What in the World is a Peloton?
You’re on your way to take the kids to baseball practice and you start to approach a group of cyclists riding in the lane in front of you. You think to yourself, when did the Tour de France cut through my neighborhood? Take a deep breath and don’t get frustrated. You wouldn’t want to inadvertently run one of them over. What should you do?
Here are some helpful tips for motorists:
• Expect bicyclist on the roadway and keep an eye out for them
• Reduce your speed
• Give bicyclists at least 3 feet
• Be patient and share the road
Bicycle riding is fun, healthy and a great alternative use of transportation. But remember, a bicycle is not just a means to get around town, it’s also a vehicle. Bicyclists must follow the same rules as motorist on the roadway. That means obeying all traffic control signals and signs. That includes riding with the flow of traffic (not against traffic).
Every May marks the start of National Bike Month. It is important to highlight the benefits of bicycling and the risks as well. Bicyclists killed in traffic collisions have been steadily increasing. In 2013 there were 164 bicyclist killed in traffic collisions statewide, which was up 11.5% from the year before.
Bicycle collisions can cause serious and even life threatening injuries to the rider. It’s important to check your bicycle to make sure it’s in properly working order and to remind yourself that you can still look cool by wearing a helmet. Not all collisions are caused by a car; you also need to avoid road hazards such as potholes, broken glass and loose gravel.
Here are some helpful tips for bicyclists:
• Always wear a helmet
• Obey all traffic laws
• Stay alert at all times
• Use lights and reflectors at night
The CHP wants to remind you, that you will never make it to the podium if you’re in the back of an ambulance. The CHP encourages both bicyclists and motorists to share the roadway.
For more information go to: www.chp.ca.gov or www.nhsta.gov or www.bikeleague.org
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Image courtesy of the Sacramento Bee newspaper
