Sharing the Road in Virginia

Click to enlarge graphic Left turn graphic

Take a lesson from the experts

League of American Bicyclists-certified instructors teach a series of bicycling courses that can help new and experienced bicyclists gain skills and confidence when riding on the highway with motor vehicles. Many other organizations, such as local bike clubs, bike shops, public schools, and Parks and
Recreation Departments offer classes. Enroll in one!

Laws & Safety Tips - Signals & Turns

Signals

Hand Signals

To signal a left turn, look behind, and then hold out the left arm.
To signal a right turn, hold out the right arm or hold the left arm up, with bent elbow. Do not signal through the turn since both hands are needed on the handlebars to maintain control.
To signal a stop, hold the left arm down at an angle.
If braking is necessary when using one hand, don’t squeeze the brake too hard. It may cause you to be thrown from the bike or to skid.

Traffic signals

Some traffic signals are triggered by electrically charged wires buried under the pavement. (Look for cut lines filled with tar.) When a vehicle goes over them, the metal disrupts the current, which trips the signal. Most bicycles contain enough metal to trigger the light when stopped over it.
If a light is not triggered, bicyclist can move forward to let a car to trigger it, proceed as traffic allows, or go to the sidewalk and cross with pedestrians.

Turns

When approaching an intersection with several lanes, a bicyclist should choose the one with the arrow pointing where he or she wants to go. Don’t use the straight through bike lane when turning left; use it only if going straight ahead or turning right.

Bicycles turning left

1. Make a left hand turn as a vehicle.

While approaching the intersection, look over your left shoulder for traffic.
Make eye-contact with approaching motor vehicle drivers.
When clear, signal a turn.
Move over to the left side of the lane (on a two-lane road) or into the turn lane.
Be positioned so cars going straight through can’t pass you on the left.
Yield to on-coming cars before turning.
If riding in a bike lane or on a road with several lanes, look and signal at each lane change.
Never make a left turn from the right side of the road.

2. If less comfortable in traffic, use the crosswalks.

Cross as a pedestrian, at pedestrian speed, in the crosswalk.
If there is a signal, wait for the green light or WALK signal before crossing.

Watch out for cars and trucks turning right

Always scan ahead for cars that may be turning right. If a car ahead is signaling a right turn, do not pass on the right.
Do not pass stopped cars at a crosswalk or intersection; they may be preparing to turn right.

Passing

Bicyclists should watch ahead for vehicles planning to turn right at an intersection or driveway. Don’t get into the motorist’s blind spot or other position where visibility is limited.
Avoid passing on the right at intersections where motor vehicles frequently make right turns.
Bicyclists should stay in front of or behind vehicles so that they are always visible.
Bicyclists should call out and pass pedestrians on the pedestrian’s left.
Motorists should occupy a bike lane when planning to turn right, if it is marked with a dashed line, to prevent bicyclists from passing.