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Cyclists, stay safe by knowing
the rules of the road
By Diane
Denning
October 6, 2008 | Gas prices continue to soar and everyone
is looking for ways to keep their cars parked. So, do
you start using the public transportation system or
take the route many Logan residents have and change
from a four-wheeled vehicle to a two-wheeled vehicle?
Before you decide to turn in your stick shift for
a gear changer, be sure you understand the rules to
ensure your safety and the safety of so many others
who occupy the roads.
According to the Utah Driver Handbook, bicyclists
are subject to the same rights and duties as any other
vehicle, including obeying all traffic signals. It also
says a person may ride their bicycle on any sidewalk
where it is allowed. This creates the question of whether
cyclists are considered pedestrians, who should stay
on the sidewalk, or drivers who should stay on the roads.
If the light is red, can bikers switch and ride on the
sidewalk?
With gas prices rising beyond affordable, we don't
blame so many people for switching to bikes, but they
have to decide which part of the road they are going
to use and stick with it their entire trip. Cars and
trucks aren't allowed to swerve onto the sidewalk to
avoid a red light. Waiting impatiently for the light
to turn green is part of the commuting process.
There is such a variety of cyclists on the roads.
Some obey the traffic rules better than some people
driving cars. Then there are those who swerve in and
out of traffic, switch to drive on the sidewalks and
run stop signs. When they drive carelessly it creates
confusion for the other drivers who are obeying the
traffic signals which puts lives in danger.
The "Click It or Ticket" law came about to help ensure
safety of people on the roads. If motor vehicle drivers
can get pulled over and fined for not wearing a seat
belt, then cyclists should have the same punishment
for not wearing a helmet. Seat belts and helmets both
serve as life saving devices and should be worn at all
times.
According to the Logan City Police Department's Web
site, 900 lives are lost each year in the United States
from bicycle accidents. Plus, cyclists injured with
head injuries are 20 times more likely to die than those
who don't have head injuries. Putting a helmet on is
just as simple as buckling a seat belt, and both should
be done to keep drivers safe.
Using a bike to get around town does save money and
help the environment, but a person must know the correct
rules and follow them. Bikes share the roads with motorized
vehicles and need to be aware of the cars on the road,
just as cars need to be aware of bikes on the road.
Cyclists, don't keep drivers wondering what you are
doing when you ride on the sidewalk then switch to drive
on the road. Obey the traffic laws -- anyone who is
considered a driver is expected to. Cyclists are no
exception.
NW
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