Monday is World Bicycle Day and the Michigan State Police are reminding bicyclists to take precautions when riding this Spring and Summer.
Cyclists face a higher risk of injury and death compared to occupants of motor vehicles and each year around 2,000 cyclists are injured or killed in automobile-related crashes in Michigan.
The most common cause of death in bicycle crashes is head injuries, so police recommend wearing properly fitted bike helmets for every ride, as they are the most effective way in preventing a head injury in a crash.
Visibility plays a major role in cyclist vulnerability to accidents during the evening hours due to decreasing light, so riders are encouraged to wear light-colored or reflective clothing with reflective tape and to have at least a front light and rear reflector on their bikes.
“Bicycling is a summertime tradition in Michigan, but when riding, bicyclists need to remember they are required to obey the same rules of the road as vehicle operators,” said Community Service Trooper Ashley Simpson. “Drivers of motor vehicles need to share the road with bicyclists – allow at least three feet clearance when passing a bicyclist on the road per Michigan law.”
A shortlist of safety precautions to consider when riding includes:
Wear a properly fitted bike helmet;
Always obey traffic signals and lights;
Always ride with traffic on the right side of the road;
Look both ways when crossing intersections and walk the bike across the street;
Watch for doors opening suddenly when riding along with parked cars;
When riding at night, wear light-colored or reflective clothing and use a light on the front and a reflector on the back of the bike.
Police also remind drivers to share the road with cyclists and to remember that Michigan law requires drivers to allow at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist on the road.