May is National Bicycle Safety Month; AAA reminds bicyclists and pedestrians of important safety tips
BIKE SAFETY VIDEO: AAA Bike Safety – What it Means to be a “Roll” Model
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY VIDEO: AAA Pedestrian Safety
WICHITA, Kan. – May 5, 2020 – Kansas’ stay-at-home order had residents largely home-bound until yesterday and schools closed through the rest of the school year. However, people have been allowed to engage in outdoor activities, as long as proper physical distancing is practiced.
This new reality finds individuals, children, parents and families dusting off bicycles and lacing up walking shoes to head outside for fresh air and exercise. It is important for all bicyclists and pedestrians to review proper safety tips and take necessary precautions to make these outdoor activities as safe as possible.
According to the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), there were 356 bicyclists involved in crashes in the state in 2018, resulting in 5 deaths and 314 injuries. Nationally, there were 857 bicyclists killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2018, a more than six percent increase from the previous year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
“Spring is here and bicycles are back, more than ever, especially with schools closed and Kansas residents staying at home much more,” says Shawn Steward, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Kansas. “Outdoor exercise has always been permitted and encouraged, making bike riding an option for many while practicing proper physical distancing. AAA urges all bicyclists to review Kansas bike laws and review basic safety tips to avoid injury.”
AAA Bike Safety Reminders
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Always wear a helmet. For guidance on fitting a helmet, see the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fitting Your Bike Helmet.
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Maintain your bike. Before riding, inflate tires properly and check that the brakes work.
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Make yourself visible. No matter the time of day, make yourself visible to others. Wear neon, fluorescent or other bright colors when riding, to be most easily seen. Wear something that reflects light, such as reflective tape or markings, or flashing lights. Remember, just because you can see a driver doesn’t mean the driver can see you.
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Look for hazards such as potholes, broken glass, gravel, puddles, leaves, and dogs. All these hazards can cause a crash.
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Use verbal and non-verbal communication. This includes eye contact with drivers, turn signals, pointing to road hazards for bicyclists behind you, and stating “passing on your left,” or “on your left.” Your bike should be equipped with a bell or horn to alert other cyclists, pedestrians and motorists of your presence.
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Be predictable. Ride in a straight line, not in and out of cars. Signal your moves to others.
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Look before turning. When turning left or right, always look behind you for a break in traffic, and then signal before making the turn. Watch for left- or right-turning traffic.
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Children should not ride alone. Children younger than 10 years old are not able to make necessary safely decisions and should ride with an adult. Utilize safer routes such as sidewalks when available.
Many people are pedestrians at some point in the day. Unfortunately pedestrian fatalities remain high. In 2018, there were 6,283 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes, a three percent increase from the previous year and the most since 1990, according to NHTSA.
In Kansas, there were 474 pedestrians involved in vehicle crashes in 2018, resulting in 29 deaths and 417 injuries, according to KDOT.
“As more walkers take to the sidewalks and streets, we are all responsible for making safety a priority,” noted AAA Kansas’ Steward. “Pedestrians and drivers alike should remain alert and be aware of each other’s movements on the roadways.”
AAA Pedestrian Safety Reminders
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Walk on sidewalks whenever possible.
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If no sidewalk is available, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic
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Cross at crosswalks. Keep to the right in the crosswalk.
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Look both ways before crossing the street.
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At signalized intersections, cross only on the proper signal.
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Avoid crossing the street between parked cars.
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Watch for cars. Be sure that the way is clear before you start crossing. Continue looking and checking while crossing.
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Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach you to make sure you are seen.
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Motorists must yield to pedestrians crossing the street at marked and unmarked intersections BUT the pedestrian must either be within the crosswalk or affirmatively indicate an intent to cross.
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Wear or carry retro-reflective material or carry a flashlight at night to help drivers see you.
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Avoid distractions. Limit phone use, loud music, and other distractions while walking.
About AAA
AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 60 million members nationwide and nearly 347,000 members in Kansas. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, non-profit corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information, visit www.AAA.com.
