Bicycle Safety
Spring has officially sprung, and that means kids all across the state will be riding bikes again. And with the influx of new riders on the road, it is important for both bicyclists and drivers to pay attention and follow a few simple rules. Doing so will make everyone's ride more enjoyable.
For bicyclists, regardless of your experience, it is important to remember:
- Bicycle helmets are required for all bicyclers under the age of 16.
- Ride your bike with the traffic, not against it.
- A bicyclist can pass a motorist on the right when it is safe to do so.
- Check to make sure your bike’s reflectors are in good working order, and if possible use a light while riding at night.
- Check to make sure your brakes work properly.
- Always observe the usual rules of the road.
For drivers, please remember to leave plenty of room when passing a bicycle. Maine has a new law that says motorists must give at least three feet when passing someone riding a bike.
The new Maine law states:
- An operator of a motor vehicle that is passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction shall exercise due care by leaving a distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of no less than three feet while the motor vehicle is passing the bicycle.
- The Maine law that once prohibited motorists from crossing the solid yellow center line in the road while passing a bicyclist has been changed. The new three-foot passing law now allows motorists to cross the solid yellow center line to pass bicyclists when it is safe to do so.
For more information on bicycling safety, education, and access throughout the state of Maine, contact the Bicycle Coalition of Maine (www.bikemaine.org).
And remember to share the road, because a safe ride is always a good ride.
