Module 2 Road Positioning for Safety and Effectiveness

Understanding key principles of road positioning can significantly enhance your safety and effectiveness while riding. This guide covers essential strategies for controlling your lane, positioning for speed and safety, navigating intersections, signaling intentions, and changing lanes.

Defensive Riding

Controlling the lane on higher-speed roads uses the same principles but is more challenging and takes more confidence. Motorists can tell from farther away that they can’t squeeze past you (when you're taking the lane), they’ll be able to plan their lane change earlier, causing less frustration and increasing safety for both parties. Taking the lane is defensive driving. Occupy the left side of the lane and then yield that space only when YOU feel it is safe to do so. This allows you to take control of your own situation and safety.

Rights and Responsibilities

Image of a cyclist riding in the far right bike lane with at least three feet of clear space on the left side of a passing car and a parked car near the curb.

Bicyclists and e-scooter riders have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists.

If you’re on a road where you can safely share the lane, you should be able to ride with at least three feet of clear space on either side of you where the curb or parked cars are on your right and passing traffic on your left.

The image to the left shows a bicyclist riding in the far right bike lane with at least three feet of clear space on the left side of a passing car and a parked car near the curb.

Lane Positioning

Basic Right to the Road: You’re entitled to any space needed to operate safely.

Communicating with Position: Your lane position communicates to other road users whether it is safe to share the lane with you.

Avoid the Gutter: Ride as far to the right as is safe, but never in the gutter. Stay away from curbs and parked cars to avoid the "door zone" of parked vehicles.

Taking the Lane: If there isn't sufficient room for sharing, ride in the center of the traffic lane so vehicles have to wait until it’s safe to pass. This is a defensive maneuver known as "taking the lane."

The image to the left shows a bicyclist taking the lane while riding in traffic.

"As far right as practicable" means riding as far to the right as is safe and reasonable—not in the gutter or in a position that compromises your safety.

Controlling the Lane

Two cyclists riding in the right lane in traffic near a car on the left

On Higher-Speed Roads: Controlling the lane here uses the same principles but requires more confidence. When taking the lane, motorists can see from further away that they can’t squeeze past, allowing them to plan their lane change earlier, reducing frustration, and increasing safety.

Defensive Driving: Occupy the left side of the lane and yield space only when it feels safe for you to do so. This control helps ensure your safety.

Slow Vehicles: The slowest vehicles on the road are generally expected to be furthest to the right—that goes for farm machinery, big trucks, and people on bikes. If you are passing on the right by riding in a bike lane or shoulder, use extra caution as other drivers do not expect you there and you may be in their blind spot. As a general rule, you should only pass other vehicles on the left, although slightly different rules apply if there’s a bike lane, or if you’re in slow traffic and the right lane is moving faster than the lane to your left. Treat bike lanes as you would any other lane of traffic. Signal when moving in and out of them to alert other drivers.

The image on the left The green arrows in the image show how a bicyclist may position themselves in the travel lane to move defensively through an intersection. The bicyclist on the left uses the left side of the lane to move straight through the intersection. The bicyclist on the right uses the right side of the lane to turn right.

Approaching Intersections

Three cyclists scanning the road while riding in traffic.

Communicate with Position: When approaching intersections, position yourself to indicate to other road users where you’re going.

For straight or left turns, position yourself in the center of the lane.

For right turns, stay in the center or right portion of the lane. This prevents others from cutting in front of you. Again, your position is communication.

Scanning and Signaling: Always scan and signal before changing lanes or turning.

The green arrows in the image show how a bicyclist may position themselves in the travel lane to move defensively and conspicuously through an intersection.

Video: Lane Positioning and Intersections

Check out this video to see essential tips for staying safe at intersections by being visible and positioning yourself in the correct lane.

Scanning

Image of a cyclist scanning all sides of a busy road while riding in traffic.

Scanning involves regularly checking your surroundings to stay aware of potential hazards and other road users.

Look over your shoulder to check for traffic coming from behind and keep an eye on what’s ahead.

Start scanning well in advance, especially on busy roads or when preparing for lane changes.

Continuous scanning helps you anticipate and react to any potential obstacles, ensuring that you make informed decisions and maintain safety on the road.

This image depicts a bicyclist's line of sight to scan their surroundings while navigating heavy traffic. The green lines indicate the areas to scan (front, sides, and behind) for safety and for making precautionary decisions.

Signaling

Using hand signals while riding is crucial for communicating your intentions to drivers, pedestrians, and other cyclists. Clear hand signals help prevent accidents by making your movements predictable. Here’s how to use the standard hand signals for cycling:

Left Turn:: Extend your left arm straight out to the side, parallel to the ground. Keep your hand open and fingers together. Make the signal well in advance of the turn to give others time to react. Scan for traffic from behind and in front before turning.
Right Turn:: Option 1: Extend your right arm straight out to the side, parallel to the ground, with your hand open and fingers together.; Option 2: Alternatively, you can signal a right turn by extending your left arm out to the side and bending it upward at a 90-degree angle at the elbow, with your hand open. Use whichever method feels more comfortable or visible in your situation, but make sure it’s clear to those around you.
Stopping or Slowing Down:: Extend your left arm out to the side and bend it downward at a 90-degree angle at the elbow, with your hand open and palm facing behind you. This signal indicates that you are either stopping or slowing down. Ensure you do this well in advance so that those behind you have time to react.

Changing Lanes

Image with two bicyclists scanning the traffic and signaling with the left arm extended out

Changing lanes while cycling requires awareness, clear communication, and decisive action to ensure safety. Here’s how to change lanes effectively:

Scan for Gaps: Look over your shoulder to check for traffic coming from behind. Be aware of both vehicles and other cyclists. Start scanning well in advance, especially on busy roads where traffic moves quickly. This will give you more time to find a safe gap.

Signal your intention: Use the appropriate hand signal to indicate your intention to change lanes. Ensure that the signal is clear and visible to drivers and other cyclists. Continue scanning as you signal to ensure that the lane is still clear and that others have seen your signal.

Move Smoothly into the New Lane: When a safe gap appears, smoothly and confidently move into the new lane. Avoid sudden movements or swerving. If you need to cross multiple lanes, do so one lane at a time. Signal and scan for each lane change, moving gradually and predictably.

Stay Alert: Keep scanning your surroundings even after you’ve changed lanes. Be prepared to adjust your position if necessary, especially if the traffic pattern changes.

The image shows the movements a bicyclist may take to scan and then signal for a lane change in preparation for a left turn while riding in traffic.

Video: Lane Changing

Check out this video for a demonstration on how to change lanes confidently and effectively.