When we look at road policies and regulations much of the concern is for vehicle safety. In the never-ending battle for spaces on Philippine highways, motorists are not the only rulers.

Motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians—they all must share the roads. The promotion of bicycle-use in the country is on the run as we continuously face the issue of mass transport as one of the effects of COVID-19 pandemic.

In reality, many see bicycles as an accident-prone vehicle on the road. Motorists consider both its vulnerability and unpredictability a major hazard on the road. Pedestrians themselves don’t want them on the sidewalks either to avoid accidents and disturbance on walkways.

As bicycle-use has become an upward trend in this time of virus outbreak, the safety of our cyclists from motorists is also a major concern that needs to be addressed. But, how can motorists keep our cyclists safe?

Here are some safety tips you all guys must follow for a better and safer road trip:

• REDUCE SPEED WHEN ENCOUNTERING CYCLISTS

Cyclists move faster than you think and motorists should look out for them especially when driving at a higher speed. Cars are larger and heavier compared to bicycles, just give them the way and be patient.

• KEEP 3-FEET DISTANCE FROM THE CYCLIST WHEN PASSING

Bicyclists need at least three feet between them and a passing car to be safe. This step enables the motorist to pass safely without worrying about contact and most importantly, it reduces the chance of injuring a cyclist with a car’s side-view mirror.

• USE INDICATORS AND SIGNALS TO INTERACT WITH CYCLISTS

Motorists should appropriately use their indicators and hazard warning lights to alert cyclists as well as other road users behind them to lower the risk of collision. All road users should be fully aware of what is expected of them in order to navigate their journeys in the safest possible manner.

• ALWAYS CHECK FOR ONCOMING CYCLISTS WHEN OPENING CAR DOOR

  Before stepping out of your cars, always check behind to avoid any accidents, too many cyclists have been "doored". A simple rule but it’s a must.

• ALLOW EXTRA TIME FOR CYCLISTS TO TRAVERSE INTERSECTIONS

 Don’t think of them as a competition on the road. Give them extra time to traverse intersections as they both share the roads. Just think of how tiring it is to use bicycles as a mode of transportation, be considerate!

• FOLLOW THE HIGHWAY CODES AND ROAD POLICIES FOR A SAFETY TRIP

Above all, motorists, cyclists, and even pedestrians must be familiar with road policies for a hassle-free travel experience.

With all these tips, COOPERATION is the real key among all parties involved. We all must politely do our parts to attain a smooth and better transportation experience.