Chapter 8: Sharing the Road

Public roads are a shared space for a diverse range of users, from pedestrians and bicyclists to large commercial trucks and emergency vehicles. A safe driver understands that their responsibility extends beyond just controlling their own vehicle; it includes anticipating the actions of others and knowing the specific laws that protect vulnerable road users. This knowledge is a major component of the driver’s license exam and is fundamental to preventing tragic and avoidable collisions.

Sharing the road effectively means recognizing that different road users have different capabilities and vulnerabilities. Drivers of passenger cars must adjust their behavior to safely interact with pedestrians, cyclists, large trucks, buses, and emergency responders. Wyoming law codifies these interactions with specific rules that all drivers are required to know and obey.

Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Pedestrians and bicyclists are the most vulnerable users of the roadway. Drivers must exercise constant vigilance and be prepared to yield the right-of-way to ensure their safety.

Pedestrians

Drivers have a legal and moral obligation to protect pedestrians.

• Crosswalks: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a marked crosswalk. At an intersection without a marked crosswalk (an unmarked crosswalk), drivers must also yield if the pedestrian is on the driver’s half of the roadway or is approaching closely from the other half.
• Blind Pedestrians: A driver must come to a complete stop when approaching a pedestrian who is using a white cane or a guide dog. The driver must remain stopped until the person is safely across the road.

Bicyclists and Motorcyclists

These road users are considered vehicles and have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of cars.

• Full Lane Use: Motorcyclists and bicyclists are entitled to the full use of a traffic lane. Drivers should not try to squeeze past them within the same lane.
• Passing Clearance: When passing a bicyclist, a driver must provide a minimum of three feet of clearance between their vehicle and the bicycle. The driver should wait for a safe opportunity to move partially into the adjacent lane to pass.

Pro-Tip:
Always try to make eye contact with pedestrians or bicyclists at intersections. This confirms that they see you and you see them, reducing the chance of a misunderstanding about who will proceed first.