COHASSET — Police Chief William Quigley and the Cohasset Police Department would like to remind motorists to “share the road” with bicyclists as part of Bay State Bike Month.
September is Bay State Bike Month in Massachusetts, which is a time when riders around the state are encouraged to participate in bike challenges, fundraisers and various other events.
“We have a very robust biking community here in Cohasset, and with so many people riding this time of year it is important for both motorists and bicyclists to be alert and always obey the rules of the road,” Chief Quigley said. “We urge everyone to review these important safety tips, no matter if you are getting behind the wheel or riding your bike through town.”
The Cohasset Police Department would like to remind bicyclists of the following safety tips, courtesy the National Safety Council:
Always inspect your bike prior to riding:
- The seat should be adjusted to the proper height and locked in place.
- Make certain all parts are secure and working properly.
- Check that the tires are inflated properly.
- Make sure the bike is equipped with reflectors on the rear, front, pedals and spokes.
- A horn or bell, a rear-view mirror and a bright headlight are also recommended.
Make certain drivers can see you:
- Wear neon, fluorescent or other bright clothing.
- Whenever possible, ride during the day.
- If you must ride at night, wear reflective clothing and use flashing lights.
Always wear a helmet:
- Helmets appropriate for bicycling should be worn by everyone – adults and children – on every bike ride regardless of the length of the ride.
- Make certain the helmet is certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Follow the rules of the road:
- Get acquainted with traffic laws; bicyclists must follow the same rules as motorists.
- Ride single-file in the direction of traffic.
- Remain alert, keep your head up and look around; watch for opening car doors and other hazards.
- Use hand signals when turning and use extra care at intersections.
- Never hitch onto cars.
- Before entering traffic, stop and look left, right, and left again and over your shoulder.
Additionally, Cohasset Police share the following tips for motorists, courtesy the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
- Drivers should always “share the road” with bike riders. People on bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as people behind the wheel of a vehicle.
- Yield to bicyclists as you would motorists and do not underestimate their speed. This will help you avoid turning in front of a bicyclist traveling on the road or sidewalk, often at an intersection or driveway.
- In parking lots, at stop signs, when backing up, or when parking, search your surroundings for other vehicles, including bicycles.
- Drivers turning right on red should look to the right and behind to avoid hitting a bicyclist approaching from the right rear. Stop completely and look left-right-left and behind before turning right on red.
- Obey the speed limit, reduce speed for road conditions and drive defensively to avoid a crash with a cyclist.
- Give cyclists room. Do not pass too closely. Pass a bike as you would any other vehicle — when it’s safe to move over into an adjacent lane.
MassBike is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to promoting a bicycle-friendly environment and encouraging bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation. Click here to visit the MassBike website.
Click here to learn more about the opportunities for bicyclists during Bay State Bike Month, including information on MassBike’s premier event, the MassCommute Bicycle Challenge.
###
