CHP Wants to Remind You That May is Bicycle Safety Month

This is a press release from the California Highway Patrol:

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – During May, National Bicycle Safety Month, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reminds motorists and bicyclists to share the road safely and courteously. Bicycle safety is important every day, but activities planned during May will focus on safely sharing the road.

“Whether you are driving a car or motorcycle, walking or bicycling, it is important to remember that the road belongs to everyone,” said CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley. “Regardless of a person’s mode of transportation, we all have a responsibility to know and follow the law.”

Bicycle riders and vehicle drivers must follow many of the same laws, including stopping at stop signs, signaling turns, not being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, pulling off the roadway if five or more vehicles are lined up behind them, yielding to pedestrians, and not driving distracted. California also requires motorists to allow at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicycle.

Data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System indicates that during the past five years, 738 bicyclists were killed in collisions and another 61,000 were injured. The data shows that improper turning and bicycling under the influence of drugs or alcohol are the major causes of injury or death.

“Bicycle Safety Month is a great occasion for Californians, whether out with friends, family, or on their own, to strap on a helmet, hop on a bike, and see just how fun and welcoming our streets and bike paths have become,” said Rhonda Craft, Director of the Office of Traffic Safety. “Californians now see biking as a real transportation option. The key is to ensure that biking is safe for everyone.”

The University of California, Davis, Trauma Prevention Program has reported that 50 percent of bicycle deaths are from head injuries. California law requires that all riders under age 18 wear a helmet, but helmets are important for riders of all ages. Eighty-seven percent of bicyclist deaths tracked nationally are persons ages 20 and older.

Many CHP offices throughout California have activities planned for Bicycle Safety Month. Safety rodeos and educational presentations will help the CHP promote safe behavior to protect both bicyclists and drivers.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

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Johnny Reb
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Johnny Reb
5 years ago

Now if only all bicyclists and especially GMOB’s would adhere to laws, like not riding on the sidewalks. Tired of these arrogant #ricks trying to run me down.

thebigdeal
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thebigdeal
5 years ago

ya ya! whatever. The only thing this shows is how California is not about safety. If it was they would not allow bikes on the highway. It creates a dangerous situation for all parties. If you want to ride a bike go find a trail. Highways are for cars.

Mike Seeber
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Mike Seeber
5 years ago
Reply to  thebigdeal

Apparently you didn’t actually read the article where the CHP states “…the road belongs to everyone”.

Veterans friend
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Veterans friend
5 years ago

It’s MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS month as well

Hobo-joe
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Hobo-joe
5 years ago

Apparently you do not understand the laws of physics, specifically the one where two vehicles cannot share the same space especially if one is doing 65 and the other is doing 15

Hobo-joe
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Hobo-joe
5 years ago
Reply to  Hobo-joe

Obviously I have trouble using the correct reply button

John
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John
5 years ago

Primary to cyclists’ safety is for them to always be mindful of the fact that these idiots in their cars…hate…their…guts…!

Guest
Guest
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  John

My experience as a pedestrian has been much better with motorcyclists than with bicyclists. The motorcyclists have pretty much been very courteous. The bicyclists seem to think that they not only have the right of way all the time but they don’t have to follow the law at all and that every bit of space is theirs to command at will.

As a driver bikers are a mixed bag. Some, I presume the young and dumb, go way too fast, do things like pass on the left, and treat traffic like a slalom course. I don’t hate them but I’m sure hate when some of them scare the daylights out of me.