DMV/GTSC Remind Motorists to be Aware of Bicyclists

ALBANY, NY (05/15/2007)(readMedia)-- Commissioner David J. Swarts of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) today reminded motorists to be aware of bicyclists and offered tips for safe riding. Governor Eliot Spitzer has proclaimed May as "Bicycle Safety Month."

"Bicycling is enjoying increased popularity for many reasons, including touring, racing, commuting, exercise and recreation," Commissioner Swarts said. "For many people, bicycling provides a healthy, environmentally-sound alternative means of transportation. As greater numbers of bicyclists, motorists and pedestrians share our roadways, the need increases to protect all our highway users."

Each year, our state experiences too many deaths in traffic crashes involving motor vehicles and bicycles - 47 during 2005, the most recent data available - and more than five-thousand injuries. Most of the deaths, and many serious injuries, could have been avoided if the motorists and bicyclists had each obeyed the traffic laws and properly shared the road.

Under state law, bicyclists have a legal right to the road, and motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians must grant right-of-way to each other. In addition, all bicycle accidents involving death or serious injury on a public roadway must be reported to the DMV, whether or not a motor vehicle is involved.

Commissioner Swarts offered some important safety tips and reminders of state law that include:

-- Bicyclists are prohibited from carrying infant passengers under one year old

-- Children under 14 years old must wear bicycle helmets.

-- Children age one to four years old must be helmeted and ride in secure safety seats.

-- Bicyclists may extend the right arm to signal a right turn.

-- Ride with traffic on the right side of the road, except when preparing to turn left.

-- Stop at STOP signs and red traffic lights, and obey all other signs, signals and pavement markings.

-- Use the approved hand signals at least 100 feet before stopping or turning.

-- Never ride between rows of traffic or hang onto other vehicles.

-- At night, use a headlight visible from at least 500 feet ahead and a taillight visible from at least 200 feet behind.

The Commissioner noted that nearly three-quarters of deaths and serious injuries to bicyclists are the result of injury to the brain. The majority of these fatal or severely disabling injuries could be prevented if every bicyclist wore an approved helmet. For added safety, bicyclists should also use a rearview mirror

A brochure "Sharing The Road Safely," featuring tips on bicycle safety, maintenance and rules of the road, is available from the DMV Internet Office, by request from a DMV Call Center, and at any motor vehicle office.

The GTSC coordinates traffic safety activities across the State and is comprised of 13 member agencies, including the DMV. The head of each agency acts as that agency's official representative to the Committee, whose initiatives include programs that are designed to promote highway safety. Commissioner Swarts serves as Chair of GTSC.

To listen to a downloadable audio clip of Commissioner Swarts regarding motorcycle safety, please visit the DMV website. For a copy of the Governors proclamation, please contact the DMV Office of Communications at (518) 473-7000. Additional driver safety tips and information can be found by visiting the DMV's website at www.nysdmv.com or the GTSC's website at www.safeny.com.

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Posted Tuesday May 15, 2007 at 09:24 am by New York State Department of Motor Vehicles