposite corner and walk your bike across the street.

diagram recommending bicyclists ride in pairs of two

Riding Two Abreast

Ride single file when other traffic is present. Riding two-abreast is permitted as long as other traffic is not impeded.

diagram of a bicycle on street with busses

Passing Busses

Pass busses on the left. Bus drivers have blind spots to their right and rear. Passing on the right could get you squeezed against the curb if the bus pulls over. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians who may cross the street in front of the bus.

diagram showing a bicycle making a right turn

Pay Attention to Motorists Making Right-Hand Turns

Be alert for drivers speeding up then slowing down as they pass you. Do not pass cars on the right near intersections; you will be in an area where the driver cannot see you. Do not rely on other drivers’ turn signals.

Always Ride with Traffic

Riding against traffic is unpredictable. Drivers turning at intersections, exiting driveways or leaving parking spaces are not expecting wrong way bicyclists.

a diagram to show how to navigate around car doors when biking

Beware of Car Doors

Wisconsin law requires the person opening a car door to ensure that it is safe to do so. When possible, ride 3 feet away from car doors to decrease the likelihood of being "doored".

a diagram showing how to change lanes on a bicycle

Changing Lanes

The change lanes, look behind you for traffic and signal first. Traffic in the lane you want to move into has the right of way. Look back and wait for an opening in traffic before moving over.

diagram reminding bicyclists to scan the street for safety

Scan the Road Ahead

At intersections, watch for turning cars and pedestrians. When mid-block, watch for cars pulling out of driveways, alleys and parking spaces. Make eye contact with other drivers. Yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks.

Crossing Railroad Tracks

Cross railroad tracks at a right angle to avoid getting your front wheel caught. Slow down and look behind you for traffic. Change your lane position if necessary to line up to cross the tracks at a right angle. Return to your original lane position after crossing the tracks.

Be Careful at Intersections

Proceed carefully, make sure you are visible, and signal your intentions. Watch cars at intersections carefully. Make eye contact with drivers. Be visible. Ride further out in the lane as you approach intersections. Be prepared to stop or make an emergency turn if necessary. Vehicles making turns can be particularly dangerous.

arm signals for turning on bicycle, Left = right arm straight out, Right = Right arm bent at the elbow with hand pointed up, Stop = right arm bent with arm bent at elbow pointed down.

Communicate with other Drivers

Make eye contact and signal your turns and lane changes.