May Is “Bicycle Safety Month” in New York State

May 10, 2013

In an effort to reduce the number of Bicycle Accidents across New York, the state has named the month of May “Bicycle Safety Month”. The campaign consists of several different programs, each targeted at a specific risk that cyclists face on the roadways.

A SafeNY press release explained how one of the main purposes of the campaign is to better educate the public about the burdens of responsibility that motorists and cyclists carry when sharing the road.

Cyclists are expected to follow the same traffic laws as cars when on a public roadway. This means a person riding a bicycle needs to travel with the flow of traffic. They should also use hand signals when turning or braking, just as a motorist would.

Another safety law that must be followed by cyclists is the use of a helmet if the individual riding is under the age of 14 years old. Most experts argue  that all cyclists should wear a helmet every time they ride.

Law requires each bicycle to be equipped with certain gear as well. For instance, a bicycle must be equipped with a capable braking system and a horn or bell that can be heard 100 feet away. If a bike is ridden in dark conditions, it must also be equipped with reflectors and a headlight.

The Buffalo Personal Injury Lawyers with William Mattar Law Offices are hopeful these tips are effective in keeping cyclists safe!