As the statewide bicycle advocacy organization, we educate motor vehicle drivers on safe, legal behaviors for sharing roadways with bicyclists. We work with Law Enforcement agencies, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, the New Hampshire Driver Education Teachers Association, the New Hampshire Traffic Safety Commission, and the general public, bicyclists and non-bicyclists, to promote understanding of safe road-sharing techniques.
Motor Vehicle Operator Responsibilities
Along with all of the other “Rules of the Road”, motor vehicle drivers are legally required to abide by these New Hampshire laws regarding sharing roadways with bicyclists:
— Do Not Pass Bicyclists Unless Safe To Do So:
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- Give at least 3’of space when traveling at 30 MPH or less, 1 extra foot for every 10 MPH over 30 MPH (so 4’ at 40 MPH, 5’ at 50 MPH, etc) (RSA 265-143a)
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- WAIT TO PASS UNTIL YOU HAVE THESE CLEARANCES
- DO NOT PASS ON HILLS OR CURVES, or anytime you cannot see oncoming traffic
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— Understand that Bicyclists Legally “MAY USE FULL LANE” in these situations (265-144 XI):
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- Any time it is unsafe to stay “far to the right”
- When in the process of making a left hand turn
- To avoid hazards
- Overtaking another bicyclist or vehicle
- When proceeding straight in a place where right turns are permitted
— Motor vehicle drivers may cross a centerline (including a double yellow line) to pass bicyclists, but only when it is safe to do so (RSA 265-22)
— Motor vehicle drivers are required to exercise due care to avoid to avoid colliding with any bicyclist (RSA 265-37)
This pamphlet, produced in partnership with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation and the Bike-Walk Alliance, provides more information on laws and recommendations for motorists sharing roadways with bicyclists in New Hampshire –> 
Bike-Walk Alliance also teaches a 1.5 hour “Bike Friendly Driver” class designed to educate motor vehicle drivers on how to share the road safely and legally with bicycle road users.
