Auto Club Publishes Safe Bicycling Guide

Sharing the Road: A Guide to Safe Bicycling in California

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are approximately 11,200 bicycle related collisions resulting in injury or death each year in California. You can help reduce that number regardless of whether you’re driving in a car or riding a bike. The Auto Club recently published Sharing the Road: A Guide to Safe Bicycling in California to help both drivers and bicyclists become better road users. You can learn more about safe riding practices by downloading a copy of this guide today, calling (800) 541-5552 or emailing RoadAhead@aaa-calif.com.

In the meantime, here are a few tips from Sharing the Road and all road users should consider.

Attention Motorists:

• Stay alert: avoid distraction while driving.
• Slow down when sharing the road with bicyclists.
• Before pulling out of driveways and intersections, look in every direction.
• Be especially alert at dusk and at night, since you can’t see as well as in daylight.
• When passing bicyclists, give them at least three feet of clearance if possible.
  
• Before turning right or left, check your mirrors. If bicyclists are visible, allow them to pass before you make your turn.
• When you park on the street, check your side mirror for approaching bicyclists before you open your door.
• Avoid using you car horn near bicyclists - it could startle them and cause them to swerve into traffic or off the roadway and crash.

Attention Bicyclists:

• California law requires all riders age 18 and under to wear a helmet. However, 70% of all fatal bicycle crashes involve head injuries so everyone should always wear one.
  
• Bicyclists have the same responsibilities as motorists. Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Don’t ride against traffic.
•  Ride at least three feet away from parked cars to avoid getting hit by opening doors.
  
• California law requires the use of reflectors and lights at night.
• Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in fines.