AAA Encourages Motorists to Share the Road with Bicyclists
America’s largest motor club promotes careful commuting whether your ride has two wheels or four.
Phoenix, Ariz., May 3, 2010. While many Americans ride bikes for recreation, others use their bikes to commute to work, improve their physical health and reduce their carbon footprint. May is National Bike Month, a time AAA reminds motorists and cyclists to be vigilant about sharing the road, and to exercise caution year round.
“It’s important for roadway users to remember that cyclists are granted the same rights and are expected to obey the same laws as motorists,” says Linda Gorman, director of public affairs at AAA Arizona.
In honor of National Bike Month, AAA would like to offer the following tips to motorists when approaching cyclists:
- Allow three feet of passing space between your car and the cyclist. Tailgating or honking can startle or fluster a bicyclist, causing them to swerve further into the driving lane.
- Be patient. Remember, cyclists are moving under their own power and can’t be expected to go the same speed as cars.
- Pay special attention to blind spots. Due to their size and the location of bike lanes, bikes can often get lost in a car’s blind spot. As a result, always double check before changing lanes, making right-hand turns or before opening your car door on the traffic side when parked.
- Follow traffic laws & pay attention. Follow the speed limit, avoid engaging in distractions and remain aware of your surroundings. Also, just as you increase your space cushion with other vehicle’s in inclement weather, be sure to also give cyclists extra room in adverse conditions.
- Use good common sense. For example, in inclement weather, give cyclists extra room.
AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. In 2008, AAA was ranked the No. 1 “socially responsible” brand by Landor’s BrandAsset® Valuator.
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