May is National Bicycle Safety Month

From children biking to school to adults of all ages staying active, bicycling is both a pastime and an essential mode of transportation for thousands of Californians. In recognition of National Bicycle Safety Month this May, the County of Monterey Health Department urges all road users to stay alert and do their part to keep bicyclists safe.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 1,166 people killed while riding a bike on U.S. roads in 2023, and an estimated 49,489 bicyclists were injured. In California, there were 145 bicyclists killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2023.

"It is important that we keep our bicyclists safe, as they do not have the same protections as drivers and passengers," said Evilin López Zavala, Injury Prevention Specialist. "People of all ages use bicycles to commute to school, work, and other activities. Bicyclists, like all road users, have the right to safe streets. We encourage drivers and bicyclists to look out for one another and practice safe habits so we may all travel safely."

The County of Monterey Health Department suggests the following safety tips for bicyclists and drivers:

Drivers

• Slow down and follow the speed limit. Be careful traveling through intersections and scan for bicyclists.
• Look carefully for bicyclists and pedestrians before making a turn or opening a car door near streets or bike paths.
• Be patient when traveling behind a bicyclist and give them space when passing. California law requires drivers to change lanes, when possible, to pass bicyclists and always pass with at least 3 feet of space.
• Never drive distracted or impaired.

Bike Riders

• Use a white front headlight and a red rear taillight when riding at night.
• Always wear a properly secured helmet. Helmets significantly reduce the chance of a head injury in the event of a crash.
• Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.
• Yield to pedestrians, just as a driver would. Pedestrians have the right-of-way within marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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