Sharing the road with motorcycles

Explanation

Motorcycles and motor driven cycles (MDCs) get the same consideration as cars — including the full width of a lane. Riders may need the whole lane to avoid hazards you can’t see.

• Their small profile makes their speed and distance hard to judge, and they can stop much more quickly than cars.
• They can hide in your blind spot or be missed in a quick shoulder check. Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and at intersections, and always signal.
• Their turn signals usually aren’t self-canceling. Don’t assume a flashing signal means a turn — wait until the rider acts.
• Potholes, gravel, wet surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings and grooved pavement can make riders change speed or position suddenly. Follow at least three or four seconds behind.

Example

You’re waiting to turn left. An oncoming motorcycle has its right signal blinking. You wait — it goes straight through the intersection. The signal had simply been left on.

Common mistake

Following a motorcycle at the same two-second gap you’d use for a car. Give at least three to four seconds.

What the manual says

Motorcyclists and motor driven cycle (MDC) operators must be provided the same considerations as passenger motor vehicle operators. Always allow all motor vehicle operators the width of a full lane.

Do not assume that a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle or motor driven cycle means a turn is coming soon.

Allow at least three or four seconds when following a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.