MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Warmer weather and clearer skies mark the start of National Motorcycle and Bicycle Safety Awareness Month in Alabama, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). The agency is focused on spreading awareness about road safety for motorcycles and bicycles, as they can be harder to spot.
“Every year, Alabama's roads welcome an increasing number of bicyclists and motorcyclists, enhancing the need for motorists to operate their vehicles with a heightened road-safety mindset. Motorcycles and bicycles are smaller and can be harder to see than other vehicles and have very different capabilities and vulnerabilities," said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. "It’s equally important that bicyclists and motorcyclists recognize they are less visible and must be extremely vigilant, especially during low light hours. We encourage everyone using Alabama’s roadways to maintain a high level of awareness and respect for one another, so we all make it home safely.”
Throughout May, ALEA plans various educational activities to promote safe driving habits and reduce accidents involving motorcycles and bicycles.
"We all have a role to play in ensuring our roads are safe," said Colonel Archer, Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS). "This month, we aim to foster a safer environment for all road users by emphasizing respect and caution on our roads. We encourage all Alabamians to be more aware of their surroundings and to acknowledge the presence of motorcyclists, bicyclists and even pedestrians. By buckling up, putting down the phone, and allowing extra following distance, we can all make a difference."
ALEA provides tips for motorists during the the “Share the Road 24” Campaign, urging them to check blind spots, maintain safe distances, and be cautious at intersections. Motorcyclists and bicyclists are also advised to wear proper safety gear, use signals, and remain visible, following traffic rules like any other vehicle.
The full list of tips can be found below:
For Motorists:
- Always check mirrors and blind spots for motorcyclists and bicyclists before entering or leaving a lane of traffic.
- Provide ample following distance when behind motorcycles and bicycles to ensure you can react if they stop suddenly.
- Be particularly cautious at intersections, a common site for vehicle and motorcycle/bicycle collisions.
- Be patient when traveling behind a bicyclist and give them space when passing. Alabama law requires motorists to allow a minimum of three feet of clearance between their vehicle and the bicycle they are passing on the road.
For Motorcyclists and Bicyclists:
- Always wear appropriate safety gear, including helmets that meet the U.S. Department of Transportation standards.
- Use turn signals for every turn or lane change, even if you think no one will see it.
- Remain visible at all times by wearing reflective clothing and keeping headlights on in low visibility conditions.
- Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.
- Yield to pedestrians, just as a driver would. Pedestrians have the right-of-way within marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
