Cycling is an incredible experience. Beautiful views, winding roads, challenging hills. Unfortunately, cyclists must share the road with motorists. As our roads become more congested with motorists, cyclists need to take extra care to stay safe.
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Take Care At Intersections
About half of the bicycle motor vehicle crashes occur at or near intersections. While many of these crashes are not the fault of cyclists, a frequent factor in these crashes is the cyclist who ignores either traffic signals or stop signs at intersections. Cyclists must remember that we have all the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. These responsibilities include stopping at stop signs and stop lights. (Veh. Code, § 21200.) When traveling through an intersection, make sure to make eye-contact with that cell-phone-talking-motorist before asserting your right to proceed.
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Brighten Up!
Data from the National Center for Statistics and Analysis indicate that 31 percent of bicyclist crashes occur between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 p.m If you must ride after the sun goes down (or before the sun comes up!) be sure you wear highly visible reflective clothing and have an operative bike light. California law requires that cyclists must either have a light attached to their bike or on their helmet when riding at night. (Veh. Code, § 21201.)
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Avoid the “Door Prize”
Almost 70 percent of cycling fatalities occur in urban areas. A frequent “prize” for urban cyclists is a “door prize.” Motorists parked along roadways frequently fail to look for cyclists before opening a car door. Getting the “door prize” (also known as “dooring”), can result in serious injury or death for the cyclist. These accidents are preventable! How? Get out of the door zone! Never ride closer than 3 feet from a parked car. Ideally, aim to keep 5 feet between you and a parked car. Some car doors are 4 ½ feet wide! California law permits a cyclist to take over a lane of traffic when necessitated by road or traffic conditions. A cyclist can legally move out of a bike lane, or away from the right curb, to avoid road hazards or when passing either a parked car, a slow moving car, or another cyclist. (Veh. Code §§ 21202 and 21208.)
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