It’s National Bike Month, a gentle reminder to become healthier and a bit more eco-friendly by ditching your car as your main mode of transportation. We asked Lisa Baker, safety and education coordinator for the Westchester Cycle Club, for tips on how cyclists and motorists can best share the road.
1
“It’s dangerous to pedestrians for bicycles to be on sidewalks. Cyclists should act like cars on the road: driving their bikes on the right side of the road, obeying all traffic laws, and signaling well in advance before changing lanes or turning.”
2
“Novice bicycle riders should practice steering straight and signaling before changing lanes or turning. They should aim to be visible and predictable to cars.”
3
“Drivers of motor vehicles should pass a cyclist only when it is safe to do so: when there is no oncoming traffic and they can give at least three feet clearance to the bicycle.”
4
“Drivers should be on the lookout for cyclists. Many accidents happen when a car turns right or left in front of a bicycle without seeing the cyclist or misjudging their speed.”
5
“Drivers should be aware that cyclists have the right by law to be on the road and to share it courteously with other vehicles.”
