Sharing the road safely

Be alert. Bus operators will signal when they change lanes, pull up to a stop or merge into traffic. TriMet buses make frequent stops; although it is legal to pass stopped cars on the right, it is unsafe to pass a bus on the right when it is loading or unloading passengers.
Yield. Buses must yield to bikes when pulling into a stop, but are allowed to cross or stop in bike lanes to serve stops. If the "Yield" sign near the bus' left taillight is flashing, the bus has the right-of-way to merge back into traffic. If the yield sign is on, let the bus back in.
Be seen. Buses have blind spots: if you can't see the driver, either directly or in the mirror, s/he can't see you. The safest place to be around buses is in front of them. Wear easy-to-see clothing and always use lights at night.
Watch for changing road conditions. Bike lanes may merge with mixed traffic at choke points. Use hand signals when merging or changing lanes. Take the middle of a travel lane if necessary.
Observe "Bus Only" street signs. Watch for "Bus Only" signs, such as at the Rose Quarter and Beaverton Transit Centers. These streets are closed to bikes as well as other vehicles.
If you experience unsafe driving: call 503-238-RIDE (7433) or email customerservice@trimet.org. Be sure to note the route number, bus number, location, and time of day.

Exercise caution when approaching MAX, Streetcar and railroad tracks. Tracks can be slippery—wet or dry.
Cross tracks straight on. Crossing tracks at an angle or turning across tracks is risky. Attempting to cross tracks while riding next to them can cause your wheel to slip into the trackbed—and result in a crash. When in doubt, it is safest to walk your bike across tracks.
Obey signals and lights at train crossings—trains cannot stop quickly.

Questions? Comments? Email us at bikes@trimet.org.