Bicycles sharing lanes — New Mexico Permit Test

People riding bicycles on roads have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of cars.

A bike is a vehicle on the road, so the rider gets the same place in traffic and must follow the same rules.

Bicycle drivers on roads have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of cars.

When passing a bicyclist, keep a safe distance, trying for at least five feet, and pass only when it is safe and legal.

A rider can wobble or swerve around a pothole. Five feet of room keeps a small wobble from becoming a crash.

Keep a safe distance when passing a bicyclist, trying for at least five feet, and passing them only when safe and legal to do so.

Treat a bicycle as a legal, slow-moving vehicle, and give the rider extra time and space to merge and use turn lanes like other vehicles.

Bikes go slower than cars but belong in the lane. Treating one like a slow farm vehicle helps you wait instead of squeeze by.

Treat the bicycle as a legal, slow-moving vehicle such as a backhoe.

Bicyclists usually stay on the right but may legally take the whole lane by riding in its center when necessary, such as to prepare for a left turn, avoid being squeezed on a narrow street, or avoid hazards.

A rider in the middle of the lane is often dodging a grate or getting ready to turn, not blocking you on purpose.

While bicycles should usually stay on the right side of the roadway, they are legally allowed to take the whole lane by riding in the center of the traffic lane when necessary.

Do not make a sudden right turn after passing a bicyclist on your right; slow down and merge behind the bicyclist before turning.

Turning right across a rider you just passed cuts them off, and they can slam into the side of your car.

Instead, slow down and merge behind the bicyclist before turning.

Some bicyclists, especially young children, behave unexpectedly, so stay watchful for sudden movements and lane changes.

A kid on a bike may turn without looking or signaling. Watching closely gives you time to brake.

Some bicyclists, especially young children, will behave unexpectedly.

What rights do bicycle riders on the road have compared with car drivers?

The same rights and responsibilities. A bike is a vehicle on the road, so the rider gets the same place in traffic and must follow the same rules. New Mexico Driver Manual, p.25: “Bicycle drivers on roads have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of cars.”