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ND – Governor Jack Dalrymple signed a proclamation declaring June 14-20, 2015 as “North Dakota Share the Road Safety Week.” During the week the state encourages safe driving practices among all road users and reminds motorists, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians that together they must share the road.
“An increasing number of residents are enjoying walking, running and bicycling in communities across the state,” said state Representative Gail Mooney of Cummings, ND. “The importance of ‘North Dakota Share the Road Safety Week’ is to encourage North Dakotans to engage in safe practices for all types of road users including motor vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists.”
Bicyclists and motorists both have responsibilities when it comes to sharing the road. Bicycle/motor vehicle crashes are mostly due to the disregard for basic traffic laws or inattentive behavior by both motorists and bicyclists.
Motorists can safely share the road with bicycles by following a few tips:
· Obey traffic laws so you can be predictable to others
· Allow at least three feet when passing a bicyclist. This may mean waiting and being patient to pass until it is safe to do so.
· Show common courtesy and respect on the road.
Bicyclists should follow these tips when riding:
· Obey traffic signs and signals. Bicycles must follow the rules of the road like any other vehicle.
· Wear a helmet.
· Never ride against traffic. Motorists aren’t looking for bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road.
· Follow lane markings and use hand signals.
· Use a light at night. The law requires a white headlight and a rear reflector or taillight at night.
In addition to pedestrians and bicyclists, motorists should be aware of motorcyclists. Motorcycles also have the same rights as others on the road, only they are harder to see. Never crowd motorcyclists and always give them a full lane. Leave at least a four second following distance in case of an emergency or a sudden stop.
