May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and while we’ve previously shared tips for cyclists to stay safe on the road, we feel it’s important to highlight what drivers can do to protect those on two wheels. While many cities, including Boston and surrounding cities and towns, have implemented strategies like protected bike lanes that include physical barriers such as plastic bollards, concrete curbs, and flex posts designed to create separation between cars and bikes, drivers continue to pose significant safety risks to cyclists.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), people on bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as those behind the wheel, which some drivers fail to recognize. Tensions remain high, with many drivers frustrated and angered by bike lanes and the need to share the road. In Boston, vocal opposition to bike infrastructure has led to the recent removal of protective barriers along some bike lanes. Without physical separation, these lanes are now frequently used by vehicles hoping to skirt around traffic, or blocked by parked vehicles, increasing the danger for cyclists. In 2024 alone, Boston recorded 366 cyclist crashes—a sobering reminder that vulnerable road users still face serious risks.
This means it’s more important than ever for drivers to be aware and proactive to protect cyclists. In this blog, we provide some basic tips to help keep everyone safe. Slowing down, checking blind spots, and giving bikes the space they’re entitled to can make all the difference. Safety is a shared responsibility—and we all have a role to play.
Tips For Drivers To Help Keep Cyclists Safe
1. Yield to Cyclists Like You Would Any Other Vehicle
Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Don’t underestimate their speed or try to “beat” them through intersections or driveways and always yield appropriately, especially when turning. More on this below.
2. Avoid the “Right Hook”
One of the most dangerous scenarios is when a vehicle turns right without checking for a cyclist approaching from behind on the right. Before turning right, come to a complete stop and check your mirrors, blind spots, and over your shoulder. In Massachusetts, it’s illegal to make an abrupt right turn across the path of a cyclist.
3. Look Out for the “Left Hook”
When turning left through an intersection, be sure to check for oncoming cyclists who may be traveling straight through in a bike lane or near the curb. These riders can be hidden by larger vehicles and obscured from view. Pause before proceeding, scan thoroughly, and yield as you would for any other oncoming vehicle.
4. Avoid “Dooring” a Cyclist
“Dooring”—when a driver or passenger opens a car door into a cyclist’s path—is both dangerous and illegal in Massachusetts, but it’s one of the top causes of bike injuries in Boston. Try using the “Dutch Reach” method when opening your car door: reach across your body with your right hand to open the door, naturally forcing your upper body to turn and check for approaching cyclists.
5. Stay Alert in High-Risk Areas
Today, many cars come equipped with back-up cameras and object detection systems, but drivers should never rely solely on those features. Before backing up, pulling out of a parking space, or moving through a stop sign, take a moment to scan your surroundings for cyclists. Parking lots, stop signs, and neighborhood streets are all common areas for close calls.
6. Give Cyclists Room
When passing a cyclist, always move over into the adjacent lane if it’s safe to do so. Massachusetts law requires at least four feet of clearance between your vehicle and a vulnerable road user. If that much room isn’t available, don’t pass.
7. Slow Down!
Speeding significantly increases the likelihood and severity of collisions. Slow down, especially in residential areas or where bike lanes are active. Anticipate cyclists’ movements and be ready to stop or adjust your course safely.
8. Stay Focused—Put Your Phone Away
Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes, and taking your eyes off the road for even a second can have life-altering consequences. Keep your focus on the road, not your screen.
9. Never Park or Stop in a Bike Lane
Bike lanes are not loading zones, parking spots, or waiting areas. Blocking a bike lane forces cyclists into traffic and puts them at greater risk. Be aware that in cities like Boston and Cambridge, it is illegal to use a bike lane as a loading zone and you can be ticketed.
It’s About Mindset
Ultimately, sharing the road safely isn’t just about laws—it’s about community. The streets of Massachusetts are public spaces and we all have a part to play in making them safe. The next time you’re tempted to grumble about bike lanes or new street designs, remember: these changes are saving lives—maybe one day, even your own.
