Road user safety tips for Bike to Work Week, May 30 to June 5
Bike to Work Week is just five weeks away and with longer warmer days more cyclists will be on the road.
According to ICBC there are approximately 1,300 crashes and 1,400 injuries involving cyclists each year in B.C. By following the rules of the road and respecting all road users we can lower the number of collisions. Both drivers and cyclists need to yield to pedestrians and follow stop signs and red lights. Here are some tips from ICBC to keep yourself and others safe while driving:
No. 1 Keep your eyes on the road
Actively look for cyclists on the road. If a cyclist is near, make eye contact with them to indicate that you have seen them. The other form of communication cyclists’ use are hand signals. Make sure you are familiar with the hand signals, if not, take a moment to refresh your traffic skills.
No. 2 Keep your distance.
Drivers must keep at least three seconds following distance away from cyclists. Keeping this distance will give you more time to react safely as bicycle movement can be unpredictable. When passing a cyclist, make sure you leave enough room between your vehicle and the bicycle. It is also important to shoulder check, especially when opening your vehicle door or when making right turns.
No. 3 Be considerate
Cyclists are vulnerable road users. They do not have the physical protection vehicles have. Only use your horn when warming a cyclist. A loud honk can frighten cyclists and can even cause them to side sweep or fall.
Get a team together at your workplace. Register for Bike to Work Week at www.biketowork.ca. For more information call the Sportsplex at 250-923-7911.
