Ensuring Bicycle Safety: What You Need to Know This National Bicycle Safety Month
As the weather warms up and more people hit the roads, it's crucial to highlight the importance of bicycle safety. In 2022 alone, Michigan roads saw 36 tragic bicyclist fatalities and over 1,000 injuries. With National Bicycle Safety Month upon us, now is the perfect time to focus on keeping everyone safe while enjoying the outdoors.
Recent data reveals a troubling trend: the number of bicyclist fatalities in Michigan has significantly increased over the past three years. Between 2020 and 2022, 103 bicyclists lost their lives—a sharp 64 percent rise compared to the previous three-year period. To break it down, there were 38 deaths in 2020, 29 in 2021, and 36 in 2022. This contrasts with the 21 annual fatalities recorded from 2017 to 2019.
Katie Bower, Director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP), emphasizes the need for greater awareness.
“Our roads are becoming increasingly hazardous for bicyclists,” Bower notes. “National Bicycle Safety Month is an excellent opportunity to remind both motorists and cyclists of their shared responsibility to adhere to safety laws and watch out for one another.”
Key Safety Insights
In 2022, the majority of bicycle crashes occurred between 4:00 and 4:59 p.m., while fatalities were most common from 8:00 to 8:59 p.m., and 10:00 to 10:59 p.m.
To enhance safety for both bicyclists and drivers, consider these crucial tips:
For Bicyclists:
- Always ride with traffic and follow traffic signals, signs, and road markings.
- Use hand signals to indicate turns or stops.
- At night, equip your bike with a front white light and a rear red reflector.
- Wear high-visibility safety gear, including a helmet, to increase your visibility.
- Be cautious of vehicles making turns.
For Drivers:
- Maintain a distance of at least 3 feet when passing bicyclists.
- Obey all traffic signals, signs, and markings.
- Yield to bicyclists just as you would to other vehicles.
- Stay vigilant, especially at intersections and when turning.
By following these guidelines, we can work together to reduce accidents and ensure that everyone enjoys a safe ride. For more tips and information on bicycle safety, visit the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning webpage.