With the fitness craze and more Americans going “green,” the number of people riding bicycles has increased, along with the number of runners and walkers. Statistics for the number of bike riders is difficult to determine; however, the number of people who rode a bicycle at least once during the summer of 2002 is approximately 57 million, or 27.3% of the population over the age of 16. 

To keep our cyclists safe, it is now more important than ever that drivers remain alert for bicyclists and become aware of bicyclist rights.  Approximately 5% of bike riders, nationally, commute to work.

Like motor vehicles, bicyclists can ride on any roads unless expressly prohibited. Because bicycles are vehicles, bicyclists must obey the same traffic laws as other drivers.

Rules of the Road:

• Bicyclists travel in the same direction as vehicles.
• Drivers must yield the right-of-way to a bicyclist just as they would to another vehicle.
• When traveling slower than traffic, bicyclists should ride as near the right edge of the roadway as conditions permit.
• Bicyclists may make unexpected moves. Drivers should give them plenty of room and be prepared to stop quickly.
• Bicyclists are often hard to see in traffic, and almost any type of bicycle accident will result in injury or death to the bicyclist.
• The most dangerous hours are during times of poor visibility.
• If a driver is turning right when a bicyclist is on the roadway, pass the bicyclist before reaching the turn or wait until the bicyclist has passed the corner, then turn.
• To turn left, a bicyclist may choose to turn as a vehicle does. If there is a left turn lane, the bicyclist should ride on the right edge of the turn lane.
• Always stay alert to the actions of the bicyclist.

 

Sources:

National Household Travel Survey (Last survey was in 2001)
Bicycling Info
Missouri Driver’s Handbook
League of American Bicyclists

More Information:

• About Bicycle Accidents