Bicycle Light Giveaway

While bicycle riding has become an extremely popular means of transportation in Sacramento and across the country, statistics reveal that it can also be a dangerous one. According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 743 cyclists killed and an estimated 48,000 injured in traffic crashes in 2013. NHTSA data also revealed that cyclist deaths accounted for 2 percent of all traffic fatalities and injuries in traffic crashes in 2013. Sadly the number of bicycle riders killed in 2013 is 1 percent higher than the 734 cyclists killed in 2012. This increase is the third straight increase in cyclist fatalities since 2010.

California is currently ranked 22nd among states for cyclist fatalities with 6.3 fatalities per year per 10,000 cyclists. Sacramento ranks 26th out of the 52 large cities the report surveyed with 5.3 fatalities a year per 10,000 bicycling commuters.

There are other things you can do to keep you safe while riding your bike in Sacramento:

• Ensure you and your bike are visible, especially at night. Wear reflective clothing and place reflectors and lights on your bike. The law requires cyclists riding at night to have a red reflector visible from the back, a white or yellow reflector visible from the front and a red or white reflector on each side of the bike.
• Wear safety gear like a helmet. The law requires all riders under the age of 18 to wear a helmet. Older riders do not legally have to, but it will greatly increase your chances of survival if you are involved in an accident.
• Avoid Impairments – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal, even on a bicycle. You place yourself and others at great risk when you drive under the influence.
• Avoid Distractions – The law does not allow cyclists to wear earplugs or headsets that cover both ears.
• Obey Traffic Laws – It is important to remember that bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. This means that you must obey traffic laws and communicate your actions while riding your bike to ensure drivers know what you are doing. This will help keep you safe from a misunderstanding that leads to an accident.

In an effort to combat this rise in cyclist injuries and deaths, the state of California has passed a new law that requires motorists to give bicyclists a 3-foot buffer. If a 3 feet clearance is not available, the driver must slow down and only pass only when it is safe to do so.