Bike season is upon us.

Because of this, MOVE Safe Allen County will conduct a Spring Awareness Campaign to help remind motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians to share the road and to do it safely.

Lima/Allen County has seen an increase in pedestrian fatalities and serious bicycle crashes. Low visibility, distracted drivers, and people that are distracted while walking on streets and sidewalks cause many of these crashes. 

Under Ohio law, bicyclists belong on the roadway, not on the sidewalk. Bicyclists may use the full lane. So, motorists and bicyclists must share the road safely. 

To safely pass a bicyclist on the road, drivers must give at least 3 feet of space.  Bicyclists, like motorists, must obey all relevant traffic laws.

Tips for bikers:

• Obey all traffic laws, including stopping for red lights and stop signs.
• Ride with traffic.
• Try to make eye contact with motorists in your path.
• Keep your eyes and mind on the road.
• Wear a properly fitting helmet, even on the shortest of rides.
• Ride in the street. In most localities, only young children are permitted to ride on sidewalks.
• Keep your bike in working order, especially your brakes and chain.
• Ride predictably. Use proper hand signals for turning and stopping.
• Ride respectfully, single file or no more than two side by side.
• Ride outside the “door zone.” When pedaling past parked cars, look at the driver’s-side mirrors. If you see someone, assume the door is about to open, and slow down.
• Be visible; wear bright clothing.
• Use a bicycle headlight and taillight at night, as well as in rainy or other bad weather.

Tips for walkers:

• Pay attention when walking on area roadways.
• Obey all traffic laws, signs and signals.
• Walk on sidewalks.  If there are none, walk along the side of the road, facing traffic.
• Cross streets in crosswalks and at marked intersections.
• Watch for cars when crossing streets and driveways – check for cars turning and backing.
• Cars, trucks, and other vehicles can't always see you. Make eye contact with the driver before crossing the street.
• Be visible. Wear bright or reflective clothing and carry a flashlight when walking at night.
• Always look both ways when crossing the street.
• Allow space and time for cars and bikes to stop.
• Be smart! The roads are for everyone, but you need to plan for your own safety.  Do not rely on others to yield or to see you.

Tips for drivers:

• Pay attention! Expect bikes on the road and pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals.
• Wait until it is safe to pass. Allow at least 3 feet between you and bicyclists.
• Use your mirrors. Look for approaching bicyclists before opening car doors.
• Keep your eyes on the road.
• Pedestrians may appear suddenly, especially children.
• Watch for and yield to bicyclists and pedestrians, especially when pulling out of a driveway.
• When making left turns, yield to oncoming bikes and pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Before making right turns, check for approaching bikes and people in crosswalks.
• Look in all directions for bicyclists and pedestrians. Signal your movements to alert others using the road.

MOVE Safe Allen County is a local traffic safety initiative dedicated to all forms of active transportation safety.  The initiative includes representatives from Allen County Public Health, Lima-Allen County Safe Community Coalition, Lima Memorial Health System, St. Rita’s Medical Center, Bath Township Fire Department, Lima Police Department, Allen County Sheriff’s Office, and other like-minded traffic safety advocates.