Sharing the road with bicycles and mopeds — Massachusetts Permit Test

Bicyclists and moped riders have the same right to use public roadways as all other drivers, and must obey the same traffic control and right-of-way laws.

They are traffic, not obstacles. The rights and the duties come together, which is why a cyclist running a red light is also breaking the law.

Bicyclists and moped riders have the same right to use public roadways as all other drivers

Bicycles and mopeds are not allowed on limited-access or express state highways where signs say so.

That is the one exception to their right to the road, and it is marked. Everywhere else they belong there.

the only exceptions are limited-access or express state highways with posted signs saying bicycles and mopeds are not allowed

Lower your speed when passing a bicycle or moped, because the wind from your vehicle can throw a rider off balance.

A rider holds a line by balance rather than by weight. The gust off a passing car takes the balance away.

The wind caused by your vehicle can throw a rider off balance.

If you do not have enough room to pass a bicycle safely, wait for oncoming traffic to pass or for the lane to get wider.

Waiting costs seconds. Squeezing past costs a rider the room they need when something appears in front of them.

If you don't have enough room to pass safely, wait for oncoming traffic to pass or for the lane to get wider.

Dim your headlights at night if a bicyclist is coming toward you.

A cyclist blinded by high beams cannot see the edge of the road, and the edge of the road is where they are riding.

Dim your headlights at night if a bicyclist is coming toward you.

When parked at the side of a road, always check carefully for bicycles or mopeds before opening your vehicle door.

A door opening into a rider gives them no time and nowhere to go. The check takes a second from inside the car.

When parked on the side of a road, always check carefully for bicycles or mopeds before opening your vehicle door.

What right do bicyclists and moped riders have on public roadways?

The same right to use them as all other drivers. They are traffic, not obstacles. The rights and the duties come together, which is why a cyclist running a red light is also breaking the law. Massachusetts Driver's Manual, p.50: “Bicyclists and moped riders have the same right to use public roadways as all other drivers”