By Rick Bass
The Vail area is known for its great weather for cycling. Many cyclists use Old Spanish Trail as a favorite route to train and traverse. Due to the narrow single lane roadway, higher speed limits, increasing bicycle and vehicle traffic, special attention to driving habits and laws are essential to prevent accidents and injuries. Many Vail area cyclists have shared stories of how dangerous and risky it is to ride while competing for lane space with motor vehicles. Please slow down and be aware that everyone has a right to ride and drive on our narrow Vail roadways. Share the road with courtesy and respect. The life you save may be your own and that of a Vail community cyclist. The safety of all lives matter!
Bicycle Safety and Important Rules to Follow
Know the laws to save lives. Arizona Department of Public Safety web site: https://www.azdps.gov/safety/bicycle
As you might expect when a crash occurs between a vehicle and a bike, it’s the cyclist who is most likely to be injured. A large percentage of crashes can be avoided if motorists and cyclists follow the rules of the road and watch out for each other.
Helmets – Every bike ride begins with putting on a helmet. But it’s equally important that you ensure a proper fit so your helmet can best protect you. Pima County has a law stating it is mandatory to wear a helmet for bicyclists under the age of 18. Although helmets are not required by law statewide, most bicycle advocacy organizations and clubs agree that bicyclists should wear helmets at all times.
Avoid Crashes – There are two main types of crashes: the most common (falls), and the most serious (the ones with cars). Regardless of the reason for the crash, prevention is the name of the game. There are things you can do to decrease your risk of a crash; know some bicycle safety facts. Regardless of the season, bicyclist deaths occur most often in the hours between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Bicyclist deaths occur most often in urban areas (78%) compared to rural areas (22%) in 2019. Bicyclist deaths were 6 times higher for males than females in 2019. One in four fatal bike crashes in 2019 involved a bicyclist who had been drinking alcohol.
Ride Defensively: Focused and Alert- Be focused and alert to the road and all traffic around you; anticipate what others may do, before they do it. This is defensive riding—the quicker you notice a potential conflict, the quicker you can act to avoid a potential crash: Ride with the flow and in the same direction as traffic. Obey street signs, signals, and road markings, just like a car. Assume the other person doesn’t see you. Look ahead for hazards or situations to avoid that may cause you to fall, like toys, pebbles, potholes, grates, train tracks. No texting, listening to music or using anything that distracts you by taking your eyes and ears or your mind off the road and traffic.
Ride Predictably – By riding predictably, motorists get a sense of what you intend to do and can react to avoid a crash. Use hand signals. Ride where you are expected to be seen, travel in the same direction as traffic. Look over your shoulder before changing lane position or turning.
Drivers: Share the Road – People on bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as people behind the wheel of a vehicle. Yield to other bicyclists as you would motorists and do not underestimate their speed. This will help avoid turning in front of a bicyclist while traveling on the road or sidewalk, especially at an intersection or driveway. Search your entire surroundings; while in parking lots, at stop signs, when backing up, or when parking, and look for other vehicles, including bicycles.
Drivers turning right on red should look to the right and behind to avoid hitting a bicyclist approaching from the right rear. Stop completely and look left-right-left and behind before turning right on red. Obey the speed limit, reduce speed for road conditions and drive defensively to avoid a crash with a cyclist. All states require bicyclists on the roadway to follow the same rules and responsibilities as motorists. Give cyclists room. Do not pass too closely. Pass bicyclists as you would any other vehicle—when it’s safe to move over into an adjacent lane with caution and safety (an increasing problem in the Vail area).
Be Prepared – Ride a bike that fits you: if it’s too big, it’s harder to control the bike. Ride a bike that works: it really doesn’t matter how well you ride if the brakes don’t work. Wear equipment to protect you and make you more visible to others, like a bike helmet, bright clothing (during the day), reflective gear, and a white front light and red rear light and reflectors on your bike (at night, or when visibility is poor). Ride with both hands on the handlebars, unless signaling a turn. Ensure you have enough water, sunscreen and a charged cell phone. Carry all items in a backpack or strapped to the back of the bike. Tuck and tie your shoe laces and pant legs so they don’t get caught in your bike chain.
Improve Your Riding Skills – No one learns to drive a vehicle safely without practice and experience; safely riding your bike in traffic requires the same preparation. Start by riding your bike in a safe environment away from traffic (a park, path, or empty parking lot). Take an on-bike class through your school, recreation department, local bike shop, or bike advocacy group. Confidence in traffic comes with learning how to navigate and communicate with other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Review and practice as a safe bicyclist is great preparation for safe riding.
Information provided by: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety
The Vailready.wordpress.com web site has a complete page and videos dedicated to “Vail Area Road Safety.” Be safe and enjoy our great spring weather while traversing our Vail area roads.
Rick Bass is a USAF Veteran. He has extensive background in crisis management, suicide prevention and re-source development for the disabled. A lifelong community volunteer and a new age music composer, he enjoys the expansive beauty of the Vail area.