May is National Bike Month

National Bike Month is a celebration of cycling held every May in the United States, sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists. Why biking? It’s fun, healthy, decreases stress, is good for the environment, and saves money.

Did you know that by law, all bicyclists in Rockland County, regardless of age, must wear a bike helmet? Wearing a helmet that fits right every time you ride is the single most effective way to prevent a head injury from a bicycle crash.

Rockland is a great place to explore by bicycle, however sharing the road with other vehicles can lead to injuries. From October 2022 – September 2023 in Rockland County, there were 62 bicycle/motor vehicle crashes in which 45 bicyclists were injured, according to the Rockland County Crash Dashboard 2023.

Follow these tips from the New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee to safely enjoy your bicycle ride:

Be Predictable!

• Ride your bicycle with traffic, not against it.
• Ride as close to the right side of the road as you safely can and use the shoulder or the bike lane whenever it is safe to do so.
• Use hand signals when about to make a turn and obey traffic signs and signals.
• Don't hang on to other vehicles.

Be Seen!

• Establish eye contact and use your horn, bell, and/or voice to make sure drivers are aware of your presence.
• Use a head light and taillight and reflectors when riding at night.

Be Careful!

• Whenever possible, avoid road construction, congested two-way streets, and complicated intersections.
• Keep your bicycle's tires, brakes, and safety equipment in good working order.
• Know your limitations and your bicycle's limitations.
• Look all around - the more you observe other vehicles and pedestrians around you, the safer you will be.
• Don’t use a cell phone while biking. If using a portable audio device, wear only one earphone while biking.

The Department of Health works with the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to educate the community on traffic, bicycle, and pedestrian safety measures. For more information about bicycle safety, visit https://trafficsafety.ny.gov/bicycle-and-wheel-sport-safety.

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