McCracken County Attorney's Office
301 South 6th St. - Courthouse
Paducah, KY 42003
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday - 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Closed for lunch Friday 12:00p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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Bicycle Saftey I |
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Most of us remember, as a child, looking forward to warmer weather so we could begin riding our bicycles again. Getting the bike out meant freedom, adventure, and a lot of fun. Having and riding a bicycle was one of the most important parts of spring and summer fun.
Although bicycles provide hours of fun for children and adults, they do come with considerable responsibility as well. Bicycles are legal vehicles in Kentucky, and riders—whether adults or children—have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers.
After a long winter, here are a few reminders regarding laws and safety procedures for operating bicycles in Kentucky:
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Because bicycles are vehicles by legal definition, riders should ride the bicycles on the right side of the road and travel in the same direction of the traffic. The vast majority (63 percent) of bicycle accidents occur when the bicyclist was traveling against the flow of traffic, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.
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In addition, bicycle riders should obey all traffic signals and signs. Bicyclists should use either mechanical or hand signals 50 feet before turning. Bicyclists who take extreme caution when turning and crossing intersections and driveways cut his or her risk of accident considerably. The U.S. Department of Transportation states that 80 percent of car-bike collisions happen when the driver or cyclist is turning or crossing.
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Although Kentucky law does not mandate helmet usage, it is highly recommended. Between 70 and 80 percent of fatal bike accidents involve brain injuries, according to the Brain Injury Association of America. The Bike Helmet Safety Institute confirmed that wearing a helmet could lower the risk of head injury by 85 percent.
Bicyclists should:
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Obey all traffic signals and signs, just as motor vehicles should.
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Never use Interstate and Parkway systems for cycling.
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Operate a bicycle within posted speed limits or at a rate reasonable for existing conditions.
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Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and on sidewalks.
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Give an audible warning (bell, horn or shout) before passing pedestrians.
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Operate the bike with a white light visible from the front and a red reflector or light visible from the rear when riding at night.
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Drive as closely as is practical to the right-hand boundary of the highway. Extreme caution should be used to avoid road debris, to pass another vehicle or to make a left turn when moving out into the center of the road.
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Not ride on sidewalks.
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Not park bicycles on sidewalks or in any manner that would interfere with pedestrian traffic.
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Ride on a bike path adjacent to the roadway, if provided.
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Carry no more persons than the number for which the bike is equipped.
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Never ride more than two abreast on a roadway, to avoid interfering with the normal movement of traffic.
As you prepare for bike riding season, take a little extra time inspecting your bicycle. A tune-up from a professional is recommended. Enjoy a safe a fun biking season!
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Bicycle Safety II |
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Spring has sprung in McCracken County. I doubt anyone welcomes the warm weather more than the young and young at heart, which includes hundreds of bicyclists. With the excitement of spring and warm weather comes a warning. Please use extra caution and look for bicyclists.
One of the more common explanations after a motorist has hit a bicyclist is, “I didn’t see him or the bicycle.” Although that may be the case, it is not an ample excuse for injuring a bicyclist. Bicycles are legal vehicles in Kentucky, and riders have the same rights as motor vehicle drivers. Drivers must train themselves to look for the narrower profile of a bicycle while driving.
Motorists should follow these recommendations to help protect bicyclists:
- Almost half of all bicycle crashes occur in driveways and on sidewalks. Please use extra caution when backing out or turning into your driveway. Look carefully for bicyclists.
- Many car-bike collisions happen when the driver or cyclist is turning or crossing, usually at intersections or driveways. Be alert at those crossings.
- Drive at a safe speed, especially when approaching a bicyclist.
- Share the road with bicycles.
- Before passing a cyclist, make sure there is no loose debris on the pavement that might cause the cyclist to move into the center of the lane.
- When passing, give ample room (three feet) between your car and the cyclist. Realize your car may cause air turbulence that may cause the cyclist to lose his or her balance.
- Give extra room when passing if you have extended outside mirrors.
- When turning after passing a cyclist, leave ample room so you will not cut him or her off when you slow for your turn.
- Check behind you for cyclists before opening your car door.
- At night, be alert and do not use your high beams. They will temporarily blind the cyclist.
- Train yourself to look for a cyclist’s narrow profile.
We strive for safe roads in McCracken County and that certainly applies for safe riding conditions for bicyclists as well. With proper caution and training, we can provide the safest possible conditions for McCracken Countians to enjoy.
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