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AREA MOTORISTS URGED TO SHARE THE ROAD DURING NATIONAL BIKE MONTH AND EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR

MAY IS NATIONAL BIKE MONTH AND AREA MOTORISTS

ARE REMINDED TO SAFELY SHARE THE ROADS WITH BICYCLISTS

Motor Club Promotes Careful Commuting Whether Your Ride Has Two Wheels or Four

WASHINGTON, D. C.  (Wednesday, May 5, 2010) – The warmer weather in the month of May is luring more cyclists onto busy roadways and into local bike lanes and bike trails. AAA Mid-Atlantic is encouraging all motorists to respectfully share the road with cyclists.

Statistics from NHTSA show that approximately 716 cyclists were killed and 52,000 were injured in traffic crashes during 2008.  Pedacyclist deaths accounted for two percent of all traffic fatalities, and made up two percent of all of the people injured in traffic crashes for the year. To prevent these incidents, AAA Mid-Atlantic urges motorists to exercise exceptional caution when approaching bicyclists with whom they share the road.

 “The number of cyclists is growing in the national capital area, and each day more than seven thousand persons commute to work in the District, that’s 2.3 percent of local workers, which is twice the national average,” John B. Townsend II, AAA Mid-Atlantic’s Manager of Public & Government Affairs. “Therefore, it behooves roadway users to remember that cyclists are granted the same rights and are expected to obey the same laws as motorists.”

The number of area cyclists is expected to increase in the District and the metro region. In 2006 the Transportation Planning Board approved plans to build 247 miles of new bike lanes in the Washington metro area and to add 482 miles of multi-use paths to the region by 2030.

In recognition of National Bike Month, AAA Mid-Atlantic reminds both motorists and cyclists to be vigilant about sharing the road, and to exercise caution year round. “Approximately 2700 pedestrians and bicyclists are injured every year in the Washington region, and eighty-nine are killed,” according to studies conducted by Street Smart,  “an annual public education, awareness and behavioral change campaign in the Washington.”

 

“ Pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities accounted for 23% of the total traffic fatalities in the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland and northern Virginia from 2004-2008.”

“AAA Mid-Atlantic appreciates the continued efforts of stakeholders and transportation officials towards making roads safer for motorists and cyclists alike,” said Townsend.  To equip area motorists to share the road cautiously and courteously with cyclists, AAA Mid-Atlantic offers the following tips:

• Allow three feet of passing space between your car and the cyclist. Tailgating or honking can startle or fluster a bicyclist, causing them to swerve further into the driving lane.
• Be patient. Remember, cyclists are moving under their own power and can’t be expected to go the same speed as cars.
• Pay special attention to blind spots. Due to their size and the location of bike lanes, bikes can often get lost in a car’s blind spot, so double check before changing lanes, making right-hand turns or before opening your car door on the traffic side when parked.
• Be attentive on side streets and neighborhoods. Children are especially at risk in residential areas. Follow the speed limit, avoid driver distraction and always be aware of your surroundings. It is particularly important to be cautious when backing out of a driveway and onto the street.
• Use good common sense. For example, in inclement weather, give cyclists extra room.

Whether teaching the value of choosing the right bicycle, using safety equipment, bicycle maintenance or the rules of the road, AAA will continue to be a go-to source for bike safety needs.

 

AAA Mid-Atlantic advocates on behalf of its nearly four million members in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. It provides a wide range of personal insurance, travel, financial and automotive services through its 50-plus retail branches, regional operations centers, and the Internet.  For more information, please visit our web site at www.AAA.com                                                                 ###

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[B’ Spokes: And an excerpt from AAA mid-Atlantic Bike Safety page:]

Sharing the Road – How We All Can Make a Difference

Each year, there are more than a half-million collisions between motor vehicles and bicycles in the United States. Many of these incidents are the result of motorist, failing to properly yield to bicyclists. The following safety tips can make a difference:

• Motorists need to increase their awareness of bicyclists when making turns and remember to look for bicyclists when traveling in a straight line.
• Check for bicyclists along the edge of the traffic lane before opening car doors so you do not cause a collision when exiting your vehicle.
• Bicyclists also should use bike paths and always watch for turning and parked motor vehicles.
• Bicyclists should be encouraged to clearly communicate their intentions to motorists by using proper turn signals.
• Wearing helmets, visible clothing and using bike paths when available are key factors to ensuring a safe, pleasurable biking adventure.

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