Bicyclist pedestrian safety — Iowa Permit Test

Before turning at intersections and driveways, look carefully for pedestrians, bicyclists, skaters and people in wheelchairs.

People on foot or on bikes are small and easy to miss as you turn. A quick look for them before you start the turn prevents a crash at the corner.

Be especially careful to look for pedestrians, bicyclists, skaters, and people using wheelchairs or low-speed micromobility devices before turning at intersections and driveways.

Never pass a vehicle that has stopped or is slowing down for a pedestrian.

The stopped car can hide a person crossing in front of it. If you go around it, you may hit someone you could not see.

Never pass another vehicle that has stopped or is slowing down for a pedestrian.

People riding bicycles have the right to be on the road and are often not allowed to ride on sidewalks.

Riders are often kept off sidewalks, so the road is where they belong. Treating them as if they should not be there leads to unsafe passing.

People riding bicycles have the right to be on the road and are often prohibited from riding on sidewalks, so respect their right to be there.

When passing a bicyclist, you must change lanes completely, giving the rider the entire lane as you would any other vehicle.

A bike can wobble or swerve around a pothole. Moving fully into the next lane keeps you clear of the rider if that happens.

When passing bicyclists, you must completely change lanes, giving the bicyclist the entire lane like you would with any other vehicle.

After passing a bicyclist, do not move back to the right until you can see the rider in your rearview mirror.

Cutting back in too soon can clip the rider or force them off the road. Seeing them in the mirror means you are far enough ahead.

Do not return to the right until you can see the bicyclist(s) in your rearview mirror.

Watch for bicyclists coming from behind you, especially before turning right.

A rider coming up on your right can be in your blind spot. Turning right across their path is a common way bikes get hit.

Watch for bicyclists coming from behind, especially before turning right.

When should you look especially hard for people walking, biking or skating?

Before turning at intersections and driveways. People on foot or on bikes are small and easy to miss as you turn. A quick look for them before you start the turn prevents a crash at the corner. Iowa Driver's License Manual, p.58: “Be especially careful to look for pedestrians, bicyclists, skaters, and people using wheelchairs or low-speed micromobility devices before turning at intersections and driveways.”