A Lot More Arizona Families are Riding Bicycles During the Covid-19 shutdown

With people staying home from work during the Covid-19 outbreak, you’re likely seeing more bikes on the road, so it’s a perfect time for a reminder to Share the Road.

March 24, 2020
DRIVERS SHARE THE ROAD
Bike, Van, Motorcycle, People in a Crosswalk

For drivers, sharing the road begins with the understanding that bicyclists and motorcyclists have the same rights as you. They also face unique safety challenges, such as being smaller and less visible. Look for cyclists where vehicles do not appear, like before making a left-hand turn at an intersection. Also, be aware that motorcyclists may have to downshift and weave to avoid bumps and road hazards.

 

Pedestrians have rights on the road, too. Always slow down and be prepared to yield to pedestrians when they’re in a crosswalk. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk, as there may be people crossing whom you can’t see. And, be extra cautious when backing up across sidewalks or in parking lots.

MOTORCYCLISTS, BICYCLISTS, AND PEDESTRIANS SHARE THE ROAD

Motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian icons

Just like drivers behind the wheel, bicyclists and motorcyclists must obey signs and signals. Ride defensively, assuming others cannot see you, and don’t let yourself be distracted by music, an electronic device, or anything else that takes your focus off the road. Bicyclists should always ride with traffic, use bike lanes when available and avoid riding on sidewalks when possible.

Pedestrians should also follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals—which are there to protect you. If there isn’t a sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from vehicles as possible. Always cross streets at crosswalks when they are available; drivers know to look for you there. If there isn’t a crosswalk, cross at a well-lit place where drivers can best see you.

PREVENT A DEADLY CRASH

As more Americans choose to ride bikes and walk to stay healthy, and as an alternative to driving, pedestrian and cyclist deaths in motor-vehicle-related crashes have increased over the past 10 years.

Bicyclists: There were 857 bicyclists killed in collisions with vehicles in 2018 …

  • That’s a more than 6% increase from 2017.
  • And up from 718 bicyclist deaths in 2008.

Pedestrians: In 2018, 6,283 pedestrians died in traffic crashes …

  • A more than 3% increase over the previous year.
  • The most deaths since 1990.
  • And up from 4,414 in 2008.

Motorcyclists: The number of people killed on motorcycles in 2018 was 4,985, that’s an almost 5% decrease from 2017.

Join us in helping to keep everyone safe on the road. Remember, no one—no driver, cyclist, or pedestrian—has sole rights to the road. It’s a shared space where we all have rights and responsibilities.