Rhonda Shah: Hi! I am Rhonda Shah with AAA, and today, I will tell you a little bit about bike safety and sharing the road. Every year preventable deaths and injuries involving bicyclist occur on our roadways. Learning the rules of the road for both bicyclist and motorist can help combat injuries and fatalities.

Bicyclist should wear a properly fitted helmet every single time they ride. A helmet is the single most effective way to prevent head injury in the event of a crash.

Bicyclists are considered vehicle operators. They are required to obey the same rules of the road as other vehicle operators, including obeying all traffic signs, signals and lane markings.

When cycling on the street, cyclist must ride in the same direction as traffic. Drivers of motor vehicles need to share the road with bicyclist. Be courteous, allow at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist on the road, look for cyclists before opening a car door or pulling out from a parking space, and yield to cyclists at intersections and as directed by signs and signals. And don't forget to be especially watchful of cyclists when making turns, either left or right.

Bicyclists should increase their visibility to drivers by wearing brightly colored clothing during the day, dawn, and at dusk. To be noticed when riding at night, use a front light and a red reflector or flashing rear light, and use retro-reflective tape or markings on equipment and clothing.

With education and understanding, we can make our roads a safer place for everyone. Know the facts and stay safe. You can find more information on bicycle safety and sharing the road on sites such as sharetheroad.

aaa.

com and bikeleague.

org.

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