AAA celebrates National Bike Month; provides tips for cyclists and drivers

By AAA of Western and Central New York

Biking to work is a great way to get your daily exercise! May is National Bike Month and today is National Bike to Work Day – so there’s no better time for a refresher on safety! Whether you’re riding for fun, health, or to save money on gas, AAA Western and Central New York has tips for bicyclists and motorists to share the road and keep everyone safe.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 783 bicyclists were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2017. Most bicyclists were killed between 6 and 9 p.m., and most often in urban areas (75%). Males are eight times more likely than females to be fatally hit while riding a bicycle.

Bicycles are a legitimate form of transportation and bicyclists are legal drivers of vehicles. Yet a major issue is that many bicyclists feel they are not respected by motorists and must fight for their place on the road. Bicyclists and motorists can both benefit from reviewing the following tips for safety on the road.

Tips for Bicyclists

•Follow the same rules of the road as other roadway users, 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 use head and tail lights at night.

•Remember that respect is a two way street. Show motorists the same courtesy you expect from them.

Tips for Drivers

•Stay alert – 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 of clearance when passing.

•Never honk your horn at a bicyclist – it could cause them to swerve into traffic or off the roadway and crash.

Did you know AAA WCNY offers bicycle service? Transportation will be provided for a member and their bicycle when it has become disabled or inoperable and can be reached from a normally traveled road by a AAA service vehicle. For those stranded on a bike path, the AAA service vehicle will meet the rider at the closest point of entry for motor vehicles. Towing is provided to the location of the member’s choosing, according to the terms of the individual’s AAA membership.

Learn more at https://westerncentralny.aaa.com/car/bicycle.