We all know that bicycle safety is important for everybody, from a
child's first ride to a seasoned racer's training. Did you know,
however, that many states have laws or regulations on the books to
enforce this important form of traffic safety?
Since cycling is
thought of as recreation, we often don't think of as something regulated
by law. There are laws regarding the use of boats, ATV's and
snowmobiles, though, so why not bicycles?
Here
is a brief overview of some common bicycle regulations. Regulations
vary from area to area, but this will give you a general idea of what is
expected in many localities.
A
white front light and
a red reflector on the back of the bicycle are usually required. The
reflector most likely came already attached to your bike. You are
responsible for purchasing and using the light. These safety devices are
required for nighttime bike riding. This is often defined as one
half-hour after sunset to one half-hour before sunrise. It may surprise
you to know that while only four percent of bike riding is done at
night, seventeen percent of crashes involving a vehicle and a bicycle
occur at night. These crashes account for nearly thirty percent of all
bicycle-related fatalities.
When it comes to safety devices
themselves, follow these guidelines. Make sure that your front light is
visible from at least five hundred feet in front of you. Your rear
reflector has to be visible from five hundred feet as well. You can also
install a
flashing red or amber-colored light on
the back, but it cannot replace your reflector. This is very important,
since if a car doesn't have it's headlights on, the driver can't
possibly see your reflector.
Consider wearing a reflective vest.
You can also add reflective tape (specially made for this purpose) on
your helmet, your shoes, or your bike itself. Wearing light-colored
clothing also adds to your visibility.
While your front light must
be visible from five hundred feet, make sure it's also bright enough to
allow you to see thirty-five to fifty feet ahead of you. This is the
amount of time needed to stop safely while traveling at fifteen mph.
Adjust this for conditions like rain or fog.
Simple steps like
these can save a great deal of heartache, and you'll enjoy a more
relaxed biking experience while knowing that you're as safe as possible.
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