HEY, WATCH IT, KID!
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009I have heard comments around town about kids on bikes darting out into traffic and riding on the wrong side of the road.
C’mon kids, you know better. And if you don’t, here is a little review.
Bicycles are a green form of transportation and a great way to exercise. But did you know that a bicycle is considered a vehicle?
That’s right, bicyclists are required to follow the same laws that other street vehicles follow. Bicyclists must stop at stop signs and lights, drive in the same direction as traffic, and use turn signals. In fact, if you are ticketed for violating a stop sign while biking, it shows on your driving record as a violation.
There are other safety and rules of the road/trail/crosswalk to remember, too.
When riding on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk, yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and call out to them when preparing to pass.
Stop before entering a public road and signal before proceeding into the roadway.
Parents, teach your child the safe way to make a left turn, please! (1) Dismount on the right side of the bike. (2) WALK the bike across both intersections. (3) Remount the bike on the right side of the bike.
Riding bike is a great way for children to experience the freedom to travel without their parents transporting them, but adults need to provide instructions on safety and rules.
For more information on bike safety and laws, please refer to Minnesota’s Depart-ment of Transportation Web site www.dot.state.mn.us/bike.
