New law allows bikers to run red lights

Drivers should also be wary of a new law on the books in Virginia which allows bikers to go through a red light if it's cycled through twice and the coast is clear

June 30, 2011|David Kaplan | Intern

Two motorcycle accidents in the past two weeks are a reminder that better weather means riding season. And with new laws set to take effect Friday, motorists could use a refresher course on how to treat bikers on the road.

Riders say the most frustrating thing about being on a motorcycle is that other drivers don't understand how aware of their surroundings riders need to be.

"As you're riding down the road, a lot of things that you need to be aware of are things that you don't think about everyday while you're in a car," said Dykes.

And bikers we talked to say run-ins with drivers who are unaware of how to treat bikers on the road are all too common. But bikers give News7 three important tips for drivers:

Bikers are safest when they are in big groups, so they advise drivers to not try and switch lanes to split a group up.
They also say the more space you can give them, the better, whether you're riding past them or at a stoplight.
And finally, bikers say if you come across someone who's switching lanes and riding carelessly, take your foot off the gas and let them go by.

Drivers should also be wary of a new law on the books in Virginia which allows bikers to go through a red light if it's cycled through twice and the coast is clear. This is a huge relief to riders.

"A lot of times you do get stuck in that and you get to that point in time where you're like, 'Do I make the decision to run this?'," said Dykes.

And now, drivers should be more aware as riders can now run red lights. So remember to share the road and keep it safe.

"Be more aware of the motorcycle that's around them. Pay attention to what's going on and see them coming. Be aware of where they're going," said Dykes.

Aware of where they're going, so we can all get there safely.

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