Pedestrians and bicyclists

Key points

1. Vehicle and pedestrian collisions account for nearly 20 percent of traffic deaths each year.

   Source: Handbook p. 36

   “account for nearly 20 percent of all traffic deaths each year.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 36

2. Pedestrians have the right of way in a crosswalk, and when using a sidewalk or crossing an alley entrance or driveway.

   Source: Handbook p. 36

   “Pedestrians have the right of way when they are: In a crosswalk Using a sidewalk, crossing an alley entrance or driveway”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 36

3. Stop completely whenever a person with a white cane or harnessed guide dog is trying to cross the road.

   Source: Handbook p. 36

   “New Hampshire law requires drivers to come to a complete stop whenever a person who is carrying a white cane (the international symbol of blindness) or using a harnessed guide dog is attempting to cross a roadway.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 36

4. Pedestrians without a sidewalk should walk on the left side, facing oncoming traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 36

   “Walk on the left side of the roadway facing oncoming traffic when walking on the side of the road where there is no sidewalk.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 36

5. Bicyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers on the roadway.

   Source: Handbook p. 36

   “have the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as any driver on the roadway.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 36

6. Leave at least 3 feet when passing a bicyclist at 30 mph or less.

   Source: Handbook p. 36

   “The distance shall be presumed to be reasonable and prudent if it is at least 3 feet when the vehicle is traveling at 30 miles per hour or less,”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 36

7. Add another foot of clearance for every 10 mph above 30 mph.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “foot of clearance required for every 10 miles per hour above 30 miles per hour.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 37

8. Check for bicyclists to the sides and rear before opening your door when parked on the street.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “When parked on the street, check to the sides and rear for bicyclists before you open your door.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 37

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the New Hampshire practice test

1. 1. A person carrying a white cane is about to cross a New Hampshire street. What does the law require of drivers?

   1. Come to a complete stop, and never honk the horn or yell at the person
   2. Sound the horn to signal it is safe to cross
   3. Slow down and go around
   4. Flash the headlights
   Show answer

   Come to a complete stop, and never honk the horn or yell at the person. New Hampshire law requires drivers to come to a complete stop whenever a person carrying a white cane, the international symbol of blindness, or using a harnessed guide dog is attempting to cross a roadway. The visually impaired person listens to determine that vehicles have stopped before stepping out, so a horn or a shout only confuses them. Stop, use extra caution when proceeding, and remember the manual's separate warning against honking near blind pedestrians at any time.

2. 2. Where does the New Hampshire manual say a pedestrian should walk when there is no sidewalk?

   1. In the center of the lane
   2. On the right side, with traffic
   3. On the left side of the roadway, facing oncoming traffic
   4. On either side, as long as they wear white
   Show answer

   On the left side of the roadway, facing oncoming traffic. Pedestrians must use crosswalks at intersections, look both ways before crossing, and, where there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the roadway facing oncoming traffic so they can see vehicles coming. They should wear white or light colored clothing or carry a light at night and never walk on interstate or limited access highways. Drivers should use extra caution near parked vehicles, when backing, and in school zones where children may step out.

3. 3. How much clearance must a New Hampshire driver leave when passing a bicyclist at 30 mph or less, and how does it change at higher speeds?

   1. At least 2 feet at every speed
   2. At least 3 feet, plus one additional foot for every 10 mph above 30
   3. A full lane at every speed
   4. At least 5 feet at every speed
   Show answer

   At least 3 feet, plus one additional foot for every 10 mph above 30. Bicycles are vehicles on the roadway, and drivers must exercise due care by leaving a reasonable and prudent distance. The distance is presumed reasonable if it is at least 3 feet when the vehicle is traveling at 30 miles per hour or less, with one additional foot of clearance required for every 10 miles per hour above 30. At 50 mph that means 5 feet. Slow down when approaching or passing, and never sound the horn close to a bicyclist unless a crash is likely.

Source: the New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Section 11: Sharing the Road. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.