Share the Road

& Save a Life

The 630 bicyclist deaths in 2009 accounted for 2 percent of all traffic fatalities during the year.

KNOW THE FACTS?

In most states, a bicycle is considered a "vehicle" (like cars, trucks and motorcycles). All bike riders must follow and obey the same laws as the drivers of other vehicles..

Many pedestrian crossings are marked with a sign saying "Yield to Pedestrians," reminding motorists that pedestrians have the right-of-way. However, motorists must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks even if they're not signed.

The biggest difference between motorists and bicyclists as road users is that bicyclists are less visible, quieter and don't have a crumple zone to protect them.

Important Safety Reminders

All bicyclists should wear properly fitted bicycle helmets every time they ride. A helmet is the single most effective way to prevent head injury resulting from a bicycle crash. [B' Spokes: This is simply not true, the most effective way is not to get into an accident at all. Learn how to ride safe and avoid being in a crash. Wear a helmet but don't let your safety end there.]

Bicyclists are considered vehicle operators; they are required to obey the same rules of the road as other vehicle operators, including obeying traffic signs, signals, and lane markings. When cycling in the street, cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic. 

Drivers of motor vehicles need to share the road with bicyclists. Be courteous-allow at least three feet clearance when passing a bicyclist on the road, look for cyclists before opening a car door or pulling out from a parking space, and yield to cyclists at intersections and as directed by signs and signals. Be especially watchful for cyclists when making turns, either left or right.

Bicyclists should increase their visibility to drivers by wearing fluorescent or brightly colored clothing during the day, dawn, and dusk. To be noticed when riding at night, use a front light and a red reflector or flashing rear light, and use retro-reflective tape or markings on equipment or clothing.

Motorists

• Stay alert, avoid all distractions while driving.
• Yield to bicyclists when turning.
• In bad weather, give bicyclists extra passing room, just as you would other motorists.
•  Make a visual check for bicyclists by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic.
• Slow down and give at least 3 feet of clearance when passing.
• Reduce your speed when passing bicyclists, especially when the road is narrow.
• NEVER honk your horn at a bicyclist, it could cause them to swerve into traffic or off the roadway and crash.
• Always check for bicyclists before opening your car door.
• Children on bicycles are often unpredictable, expect the unexpected.

Bicyclists

• Ride on the roadway or shared pathways, rather than on sidewalks.
• Follow the same rules of the road as other roadway users, including riding in the same direction as traffic and following all the same traffic signs and signals.
• Signal all turns.
• Wear a bicycle helmet every time and on every ride.
• Be visible by wearing bright colors during the day, reflective gear in low light conditions, and use head and tail lights at night.
• Remember that respect is a two way street. Show motorists the same courtesy that you expect from them.
• Almost three-fourths (72%) of the bicyclist fatalities were killed during the daytime between the hours of 4 a.m. and 8 pm., a 6-percent increase from the previous year. The remaining 27 percent were killed during the nighttime hours.

In 2009, the average age of bicyclists killed in traffic crashes was 41. During the past 10 years, there has been a steady increase in the average age of both bicyclists killed and those injured

Average Age of Bicyclist Killed and Injured 2000-2009

Remember - Same Roads * Same Rules * Same Rights