Be especially careful near children on bicycles. Children are used to adults watching out for them, so they tend to be unaware of danger. They also have poor peripheral vision, and often find it hard to judge the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles. They may not know the traffic rules or how much room it takes vehicles to stop. 

## see 

Shoulder check  — shoulder checking is important because bicycles and riders are narrow and can easily be hidden in your blind spot. Make sure you shoulder check before you: 

• open your door to get out of your vehicle. Check your side mirror as well. One of the most common causes of crashes involving cyclists is drivers who swing their doors open without checking. 

• pull away from the curb 

• move to the right. 

Pay attention at night  — observe carefully, especially for bicycles coming in from side streets. Some cyclists may not have lights, reflectors or reflective gear. 

Be careful when passing  — before you pass another vehicle, make sure you check for oncoming cyclists and cyclists in front of the vehicle you are passing. 

Scan at intersections  — be especially careful to: 

• Shoulder check for bicycles before turning right. 

• Watch out for a cyclist ahead waiting to turn left if you’re driving straight through. 

• Check carefully for oncoming cyclists before making a left turn. 

• Check carefully for cyclists crossing the road when coming to a place where a bicycle trail meets with a road. 

• Be aware that a cyclist riding along the through road could be approaching faster than you think. 

## think 

Know the rules — cyclists follow the same rules and regulations as drivers. 

• Yield to cyclists as you would to any other vehicle. If you have the right‑of‑way at an intersection, proceed if it is safe. A cyclist will expect you to follow the rules of the road. 

• Be aware that cyclists don’t always stay on the right. To make a left turn, for instance, they need to move over to the left lane. If the lane is narrow, or if there is glass or a pothole 

