It should come as no surprise that a cyclist is most likely to be injured in a collision with a vehicle. These crashes can be avoided by sharing the road safely and being alert and cautious. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association and Indiana Department of Transportation recommends best practices for motorists and cyclists:
Drivers:
- Be focused and alert to the road and traffic, including cyclists.
- Yield to cyclists as you would to motorists.
- Always be aware of cyclists, especially at intersections when turning at a green light or making a right on red.
- Give them room—leave around three feet of passing space between the right side of your vehicle and cyclist.
- Reduce speed when passing a cyclist.
Cyclists:
- Always wear a helmet.
- Wear bright colors during the day and reflective gear at night.
- Add a white front light and a red rear light to your bike for riding at night.
- Use hand signals with your left arm to show drivers your intentions.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic and obey all traffic signs and signals.
Follow these 10 simple tips to help keep drivers and cyclists co-commuting safely.
Resources:
Indiana Department of Transportation. (2018). Share the Road.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2018). Bicycle Safety.