I’ve been riding city streets for a few decades now, and during that time I’ve learnt that bike lanes can be amazing or absolute chaos depending on who’s using them and what time it is. The difference usually comes down to whether people know the unwritten rules or are just winging it.

I’ve seen too many close calls, awkward standoffs, and straight-up dangerous situations that could’ve been avoided all together if people knew the basics. Why I think learning the right bike lane etiquette should be mandatory for anyone starting to commute by bike.

So here’s my gift to the world in the form of bike lane etiquette. No lecture, just practical stuff that’ll make yours and others rides smoother and safer.

The Golden Rule: Be Predictable

The golden rule to rule them all. Other cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers are all trying to figure out what you’re going to do next. Help them out by being overly obvious about what your plans are.

Signal your turns, even the small ones. Hold a steady line when you’re cruising. Don’t suddenly dart left to avoid a puddle without looking over your shoulder first. Predictable riders are safer riders, and safer riders get to keep on riding and avoid ending up in a hospital bed.

Passing Fellow Bikers Respectfully

Always pass on the left

This isn’t negotiable. I don’t care if there’s more room on the right, stick to the left. It’s what everyone expects.

Call it out

A simple “on your left” works wonders. Don’t mumble it or yell it like you’re angry. Just say it clearly when you’re about 20 feet back. Some people wear headphones, so don’t assume they heard you the first time. And if you’re one of the headphone riders please stop or at least just use one pod.

Give space

Don’t buzz people. I’ve had cyclists pass me with literally inches to spare, and it’s sketchy as hell. Give at least 3 feet when you can. If you can’t, maybe wait for a better spot.

No shame in using the bell

If you’ve got one, use it. It’s friendlier than shouting and cuts through ambient noise better.

When Someone’s Riding Slow (And You’re Not)

We’ve all been there, you might be in a hurry or just got some speed under your wings.  You’re cruising along at a good clip and catch up to someone who’s out on a Sunday cruise. Maybe they’re new to cycling, maybe they’re just enjoying the scenery, maybe they’re 75 years old and still getting out there (good on them!).

Don’t tailgate. Don’t huff and puff behind them. Just wait for a safe spot to pass and go around. Remember, not everyone is in a hurry even if you are.

The Art of Not Blocking Everything

• Single file when it’s busy: I love riding with friends, but when the bike lane is packed, drop the conversation and go single file. You can catch up at the next light.
• Don’t camp in the bike lane: If you need to stop. Mechanical issue, checking your phone, whatever,  pull over to the side or get out of the lane completely. Don’t just stop in the middle and force everyone to try and sneak around you. Bike lanes are a shared space after all.
• Keep moving at lights: If you’re stopped at a red light, don’t spread out like you’re having a picnic. Stay tight, stay right, and give people room to filter up if they want to.

Dealing with Pedestrians (Because They’re Everywhere)

Pedestrians in bike lanes are a fact of life. They’re not evil, they’re just… there and in the way. Sometimes they don’t realize they’ve cut into the bike lane, sometimes they’re trying to cross, sometimes they’re walking their dog and not paying attention.

Slow down and be patient. Use your bell or a polite “excuse me.” Don’t get mad about it, getting angry at pedestrians is like angrily shouting at squirrels for existing.

The Intersection Game

This is where things get spicy. Intersections are where most bike accidents happen, so pay attention.

Position yourself properly – Don’t hover in blind spots. If you’re going straight, get in the bike lane or take the lane if you need to. If you’re turning, get where you need to be early.

Make eye contact – With drivers, with pedestrians, with other cyclists. Eye contact means they see you. If they’re not looking at you, assume they don’t even know you exist.

Don’t assume right-of-way means invincible – Yeah, you might have the right of way, but being right doesn’t matter when the other guy is in a box made out of metal. Think defensive riding.

When the Bike Lane is Blocked

Cars parked in bike lanes, delivery trucks, construction — it happens ever so often. Here’s how to handle it without getting an express ticket to the hospital:

Check behind you before moving – Don’t just swerve into traffic. Look back, signal, and merge when it’s safe.

Take the lane when you need to – If you can’t safely squeeze by, take the whole lane until you can get back in the bike lane. Cars can wait 10 seconds.

Report chronic problems – If the same spot is always blocked, report it to your city. Most cities have apps for this and it’s very simple to do. They don’t have eyes everywhere and concerned citizens are a must for future improvements.

E-Bike Etiquette (Yeah, They’re Here to Stay)

E-bikes are awesome, but they’re also fast and sometimes catch people off guard. If you’re on an e-bike:

Announce yourself! Your acceleration can surprise people. A heads-up goes a long way.

Don’t be a speed demon! Just because you can go 28 mph doesn’t mean you should in a crowded bike lane.

Help slower riders! You’ve got the power to be generous. If someone’s struggling up a hill, maybe offer a helping nudge up. I do this with kids often (an easy hand on the back and push them up).

Important But Less Talked About Stuff

Drunken Biking

I know, I know,  it’s not a car. Sure, a beer and a little biking isn’t the end of the world. But a couple of beers and drunk cycling can get very dangerous fast for both you and everyone around you. Get a cab.

Volume Control For Safety

If you can’t hear a bell or someone calling out to you, it’s too loud. If I listen to something I only use one ear plug and a sensible volume.

Be Nice to Kids

Kids on bikes are unpredictable by nature. Give them extra space and maybe a smile. They’re the future of cycling and we’ve all been there. Helpful advice with a smile goes much further than if you pass by shouting at them.

Why This Stuff Matters

Bike lanes are still pretty new in most cities. We’re all figuring this out together. The more we can show that cyclists are responsible, predictable, and considerate, the more likely cities are to keep building infrastructure for us.

Every time you ride courteously, you’re making the case for better and more bike lanes. Every time you help out a new cyclist or say thanks to a pedestrian who moves out of the way, you’re building goodwill.

And honestly? Following these guidelines just makes riding more fun. Less stress, fewer conflicts, smoother rides. You get to focus on the good stuff! The wind in your face, the satisfaction of beating traffic, the pure joy of getting somewhere using your own power.

The bike lane doesn’t have to be perfect to be pretty great. We just all need to do our part to keep it that way.