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Q: Do cars have to yield to bicycles in the crosswalk?

A: At crosswalks that are not regulated by traffic signals, all vehicles must yield to all pedestrians and bicyclists who are crossing in a safe manner, according to state laws and guidelines.

The description of “a safe manner” is fairly vague in the guidelines, but it comes down to vehicles yielding to pedestrians and bicyclists who are not suddenly emerging into traffic.

The guidelines also say that drivers should do “everything you can” to keep from hitting people in crosswalks, even if they haven’t followed proper precautions.

While vehicles have to yield to pedestrians and bicyclists in all crosswalks, the pedestrians and bicyclists should also use caution when approaching the crosswalk.

“(Bicyclists) have to yield and make sure it’s safe,” said Fitchburg police Sgt. Don Bomkamp. “They can’t go darting into traffic.”