SHARE THE ROADS – Cyclists and Motorists Safety Tips

As the warmer weather approaches, the cyclists are getting their bikes out of storage and hitting the roads.   It’s important that both cyclists and motorist understand the rules of the road to reduce the risk of collisions and injuries.

Here are some of the basics:

• Ride with the flow of traffic.
• Ride in single file when not alone.
• Don’t ride on the sidewalks.
• Don’t pass stopped cars, you may risk a vehicle turning into you.
• Use hand signals to let motorists know what you are doing. Cyclists are subject to the same rules of the road which means stopping at stop signs and traffic lights and signaling at turns.
• In a roundabout, either ride through it as a motor vehicle would, or walk your bicycle across the crosswalk as a pedestrian would.
• Wear a helmet, it’s the law and studies have shown that it can greatly reduce the risk of injury.
• Wear reflective/bright colors to be seen. Ride defensively, always pay attention and be forward looking to anticipate safety hazards suck as bad roads and other vehicles that may pull out in front of you.  Motorists must yield the right of way, but regardless if they are at fault, you are vulnerable and will likely be the one injured, so be careful.

Motorist also must be cautious around cyclists and respect the rules of the road:

• Motorists must ensure one meter of space when passing a cyclists, it’s the law.
• Pay attention when driving, watch for cyclists on the road way, treat them as you would other vehicles.