Ebel: May is National Bicycle Safety Month

Warm spring weather and longer days bring more bike riders, kids and adults, out to enjoy the weather, get some exercise, and take advantage of a low-cost and environmentally friendly transportation option.

Why is bicycle safety a national concern? In 2022, there were 1,105 bicyclist fatalities in the U.S., and an estimated 46,195 more bicyclists were injured.

In Fairfield County and Central Ohio, we have thousands of bicycle riders, ranging from enthusiasts who ride long distances and participate in group rides, like Pelotonia, to young children who enjoy the freedom of riding to visit friends and local parks, to those who ride to work, or just for fun. These riders may be on bike trails, sidewalks, side roads, and even busy roads when no safer option is available. To improve safety, both riders and drivers need to practice good bike and traffic safety habits.

For drivers, be on the lookout for bicyclists, and never drive distracted or impaired. If you see a bike, slow down: Bicyclists are most often killed by drivers who strike them with the front of their vehicles, often at high speeds. Ohio law requires that when passing a bicycle on the left, drivers must signal, provide at least 3’ of horizontal space, and return to the right side only when it is safe to do so. Vehicles can legally cross a solid yellow line to pass a bicycle if they can do so without exceeding the speed limit and there is sufficient sight distance to complete the pass safely.

For cyclists, wearing a bike helmet saves lives, just like wearing a seat belt in a car. Riding in groups can make you more visible to traffic. Compared to vehicles, bikes are harder to see because of their smaller size. To make it easier for drivers to see you, ride with lights, both day and night, and wear brightly colored and reflective clothing to increase visibility.

Bicycling is good for your health and the environment, and it is an inexpensive transportation option for many. We rely on bike riders and vehicle drivers alike to share the road, follow the rules of the road, and look out for each other so that all cyclists, young and old, can enjoy a safe ride this busy spring and summer season.For more information visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety

Joe Ebel is the Fairfield County Health Commissioner

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: May is National Bicycle Safety Month