Bike Safety Tips For Riders And Drivers

With warmer weather finally upon us in Southern New England, drivers are encouraged to be aware and share the roads with bicyclists. Providence's JUMP bike expansion program means there are even more bikes on streets in and around the city. A new initiative geared towards increasing communication and awareness encourages drivers and bicyclists to acknowledge each other with a simple wave.

"The Rhode Island Waves campaign was developed in Newport and now Bike Newport is working with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to expand this campaign across the state. The goal is for cyclists to be noticed by drivers and encourage both vehicle and bike drivers to exchange a wave to communicate that they’ve seen each other," said Bari Freeman, Executive Director of Bike Newport. "It’s a simple concept that has huge potential to save lives."

Peter Alviti, RIDOT's director, said safety for everyone — pedestrians, drivers, bicyclists and more.

"Safety...is baked into our DNA. That is why bike and pedestrian safety is and has been an integral part of our transportation plan from the day we put the first one forward," Alviti said. "Every chance we get to remind the motoring public that people and bikes are vulnerable, we take. Education and outreach are instrumental to our efforts to make the roads safer for cyclists." said Peter Alviti, Director of RI Department of Transportation. The City of Providence and the RI Department of Transportation have collaborated for the design of bike-friendly infrastructure projects.

Providence Mayor Jorge Elora said the city is working with RIDOT to increase transportation options in the city, and will be working to implement bike-friendly infrastructure to support the massive JUMP bike expansion.

"We must consider the safety of all people as we expand uses for our roads to accommodate those who use bikes, walk, and public transportation to move throughout our city," Elorza said.

Here are some tips for bicyclists and drivers to stay safe and prevent collisions from AAA Northeast.

Tips for Drivers

Drivers are responsible for keeping an eye out for nearby cyclists since their vehicles are considerably larger.

• When you see a cyclist looking to cross a roadway or make a turn, wave to confirm that you see them.
• Remember that a bicycle is considered a vehicle and its operator has the same rights of the road as any driver. Allow the bicycle enough space that if they were to fall into the roadway they would not be hit.
• Always use a turn signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
• Check all mirrors and blind spots for bikes before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections.
• Always check behind your vehicle for oncoming bikes before opening your vehicle’s door when parked along a roadway. Consider opening your door with your right hand instead of your left: this requires that you completely pivot your body towards any oncoming bicyclists.
• Always allow more following distance—four to five seconds—when behind a bicycle or a motorcycle. This gives them more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
• Never drive distracted or impaired; drive defensively and scan the roadway for bikes.

Tips for Bicyclists

When biking, always be aware and don't assume drivers can see you.

• Be noticed: wave to confirm that a driver has seen your intention to turn or cross a roadway.
• Always wear a bike helmet. It's the law for all kids under age 15.
• Wear brightly colored clothes and reflective tape to increase visibility.
• Obey all traffic laws and ride to the right side of the road whenever possible.
• Use hand signals at every lane change or turn.
• Ride in the middle of the lane where you will be more visible to drivers.
• Never ride distracted or impaired.
• Avoid using earbuds or headphones while riding. Rhode Island's new law that bans handheld electronics while driving also outlaws wearing two headphones while on a bike.

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