The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is urging everyone to be alert and keep bicyclists safe. The month of May marks National Bicycle Safety Month across the United States.
Nationwide, 1,166 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2023 while an additional 49,489 bicyclists were injured in traffic crashes.
In the state of Alabama, there were 244 bicyclists involved in traffic crashes according to the 2023 Alabama Crash Facts. There were 11 fatalities while 171 bicyclists were injured in crashes.
In 2023, about 45% of all fatal bicycle crashes and 37% of all bicycle crashes were caused by the bicyclist. 14% of all bicycle crashes occur on rural routes, while 86% of all bicycle crashes occur in urban streets.
As road users, bicyclists are an essential part of the transportation system, and their safety is a top priority. From children riding to school to older adults staying active and healthy, everyone deserves to be safe on our roads.
Vehicle drivers play an essential role in ensuring bicyclists’ safety and should always be aware of bicyclists, always giving them enough room on the road, being careful not to pass too closely and look in all directions when turning right on red.
Bicyclists and drivers should remember that states consider a bicycle a vehicle when it is operated on the road. For this reason, bicyclists are required to follow the same laws as vehicle drivers.
As warmer weather approaches, ALDOT and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offer the following tips to bicyclists and drivers to keep everyone safe.
Before Heading Out
- Ride a correctly fitting bicycle. It is difficult to control a bike if it’s not the right size.
- In addition to a properly fitting bike helmet, a bicyclist should wear bright clothing during the day and reflective gear at night to make them more visible on the road.
- Affix a white front light and red rear light and reflectors to the bicycle for nighttime riding or when visibility is poor.
- It’s best to avoid riding on the sidewalk, but if that is the only option, bicyclists should check their state’s law to make sure it’s legal.
On the Road
- Drive in the same direction as traffic. Obey street signs, signals, and road markings.
- Do not drive distracted. Keep eyes, ears, and focus on the road and traffic.
- Watch for pedestrians and pass them with care by first announcing “on your left/right” or by using a bell. Bicyclists should ride in the same direction as traffic.
- When crossing a street, slow down and look for traffic (left-right-left and behind). Be prepared to stop, follow traffic signals, and never assume drivers will see the bicyclist.
For more safety tips and information on National Bicycle Safety Month, including helpful videos, visit www.NHTSA.gov/BicycleSafety.
