Warm weather is here, so are bike safety tips

SYRACUSE N.Y. (WSYR-TV)– May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and as the month draws, AAA is sharing advice for both cyclists and drivers.

Every day, countless individuals of all ages bicycle along sidewalks and streets across the country, and with this cycling fatalities are on the rise.

Summer is just around the corner, and cyclists should be aware that cycling deaths are highest from June to September.

According to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 1,105 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2022, which is up almost 18% from 2020.

AAA and NHTSA said they want to protect bicyclists by educating responsible and conscientious motorists and also encourage bicyclists to practice smart riding habits by riding safely and always wearing a helmet.

Some tips that bicyclists should follow when on the road include:

• Follow the same rules of the road as other users on the road, 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 using lights at night.
• Remember that respect is a two-way street. Show motorists the same courtesy that you expect from them.

Bicyclists are not the only ones who should be mindful when on the road, some tips for drivers on the road include:

• Stay alert, and avoid all distractions while driving.
• Yield to bicyclists when turning.
• Make a visual check for bicyclists by scanning mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic.
• Slow down and give at least 3 feet between when passing.
• Never honk your horn at a bicyclist, as it could cause them to swerve into traffic or go off the road and crash.

The most common time for bicyclist deaths to occur is between hours 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., usually in urban areas. Failing to yield the right of way is the highest factor leading to fatal bike crashes, followed by bicyclists not being visible.

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