SACRAMENTO, Calif. – May is National
Bicycle Safety Month. The California
Highway Patrol (CHP) takes the opportunity each year to remind bicyclists and
motorists to share the road and remember traffic safety saves lives.
“Thousands
of Californians ride their bicycles every day for exercise, leisure, and
commuting,” said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray.
“Keeping California’s roads safe is a priority and the shared
responsibility of motorists and bicyclists.”
“More and
more people are taking up bike riding, and it is important that drivers are
aware of bicyclists and travel safely around them,” California Office of
Traffic Safety Director Barbara Rooney said.
“If you need to move past a bike, try to provide at least three feet of
space whenever possible. Think of others
on the road who are not driving as your closest friends or family.”
Motorists
can help keep cyclists safe by sharing the road, looking twice for bicyclists
before turning left or right onto a road, and always checking before opening a vehicle
door when parked on a street to avoid opening it into a bicyclist’s path. The law requires motorists to give at least
three feet clearance when passing a bicycle or to slow to a reasonable and
prudent speed and pass only when doing so would not endanger the safety of the
bicyclist. Keep in mind the
vulnerability of bicyclists in the event of a crash, which could result in
serious injury or even death.
According
to the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, preliminary data indicate
that during the past five years, nearly 800 bicyclists were killed and more
than 51,000 were injured in crashes in California. The data also show that bicyclists riding on
the wrong side of the roadway and improper turning movement violations are the primary
causes of fatal bicycle-involved crashes.
A
bicyclist has the same rights and is required to follow the same rules of the
road as motorists. Bicyclists should
eliminate distractions while riding, obey all traffic signs and signals,
indicate when making a turn, pull off the roadway if five or more vehicles are
lined up behind them, yield to pedestrians, and never bicycle while under the
influence of drugs or alcohol.
Bicyclists
should remember to be aware of their surroundings and the ever-changing traffic
conditions, wear appropriate reflective or bright-colored clothing, wear a
helmet, and make certain their bicycle is in good condition and has the
appropriate reflectors and lighting.
During
the month of May, CHP officers throughout the state will be conducting bicycle
safety rodeos and educational presentations to help promote safe behavior to
protect both bicyclists and drivers.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the
highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
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