Bicyclists — South Carolina Permit Test

Bicycles are considered vehicles on roadways, and bicyclists must follow the same rules of the road as motor vehicles.

Treating a bicycle as traffic, not an obstacle, is what makes its moves predictable and gives it its place in the lane.

Bicycles are considered vehicles when on roadways. Bicyclists are required and expected to follow the same rules of the road as motorized vehicles.

Yield right-of-way where a bicycle path or bike lane intersects a road.

Cyclists on a bike lane carry on straight through the intersection, and a car crossing it cuts directly across their path.

Yield right-of-way when a bicycle path or bike lane intersects a road.

Do not stop, park, or drive on a bike lane unless you are entering or leaving an alley or driveway, on official duty, directed by police, or in an emergency.

A car in the bike lane forces cyclists out into fast traffic with no warning to the drivers behind.

Do not stop, park, or drive on a designated bicycle path or lane unless you are entering or leaving an alley or driveway, performing official duties, directed by a police officer, or if an emergency situation exists.

Avoid slowing down or stopping quickly near bicyclists, because a motor vehicle's brakes are more powerful than a bicycle's.

A cyclist following you cannot stop as fast as your car does, and runs into the back of it.

Avoid slowing down or stopping quickly. A motor vehicle’s brakes are more powerful than a bicycle’s and you could cause a collision.

Avoid sounding your horn close to bicyclists unless there is a chance of a collision.

A sudden horn can startle a cyclist into steering into your path.

Avoid sounding your horn close to bicyclists unless there is a chance of a collision.

Be particularly careful around bicyclists when the road is wet or covered with sand or gravel, which affect bicycles much more than cars.

Narrow tires lose grip on loose or wet surfaces, so a cyclist may wobble or fall right in front of you.

Be particularly careful around bicyclists when the roadway is wet or covered with sand or gravel.

Although bicyclists are required to ride in the direction of traffic, look for them riding anywhere on the roadway.

Not every cyclist follows the rule, and one riding against traffic comes at you from where you are not looking.

Although bicyclists are required to ride in the direction of traffic, you should look for them riding anywhere on the roadway.

Look for clues to a bicyclist's intent such as turning the head or looking over the shoulder, since they may be unable to hand signal.

Cyclists may need both hands on the handlebars, so a turn can come without any arm signal.

Look for other clues of a bicyclist's intent, such as turning his or her head or looking over his or her shoulder before changing lane positions.

When parked on the street, check to the sides and rear of the vehicle for bicyclists before you open your door.

A door opened into a cyclist's path gives them nowhere to go.

When parked on the street, check to the sides and rear of the vehicle for bicyclists before you open your vehicle door.

How does South Carolina treat a bicycle on the roadway?

As a vehicle that follows the same rules. Treating a bicycle as traffic, not an obstacle, is what makes its moves predictable and gives it its place in the lane. South Carolina Driver's Manual, p.111: “Bicycles are considered vehicles when on roadways. Bicyclists are required and expected to follow the same rules of the road as motorized vehicles.”