With the nicer weather on the horizon, bicycles and pedestrians will be out in full force. As most know bicycles have many benefits as a form of transportation, but cyclists are also very vulnerable road users. So before you jump on your bike this summer St. Lawrence County Traffic Safety would like to remind you of the importance of bicycle safety.

According the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2019, 846 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes in the United States, with 44 of those fatal crashes being in New York State. In New York State bicycles are considered vehicles and are subject to the same rules of the road as other vehicles. 

Bicyclists must obey all traffic signals/pavement markings, ride in the same direction as cars, stop/ yield to existing traffic in the roadway, and give pedestrians the right of way at crosswalks. Cyclists are required to use both a front and rear light at dusk and dark, and are encouraged to wear bright and/or reflective colors to help them be seen.

Drivers should treat cyclists as they would other drivers. When turning left or entering a roadway, they should yield the right-of-way to oncoming cyclists. When passing a bicycle, motorists should slow down and allow three feet of space.  

•    Drive your bicycle with traffic, not against it. Ride as close to the right side of the road as you safely can. Use the shoulder or the bike lane rather than the road whenever it is safe to do so. (It's the law! See Section 1234 of the NYS V&T Law)

•    Use hand signals when about to make a turn. (Section 1237)

•    Pay attention to the movements of motorist and pedestrians. 

•    Wear a properly-fitted helmet. It is the best way to prevent head injuries and death.

In addition the St. Lawrence County Traffic Safety Program would like to remind pedestrians to be safe while walking. At some point during the day, everyone becomes a pedestrian. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2019 on average, a pedestrian was killed every 85 minutes in traffic crashes.

Pedestrians

•    Remember to cross at intersections and marked crosswalks.

•    Before crossing, look left, right, and then left again, and look over your shoulder for turning vehicles who may not see you.

•    Use sidewalks. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic so you see vehicles, and drivers can see you.

•    Pay attention! Don’t walk and text, or be distracted by other devices that divert your attention from the road.

•    Stay visible after dark and in bad weather conditions. Wear light-colored clothing or reflective clothing. 

•    Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgement.

Drivers 

•    Should always use care when backing up, making sure that no one is in the vehicle’s blind spot. 

•    Remember to slow down and obey posted speed limits. 

•    Share the road, it’s your responsibility to pay attention and look for others. 

The St. Lawrence County Traffic Safety Program is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with a grant from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

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