Did you know that in 2006, the State of Wisconsin had 8 bicycle fatalities? Bicycling fatalities
occur most frequently in urban areas (73%), at non-intersection locations (68%), between the hours
of 5 and 9 p.m. (27%), and during the months of June, July and August (33%).
A 2006 study showed that using bike helmets can reduce head injuries by up to 85%. However, not
all bicycle-related injuries and deaths can be addressed by the use of safety equipment alone. Rider
actions and reactions - especially obeying traffic laws - play a major role in contributing to injury-free
bicycling. Statistics were provided by www.nhtsa.dot.gov as of November of 2007.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Consumer Product Safety Commission give the
following safety tips:
- Protect your head. Wear a helmet.
- See and be seen. Wear bright colors or reflective stripes.
- Avoid biking at night.
- Stay alert. Look out for obstacles in your path.
- Go with the flow. Ride with traffic.
- Check for traffic. Be aware of traffic around you, especially at
intersections and driveways.
- Learn the rules of the road. Obey traffic laws.
- Assure bicycle readiness. Is your bicycle properly adjusted?
- Can you stop? Check brakes before riding.
- Check your wheels. "Quick release" wheels should be securely fastened.
Review these safety tips again this time, reflect on your own bicycling experiences. Most people have experienced or
observed a near miss situation where these safety tips were not followed. Remember there is
not much to protect you on a bicycle from injury other than following safe practices.
For additional information, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation has an excellent web page on rules for riding bicycles
on the road.
www.dot.state.wi.us/safety/vehicle/bicycle/rules.htm
This web site has a link to
a summary of Wisconsin Statutes that pertain to bicycling. Some of the most commonly referenced
state statutes are summarized as follows:
Bicycle as a vehicle - Bicycle means every vehicle propelled by the feet acting upon
pedals and having wheels any two which are not less than 14 inches in diameter.
Hand signals on turning and stopping - Indicate your signals in this manner.
- Left turn - Hand and arm extended horizontally
- Right turn - hand and arm extended upward
- Stop and decrease speed - hand and arm extended downward
Motorist passing bicyclist - The operator of a motor vehicle overtaking and
passing a bicycle shall exercise due care, leaving a safe distance, but in no case less than 3 feet clearance
until safely passed the overtaken bicycle.