Throughout the month of May, many bicyclists and other roadway users will celebrate National Bike Month. Whether you peddle for recreational use or in competitive sports, bicycling can promote a happier and healthier community, and serve as a sustainable mode of transportation. With warmer weather on the rise around the nation, bicyclists will take to the roadways to enjoy favorable weather, our nations biking routes, and embrace the open air. The following tips will help bicyclists make a plan for sharing our roads safely.
Avoid Lingering in Blind Spots Large vehicles have huge blind spots, making it difficult for drivers to see bicyclists and pedestrians. Avoid riding or walking behind a truck or bus that is backing up; drivers often cannot see directly behind their vehicle.
Prepare for Wide Turns Trucks and buses don’t maneuver as easily as smaller vehicles and need to make wide, careful turns. If a large vehicle is stopped at an intersection or about to turn right, wait for them to turn before continuing your journey and step back from the curb to be safe.
Be Aware of Long Stopping Distances Large trucks and buses need the length of up to two football fields to safely stop. Bicyclists should avoid merging closely in front of a moving truck or bus.
Make Yourself Visible In the daytime, bright clothing is best for visibility. At night or during bad weather, wear reflective clothing, use reflectors and lights on your bike, and carry a flashlight and/or wear a headlight while walking.
Inherently, bicyclists and pedestrians experience unique safety challenges. During National Bike Month and every day, the U.S. Department of Transportations (USDOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) urges roadway users to remember that passenger vehicle drivers, truck drivers, bus drivers, bicyclists, motorcyclist, and even pedestrians all have different safety challenges while on the roadways. Learn how to keep yourself, loved ones, and friends safe on the roads by visiting https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads.
