May is National Bike Safety Month and Alachua County Public Works would like to help residents celebrate safely by sharing a few tips to avoid common accidents.
Bicyclists should:
- Always ride several feet away from parked cars. A suddenly opened door can knock a cyclist completely off of his or her bike and possibly into oncoming traffic.
- Approach intersections with caution. Riders should not count on right-turning drivers to see them before they turn. Cyclists should always make sure their path is safe before continuing forward.
- Be predictable. Riders should let people know when they are turning by utilizing the turn lanes and hand signals. Cyclists should follow the same rules as if they were driving a car.
- Avoid riding on the sidewalk, if possible. If bicyclists must ride on the sidewalk, they should be aware of oncoming traffic when they approach driveways and side streets. Cars are not expecting fast moving traffic on sidewalks and may not have time to react when they turn.
- Make sure they are visible. Riders should always use a white headlight and a red taillight when they ride at night. Cars can’t avoid bicyclists if they can’t see them.
- Always wear a helmet.
For more information, contact Alachua County Public Works Senior Engineering Technician Beth A. Dodd at 352-374-5245 or
bdodd@alachuacounty.us.