Sierra Wave News received the following Letter to the Editor from Erin Gilpin of Bishop, Calif.:
Recently there was a terrifying accident in Mammoth where a child on a bike was hit by a motorist. Following this accident, there have been posts on social media and in the paper calling for cyclists to ride safely. These are excellent reminders, but I would also like to remind motorists to drive safely around cyclists. There are a few simple rules that motorists can follow to make everyone safer on the road:
“I would like to remind motorists to drive safely around cyclists.”
- Yield to bicyclists as you would motorists and do not underestimate their speed. This will help avoid turning in front of a bicyclist traveling on the road or sidewalk, often at an intersection or driveway.
- In parking lots, at stop signs, when packing up, or when parking, search your surroundings for other vehicles, including bicycles.
- Drivers turning right on red should look to the right and behind to avoid hitting a bicyclist approaching from the right rear. Stop completely and look left-right-left and behind before turning right on red.
- Obey the speed limit, reduce speed for road conditions and drive defensively to avoid a crash with a cyclist.
- Give cyclists room. Do not pass too closely. Pass bicyclists as you would any other vehicle—when it’s safe to move over into an adjacent lane.
Thank you
