RCFD Offers Safety Reminder For Bicyclists, Drivers

Three bicycle vs car crashes in 24 hours prompts reminder

Rapid City, S.D. - Between the hours of 2:00 pm Monday and 7:00 am Tuesday, the Rapid City Police and Rapid City Fire Departments have responded to three bicycle vs vehicle crashes that have resulted in injury. Fortunately, none of the injuries sustained by bicyclists have been serious.

The Rapid City Fire Department would like to take the opportunity to remind motorists and bicyclists that safety is a two way street. Both bicyclists and motorists must remain attentive and alert.

Some safety tips for bicyclists include:

-Bicyclists should be prepared before they hit the road. Wear clothing and equipment to make themselves more visible to others. 

-Bicyclists should always wear a bike helmet. 

-Ride defensively, focused and alert. Anticipate what others may do before they do it. Ride with the flow, in the same direction as traffic. Always assume the other person doesn't see you.

-Bicyclists are required by state law to stop before entering the road. Accidents often happen when cyclists enter the street without stopping. Teach your children to always stop and look for cars before entering the street.

Some safety tips for motorists include:

-Yield to bicyclists the same as you would to other motorists and do not underestimate their speed. This will help avoid turning in front of a bicyclist.

-In parking lots, at stop signs, when backing up, or when parking, search your surroundings for other vehicles, including bicycles.

-Give cyclists room. Do not pass too closely. Pass bicyclists as you would and other vehicle- when it's safe to move over into an adjacent lane.

As school for the 2017-2018 school year gets underway, now is a good time to review these simple steps to safely share the road. For more information on bicyclist and motorist safety, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website by clicking here.

For questions related to this release, please contact the Rapid City Fire Department Public Information Officer at (605)-394-4180.

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