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Writer's pictureKenneth Powell

Who Has Right Of Way Cyclist and Pedestrian?

Who has the right of way for cyclists and pedestrians? This is a question that is often asked but never answered. There are many opinions, and many cyclists will tell you that they have the right of way, but the law may not agree. But, if there is no law, how can you tell who has the right of way? There are several things to consider, such as the speed of the bicycle, the speed of the pedestrian, the time of day, the visibility of the cyclist, and the size of the cyclist. While we usually hear about pedestrians or bicyclists having the right of way over drivers and other road users, we rarely hear about the “right of way” for drivers and bicyclists. Both drivers and bicyclists share the same responsibility when it comes to the rules of the road, such as:

  • Bicyclists have the same right-of-way as other motorists, but they have various privileges because of their low speeds. Bicyclists have the right of way similar to motor vehicles. Hence, bicyclists must yield to pedestrians’ right of way, stop accordingly at stop signs , as well as observe traffic lights. This means that bicyclists have the same rights as motor vehicles, but bicyclists are permitted to have different privileges because of their low speeds. If you have been injured in an accident, visit https://www.plfirm.com/st-louis-pedestrian-accident-lawyer for more information.

  • The law as it applies to bicyclists is not all that complicated. The basic rules of the road — such as the right of way — apply to all drivers, and they apply to bicyclists as well. Bicyclists must obey the same traffic laws as motorists and must give way particularly to vehicles and pedestrians in both directions. A bicyclist traveling along a roadway must follow road rules. In other words, they must obey traffic laws. In terms of traffic laws for bicyclists, there are two main areas of concern: the rules of the road and bicycle safety.

  • The law of the road is simple: motorists have the right of way unless otherwise indicated by a sign, signal, or other regulatory devices. But, this rule does not apply to bicyclists. Numerous court cases have determined that bicyclists have the right of way in a bicycle lane, where traffic control devices have designated the lane.

  • Bicyclists have been known to honk aggressively when a motorist is about to drive into a bike lane. The bicyclists have been known to yell at drivers who pass them when they’re in a bike lane. In fact, in some states, bicyclists have been known to use every bit of their bodies to assert they have the right of way in intersections with a road. On the one hand, you’ve got the driver turning left. They have the right of way. On the other hand, you’ve got the cyclist, with the right of way. They have the right of way. The problem is, both parties think that they have the right of way. Neither party can truthfully claim that they have the right of way. There’s no law that says either party has the right of way. The truth is, neither party has the right of way.


How can a Bicyclist Avoid a Right of Way Accident?

How can a Bicyclist Avoid a Right of Way Accident?


Bicyclists have a very real reason to fear a “right of way” accident with a motorist, and it’s one that many don’t know about. In these accidents, a cyclist is almost always at fault, but the outcome is often more severe than it should be, and more often than not, the motorist is found at fault. This is because at the time of the accident, the motorist is legally in the “right of way,” or the position where they’ve been driving for the last few feet, and the cyclist has already passed them.


It’s always a good idea to be aware of the traffic in front and behind you when riding a bicycle. While it may not be safe to assume that drivers will see you, we can make it more likely by frequently checking for traffic and signaling our intentions when we plan to make a turn.


If you are a cyclist, you know how frustrating it can be to be stuck next to a driver who never once used their turn signal. It’s also frustrating when you see a driver who is obviously not paying attention, zipping down the road with no regard for other cars on the road. As you’re riding on the road, you’re more likely to be seen than if you’re biking on a path. When it comes to how to avoid a right-of-way collision, the best way to stay safe is to use hand signals.


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