![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fidelislaw.ca\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/onramp-1024x484.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA potentially dangerous situation can arise when there\u2019s a bicycle on the highway riding past an on-ramp. Motorists on the on-ramp must be extra cautious when merging, because cyclists are easier to miss when the driver is looking over their shoulder at oncoming traffic before merging. The bicycle has right-of-way in this situation \u2013 motorists should never force their way onto the highway if a cyclist is riding by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As for off-ramps, if a cyclist is not taking the ramp, they will stay on the highway. That means drivers about to exit the highway must check their right for any bicycles continuing onward. Even if you\u2019re driving your car in the rightmost lane, remember there\u2019s always another \u201clane\u201d to your right for cyclists!<\/p>\n\n\n\n And bikers: don\u2019t ride onto the ramp and then cut across it to get back on the highway. Keep riding straight unless you\u2019re using the off-ramp to get off the highway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEllen\u2019s Law\u201d, in effect in New Brunswick since 2017, states that \u201ca driver of a motor vehicle shall not pass a bicycle travelling in the same direction unless there is sufficient space to do so safely and the driver leaves at least one metre of open space between the vehicle and the bicycle.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n That law has particular relevance for traffic circles, a type of intersection that\u2019s notoriously difficult to navigate for cyclists, especially when they have two lanes as pictured here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The simplest \u2013 and safest \u2013 way for drivers to leave that one-metre distance around cyclists and avoid crowding them between lanes is to treat the cyclist like a motorcycle. Let the bicycle occupy the entire lane and leave them plenty of space to switch lanes and merge in and out of the traffic circle. Cyclists can also use the inside lane if they choose, so don\u2019t be surprised if you see a cyclist switching between both lanes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With that said not every cyclist will ride in the middle of the lane \u2013 some will keep to the right as they would on a typical road. Motorists should therefore still keep an eye out over their shoulder and look carefully for bicycles nearby before changing lanes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cyclists, keep in mind that traffic circles are always particularly tricky on a bicycle. Some newer traffic circle designs incorporate features to make them more bike-friendly, but even in those cases, be hyper-vigilant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bike lanes are easy to use when turning right, but they make left turns a bit more complicated because they would involve a big, sweeping turn across several street lanes. That\u2019s why many cyclists will instead use the left turn lane. Using the left turn lane also avoids the potential issue of vehicles in the right turn lane cutting the cyclist off as they both try to turn in opposite directions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, drivers \u2013 don\u2019t be confused if you see a bicycle in the left-turn lane. As with the traffic circle, a good rule of thumb if you see a bicycle in the left-turn lane is to simply treat it as if it were a motorcycle. Leave the cyclist ample room and don\u2019t crowd them or try to squeeze past them. Let the cyclist complete their turn and go back to the shoulder once the turn is complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind that these are only guidelines. Each situation (and intersection) is different. The most important thing is to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings so that you can react accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With growing concern for the environment as well as health and fitness, the number of cyclists will only increase. Until it becomes second nature for drivers, it\u2019s important that while driving we don\u2019t only look for large vehicles \u2013 keep an eye out for bicycles too!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fidelislaw.ca\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/ramps-1024x484.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTraffic Circles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fidelislaw.ca\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/circle-1024x1022.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTurning left out of a bike lane<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fidelislaw.ca\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/left-1-1024x1022.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n