Some area residents have been noticing that many bicycles don’t know the rules of the road or are simply ignoring them for convenience.
But the rules that bikes must follow are similar to that for cars and pickups and have been developed for safety, according to International Falls Police Cpt. Tom Lynch.
While Borderland has had few serious bicycle-vehicle accidents in recent years, he said some bicyclists have experienced scrapes and bruises when they are involved in traffic accidents with vehicles.
One rule that bicyclists must abide by is to ride with the flow of traffic, said Lynch. That means traveling in the same lane with vehicles traveling the same direction.
In contrast, pedestrians are to walk against traffic, so they may see the vehicles coming toward them.
Lynch said bicyclists must signal appropriately when they prepare to turn or stop to allow other vehicles to anticipate their change in movement.
Bicyclists also must obey stop signs and traffic signs, just like vehicles, said Lynch. “It’s common sense and it will keep you safer,” he said.
He encouraged bicyclists to be aware of vehicles traveling around them.
“Bicyclists should be looking for traffic; traffic may not see you, so bicyclists need to be very aware of their surroundings,” said Lynch.
In an effort to teach bike control, the Falls Police Department joins with Community Education each spring to offer a bike rodeo.
Participants are provided free bike helmets, thanks to a donation by Boise Inc., and police provide free handouts with riding tips. An obstacle course encourages bicyclists to learn how to stop on a mark, ride among cones, and ride within a narrow area.
For more information on bike riding safety and rules, Lynch encourages people to go online.
