Bicycle Safety

It is that time of year when things are warming up and bicycles are being dusted off. Children and adults alike look forward to their summer fun riding their bicycles. There is nothing wrong with having fun as long as the activity is done in a safe manner. Over the last couple years, including one just last month, our city has experienced some very tragic and fatal interactions between vehicles and bicyclists.

With the summer heat on its way, many adults and children will find themselves riding their bikes anywhere and everywhere. Bicycling is an ever-increasing form of both recreation and transportation. This is why it is important to let our communities know and promote the importance of safe bicycle riding and the use of bicycle helmets. Head injury is the most common serious injury from bicycle-motor vehicle crashes. Bicycle helmets can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85% (New England Journal of Medicine). A statewide helmet observational survey conducted in Utah in 2007 showed that 23% of elementary school-age bicyclists, 14% of secondary school-age bicyclists, and 58% of adult bicyclists wear bicycle helmets. The simple knowledge and practice of proper bicycle safety can significantly reduce and even prevent needless injuries, disabilities and death.

We would like to remind everyone, especially parents to please make sure that your children are riding their bicycles in safe areas. The roadways in the city can be busy with our increased traffic and may not be the safest place to ride. Parents please take an active role in ensuring that your children are wearing their helmets and observing all the safety rules.

All bicyclists are required to follow all the laws that the driver of a motor vehicle would have to follow; including stopping at all stop signs and traffic control signals. Some of Utah’s laws regarding bicycles can be found here.