Tip of the Week - May 9, 2018 - Bicycle Safety Tips for Bicyclists and Motorists

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May is Bicycle Safety Month, a great time to remind bicyclists and motorists of helpful tips to stay safe and share the road.  In California the law requires motorists to proceed past bicycle riders with at least a 3 foot of clearance.

“In 2016, 147 bicyclists were killed in California,” said CSLEA Foundation Chair Kenny Ehrman.  “It’s not always easy to share the road, but there are things bicyclists and motorists can do to ensure safety.”

Drivers:

  • Be patient, “share the road” with bicyclists.
  • Be cautious; California law now mandates at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist.
  • Look for bicyclists before opening a car door or pulling out from a parking space.
  • Yield to cyclists at intersections and as directed by signs and signals.
  • Watch for bicyclists when making turns, either left or right.
  • Do not drive in a bike lane.  It is only permissible to drive in a bike lane 200 feet prior to making a right or left turn.

Bicyclists:

  • Wear a helmet. If under 18 years of age, it’s the law
  • Obey traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.
  • Come to complete stop at stop signs.
  • Be predictable, do not dart out into traffic.
  • When cycling in the street, cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic.
  • Bicyclists can increase their visibility by wearing brightly colored clothing.
  • When riding at night, the law requires a front light and a red reflector to the rear.
  • When riding at night consider a flashing rear light and reflective tape on equipment and clothing.