Ride Safe on the Roads: NHTSA Urges Drivers to Be Bicyclist-Aware!

Ride Safe on the Roads: NHTSA Urges Drivers to Be Bicyclist-Aware!

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging everyone to be alert to keep bicyclists safe. Nationwide, 1,166 bicyclists were killed in 2023, with 150 killed and thousands more injured in California.

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 left-right-left and behind when turning right on red.

“It is imperative that we keep our bicyclists safe, as they are an integral part of our communities,” said Lt. Tim Dolan. “People of all ages use bicycles to commute to school, work, and other activities. Bicyclists, like all road users, have the right to safe streets. We urge vehicle drivers to maintain safe speeds and watch out for bicyclists.”

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, NHTSA and the Oakland Police Department offer the following tips to bicyclists and drivers to keep everyone safe.

Tips for Bicyclists — 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.

​​​​​​​Tips for Bicyclists — 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 bicycle safety, including helpful videos, visit NHTSA.gov/BicycleSafety.