Massachusetts · Handbook chapter 7 · 7 min read

Chapter 7: Sharing the road

Massachusetts rules for vulnerable road users, pedestrians, blind and Deaf pedestrians, bicyclists, mopeds, motorcycles, school buses, trucks, trolleys, slow-moving vehicles, funeral processions and animals.

Why this chapter matters

The RMV lists sharing the road with people who are visually impaired, bicyclists and pedestrians as exam topics in their own right. The key numbers are four feet when passing a vulnerable road user, eight feet from a trolley step and the $250 school bus fine.

Vulnerable road users

Massachusetts law protects vulnerable road users: pedestrians, roadside workers, bicyclists, people on horseback or in horse-drawn carriages, and people using wheelchairs, mobility devices, mopeds, scooters (motorized or not), skateboards or roller skates.

• When you pass one, leave at least four feet between your vehicle and the person.
• If it is safe, you may use part or all of the next lane, and may cross the center line if you need to.
• You must still obey the speed limit while passing.

Pedestrians

About one in four motor vehicle deaths involves a pedestrian. Slow down and stop when needed for anyone walking in the street, and look for people hidden by curves, hilltops and parked cars. Take extra care with:

• Children, who are unpredictable and hard to see, near schools, parks, bus stops and playgrounds.
• Joggers and skaters, who do not always follow signals.
• Anyone behind you when you back up. Mirrors and sensors miss things: turn and look out the window, and check behind the car before you get in.
• Seniors, around senior centers and housing.
• Transit stops, where foot traffic is heavier.

People who are blind or visually impaired

A person who is blind may travel with a white cane or a guide dog. Under the White Cane Law, you must come to a full stop whenever a blind person is crossing, and wait there until the crossing is complete.

• Do not honk or wave them across.
• Never pass another vehicle that has stopped for them.

People who are Deaf or hard of hearing

You cannot tell by looking that someone is Deaf or hard of hearing. Never assume a pedestrian, bicyclist or driver can hear you and will move. It is always safer to yield, even when you have the right-of-way.

Bicyclists

Bicyclists and moped riders may use all public roads except limited-access or express state highways posted against them, and they follow the same traffic laws as drivers.

What bicyclists may do:

• Use the full lane on any street, even where there is a bike lane.
• Keep to the right of moving traffic, and pass cars on the right.
• Ride two abreast, though on a road with more than one lane each way they must stay in one lane.
• Ride on sidewalks outside business districts, unless a town bans it, yielding to pedestrians.
• Skip a hand signal when they need both hands to control the bike.

What bicyclists must do: ride with traffic, stop at red lights and STOP signs, use a white front light and red rear light or reflector from half an hour after sunset, and wear a helmet if under 16.

Rules for drivers around bicycles

• Slow down when passing; your car's wind can unbalance a rider.
• Stay at least four feet away. If the lane is too narrow, wait until you can pass safely.
• Do not cut back in until you are well past the bicycle.
• Do not turn right across a bicyclist you have just passed unless you are a safe distance ahead.
• When turning left, yield to oncoming bicyclists just as you would to cars.
• A bicycle on your right is legal. "The bike was on my right" is no defense if you hit it.
• Dim your high beams for an oncoming bicyclist at night.

Car doors

Opening a door into a bicyclist's path can bring a fine of up to $100, for drivers and passengers alike. Check your mirrors, then use the Dutch Reach: open the door with your far hand, which turns your body so you can see behind you. Bicyclists are advised to ride at least three feet from parked cars.

Common bike crashes

The manual names four crashes where the driver is at fault: the left cross (turning left into an oncoming bike), the right hook (turning right across a bike), the drive out (pulling out of a side street or driveway into a bike) and the sideswipe (passing too close).

Mopeds and scooters

• A moped has a top speed of 30 mph or less. Riders need a license or permit, must not go over 25 mph, and must wear a helmet. Permit holders carry no passengers.
• A motorized scooter may not go over 20 mph, may not ride after dark or carry passengers, and needs a helmet and a license or permit.

Motorcycles

• Drivers often overlook motorcycles. About half of fatal motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle hitting the motorcycle.
• Check twice for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging; they hide in blind spots.
• Follow at least four seconds behind.
• A motorcycle is entitled to the full lane. Never share a lane with one, even if it rides to one side.
• Turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle causes many crashes. Let it go through first.

School buses

• When a school bus (or a school pupil vehicle such as a van) has its red lights flashing and stop arm out, you must stop, whichever side of the road you are on.
• Stay stopped until the lights stop and the stop arm folds back, then go slowly and watch for children.
• The only exception: a bus on the other side of a divided highway with a barrier.
• A first violation can bring a $250 fine and a license suspension.

Trucks and buses

• Trucks have large blind spots on all four sides. If you cannot see the truck's mirrors, you are too close.
• A large truck may need twice the stopping distance of a car. Never pull in front of one and slow down.
• On multi-lane highways, trucks and buses may use only the two right lanes. If you drive in the second lane, keep up with traffic.
• Trucks swing left before a wide right turn. Do not squeeze in on the right.
• Keep right when a truck or bus comes toward you on an undivided road.

Buses and trolleys

• Let buses pull out from their stops.
• Stay at least eight feet from a trolley's passenger step while people are getting on or off.
• Never turn in front of an approaching trolley. A trolley cannot swerve.

Slow vehicles, processions and animals

• Farm and construction vehicles with an orange slow-moving vehicle sign: slow down and give them plenty of room.
• Funeral processions have the right-of-way at intersections (except over emergency vehicles). Do not cut into or join one.
• Give the right-of-way to animals being led, ridden or driven. Slow down, do not honk, stop if the animal is coming toward you or looks frightened, and stop if the rider signals you to.