City of Perry, Georgia: Bicycle Safety

Bicycle Safety, Laws and Regulations

Safety

Listed below are five of the most common reasons for bicycle and motor vehicle crashes and what you can do to help avoid them.

Midblock Rideout

This is the most frequent accident type for young riders and occurs soon after the bicyclist enters the road from a driveway, alley or curb without slowing, stopping or looking for traffic. The bicyclist's sudden entry leaves the motorist too little time to avoid the collision.

Bicyclist - Stop & look left-right-left for traffic, before entering the road.

Wrong Way Riding

Motorists do not expect traffic to be approaching from the wrong way. It is the exception to the rule that creates the condition for an accident which is the main reason why it is unlawful to ride facing traffic.

Bicyclist - Go with the flow! Ride to the right of the roadway with traffic- just like cars do.

Motorist Overtaking Cyclist

This accident occurs because the motorist fails to see and react to the bicyclist until it's too late. This accident type is more frequent at night, on narrow rural roads, involves driver inattention and also involves drunk driving.

Bicyclist - Avoid riding at night, on narrow roads and where highway speeds are over 35 mph. Always use lights and reflectors and wear brightly colored clothing if you must ride at night.

Bicyclist Left Turn or Sudden Swerve

The bicyclist swerves to the left without checking traffic, without signaling and moves into the path of an overtaking motor vehicle. The motorist does not have enough time to avoid the collision.

Bicyclist - Be predictable. Always ride in a straight line. When preparing to change your lane position, look behind you and yield to overtaking traffic. For making a left turn, give the left-hand signal and when it's safe, move to the left lane. Give the left-hand signal again and then make your turn when it is safe to do so.

Stop Sign Rideout

This accident occurs when the bicyclist enters an intersection that is controlled by a sign and collides with a motor vehicle approaching from an uncontrolled lane. The bicyclist fails to stop/slow and look for traffic before entering the intersection. This improper action leaves the motorist too little time to avoid a collision.

Bicyclist - When operating your bicycle, obey all traffic signs and signals. At busy intersections, get off your bike and walk across the road as you do when you are a pedestrian.

Remember:

Wear brightly colored clothing at all times when riding.

Never carry packages or passengers that block your view.

Inspect your bicycle regularly and consult a dealer or professional if repairs or adjustments are needed.

Go back to the main Safety page.

Laws

In addition to the City Ordinance requiring the use of helmets, the Georgia Code also requires the following:

Bicycles ridden between sunset and dawn must be equipped with an approved headlight and rear reflectors.

Bicyclists must ride on the right side of the road with traffic; not facing traffic.

Bicyclists must obey all traffic signs and signals.

Bicyclists must use the appropriate hand signals before turning or stopping.

Bicyclists must keep hands on handlebars and maintain control at all times.

Wearing headphones while riding is prohibited.

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