Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Practice Test

If a bicycle on your right reaches an intersection at the same time as you do, what must you do?

1. Yield to the bicycle

2. Speed up to get ahead

3. Ignore the bicycle and proceed

4. Honk your horn to warn the bicycle

The correct answer is: Yield to the bicycle

When you encounter a situation where a bicycle is on your right and both you and the bicycle reach an intersection simultaneously, the correct course of action is to yield to the bicycle. This is due to the established right-of-way rules which state that vehicles to the left must yield to vehicles on the right at intersections. Bicycles are considered vehicles under Massachusetts law, so they possess the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles. Yielding to the bicycle is important for both safety and compliance with traffic laws. Bicycles are typically more vulnerable on the road, and yielding helps prevent potential accidents. Following this rule promotes a safer roadway environment for all types of road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Other actions, such as speeding up to get ahead, ignoring the bicycle, or using your horn to warn the cyclist, would not only be unsafe but could also lead to traffic violations. Speeding could increase the risk of collision, ignoring the presence of the bicyclist shows a disregard for traffic laws, and honking may not be effective in conveying your intention while potentially startling the cyclist. Thus, yielding to the bicycle is the safest and most legally sound decision.