This spring and summer, Checkered Flag drivers should be extra careful of added Hampton Roads bicyclists sharing our local roads.
AAA Tidewater offers tips for cars and bicycles to share the road safely
Because spring weather is here more Virginians will be using their bicycles for fun, exercise and transportation.
In support of National Bike Safety month, AAA Tidewater Virginia is reminding drivers and cyclists about tips to stay safe on the road.
Bicycles are a legitimate form of transportation and bicyclists are legal drivers of vehicles, with laws and regulations established for their use. Yet a major issue is that many bicyclists feel they are not respected by motorists and must fight for their place on the road. Like motorists, cyclists need space to safely operate in traffic.
"Many crashes occur because motorists and bicyclists fail to give each other enough space on shared roads," said Georjeane Blumling Ph.D., Vice President of Public Affairs for AAA Tidewater.
Here are a few safety tips for drivers around cyclists:
Check for bicycles when opening your car door and when turning right.
When passing a cyclist, slow down and give plenty of space-at least three feet when possible, and more if traveling at highway speeds.
-Always signal your turns.
-Remember, bicyclists may need extra room to move left when approaching road hazards, and may legally occupy a lane that's too narrow for safe passing.
-Obey all traffic laws and posted signs. Here are some safety tips for cyclists traveling near drivers:
-Ride as far to the right as practicable (safe and reasonable), but stay at least three feet away from parked cars to avoid the "door zone."
-Don't hug the pavement edge where debris, loose gravel, or rough road surface might cause you to swerve into traffic.
-Always check over your shoulder and signal your intentions, even when just changing position in a lane.
-Ride on the street-not the sidewalk-and in the direction of traffic.
-Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
-Obey all traffic laws and posted signs.
For additional driver safety tips, stay tuned to the home of your favorite Virginia Beach automotive service centers, Checkered Flag.com.
Article source: [tidewater.aaa.com]


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