Precautions:

return to top

There is no question that a motorcycle or moped is more difficult to see than a car. Yet these vehicles have the right to use the highway and must be given consideration. There have been steady increases in the uses of motorcycles and mopeds. Drivers share the road with motorcycles and mopeds, and they must be especially careful to look for them and to observe these precautions:

• Give the motorcyclist or moped rider the same right of way consideration as you would for the driver of any other vehicle.
  
  
• Motorcycles are entitled to the full width of their lane - To pass a motorcycle, you must change lanes and pass in the same manner as you would for a larger motor vehicle.
  
  
• A moped should travel using the right–hand side of the lane - To pass a moped, you must stay at least two feet to the left.
  
  
• You must leave any cyclist sufficient room when you pass so that your vehicle’s windstream cannot cause the rider to lose control.

Be especially watchful for motorcycles and mopeds while turning or changing lanes at intersections or entering the road from a driveway. Mopeds and motorcycles are difficult to see, and they can be entirely hidden by your blindspots. In many left–turn situations it is even more difficult to see the motorcycle or moped. Look out for motorcycles and mopeds, as well as other vehicles, before you turn, change lanes or proceed to move.

Motorcycles:

return to top

Things to remember when you encounter a cyclist:

• Never crowd the motorcycle or moped - following too closely does not allow enough reaction time in the case of an emergency.
  
  
• Allow a greater following distance when road surfaces are slippery - It is easier for the motorcycle or moped to become unstable because they have only two wheels in contact with the road surface.
  
  
• Always allow the cyclist plenty of room to maneuver, especially at railroad crossings or on rough and uneven roadways - if the crossing is rough or at an angle, the rider might need to slow down to cross.
  
  
• Steel bridge expansion joints, metal grating on bridges and other metal surfaces are hazardous for cyclists - leave plenty of space between yourself and the cyclist.

About two-thirds of motorcycle crashes in North Carolina involve a car. In most of these crashes, the driver of the car is at fault. The driver usually claims he or she did not see the motorcycle. Because the motorcycle offers little or no protection to the rider, the motorcyclist often is seriously injured or killed.

Many small motorcycles do not accelerate rapidly and may not maintain speed going uphill or against a headwind. Stopping distances for motorcycles are also different. Most can stop more quickly than cars, but motorcycles stop more slowly when there is a second rider or when they are traveling on poor road surfaces where sudden braking could lead to a fall.

On the road, a cyclist traveling ahead of you could lose control when materials such as sand, gravel, wet leaves or water are on the pavement. Be aware of conditions that may cause a motorcyclist to fall. Watch out for motorcycles that wobble or jerk while starting to move, or cyclists who hesitate while making traffic decisions. These are signs of a beginning cyclist, so allow plenty of room.

Mopeds:

return to top

North Carolina law defines a moped as a vehicle with two or three wheels with a motor of no more than 50 cubic centimeters of piston displacement and no external shifting device. Legally, a moped's top speed cannot exceed 30 mph. Although some mopeds on the market have top speeds higher than the 30 mph limit, they are illegal for use in North Carolina. Be sure you know a moped’s size and maximum speed before you buy it. Otherwise, you may not be able to operate it legally.

In North Carolina you must be at least 16 years old and wear a helmet that complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS 218) to operate a moped on a public roadway or public vehicular area. The same DWI laws that apply to the drivers of other motor vehicles also apply to moped operators. When riding a moped on a public roadway you must follow all the rules of the road.

In addition, you should follow the rules for riding a moped listed below:

• Stay out of traffic, as much as possible.
  
  
• Try to find routes that are not traveled heavily.
  
  
• Keep your distance - in every situation leave a reasonable amount of space between you and the other vehicle.
  
  
• Keep to the right of your lane - give yourself as much space as you can.
  
  
• Because you will probably be moving more slowly than the other traffic, other drivers will want to pass you - Stay out of their way, as much as possible.
  
  
• Do not share lanes with other vehicles.
  
  
• At an intersection, never "squeeze" between parked cars and moving traffic.
  
  
• Make sure other drivers can see you - wear light or brightly colored clothing.
  
  
• If possible, install electric turn signals on your moped. Otherwise, be sure to use hand signals when you turn or stop.
  
  
• Look as far ahead as possible.
  
  
• Anytime you cross the path of traffic, slow down, stop and look carefully before you proceed to move.
  
  
• Be sure to look over your shoulder before you move into traffic and always be careful around parked cars.
  
  
• Protect your body - wear protective clothing that covers your body and always wear shoes.
  
  
• Moped riders and all passengers are required to wear a helmet with a retention strap properly secured. The helmet must be a type that complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS 218) sticker.