How must motorists behave when driving near a bicycle?

Motorists must yield to bicycles because bicycles are considered vehicles under Pennsylvania law. When a motorist sees a bicycle on the roadway, they are required to give the bicycle the right of way, just as they would for any other vehicle. This means that if a motorist encounters a cyclist, they should slow down and allow the cyclist to pass safely without any undue pressure. Yielding helps ensure the safety of both the cyclist and the motorist, as cyclists are more vulnerable on the road.

Maintaining speed and driving closely can create dangerous situations, as it increases the risk of a collision. Failing to change lanes when it's safe could also lead to accidents, especially if the cyclist is moving slower than the motor vehicle. Signaling to the bicycle to move over is not a safe or appropriate action; cyclists should have the space they need to ride safely without external pressure or instructions from motorists. Therefore, yielding is the appropriate and lawful behavior when driving near a bicycle.