Bicycle Safety Tips for Drivers and Riders

May is Bicycle Safety Month. Here are some tips from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for both drivers and bicyclists to ensure everyone’s safety on the road.

For Drivers

• Pass bicyclists on the road with care; allow at least three feet clearance.
• Look for cyclists before opening a car door or pulling out from a parking space.
• Yield to bicyclists at intersections and as directed by signs and signals.
• Look for bicyclists before making turns, either left or right.
• Respect designated bicycle lanes. Don’t use them for parking, passing, or turning.
• Never drive distracted or impaired. Always buckle up.

For Bicyclists

• Always wear a properly fitted helmet that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission standards.
• Check your bike equipment for proper fit and function, including tires, brakes, handlebars, and seats before heading out on your ride.
• Ride in the same direction as traffic as a vehicle on the road.
• Obey traffic signs, signals, and lane markings. Signal all turns and follow local laws.
• Be predictable, ride in a straight line, and use hand signals when changing lanes or turning.
• Look ahead for traffic and obstacles in your path.
• Be visible and wear bright colors, reflective materials, and use lights on your bicycle at night and in low light conditions.
• Don’t use electronic devices.
• Don’t ride impaired.

Drivers and bicyclists need to be courteous and respectful of one another. This, along with non-aggressive driving, can help to reduce the number of crashes.