Bicycle Safety Starts with You: A Message from Statesville Police Department
May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and the Statesville Police Department is proud to join the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in promoting safer roadways for everyone. Whether you’re behind the wheel or on two wheels, safety is a shared responsibility.
Bicycles are considered vehicles, which means bicyclists must follow the same rules of the road as drivers. At the same time, motorists should treat bicyclists with the same care and respect as any other vehicle. Awareness and mutual respect can help prevent crashes and save lives.
Safety Tips for Drivers
Drivers play a critical role in keeping bicyclists safe.
- Always stay alert, avoid distractions, and watch carefully for bicyclists - especially when turning or approaching intersections.
- Remember to look left-right-left and check behind you when turning right on red.
- If you see a bicyclist, slow down and maintain a safe distance when passing.
- Higher speeds increase the risk of serious injury or death in a crash, so reducing speed can make a life-saving difference.
Safety Tips for Bicyclists
Bicyclists can take important steps to protect themselves on the road.
- Always wear a properly fitted helmet - just like seat belts in a car, helmets save lives.
- Make yourself visible by using lights and reflectors on your bike and wearing bright or reflective clothing, especially in low-light conditions.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic, obey all traffic signs and signals, and stay focused - avoid distractions like texting or listening to music that may prevent you from hearing approaching vehicles.
By working together and following these simple safety practices, we can make Statesville’s streets safer for everyone. The Statesville Police Department encourages all residents to stay alert, stay visible, and share the road responsibly this Bicycle Safety Month - and every month.
For more bicycle safety information, visit www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety.
