May is National Bicycle Safety Month

Published on May 12, 2025

May is National Bicycle Safety Month and the Menlo Park Police Department reminds riders to follow the rules of the road and drivers to be on the lookout for more people biking and walking. A large percentage of collisions are preventable if motorists and cyclists watch out for each other.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 1,166 people killed while riding a bike in 2023, with the highest number of deaths occurring in summer months. Failing to yield the right of way is the highest factor in fatal bike crashes, followed by cyclists not being visible.

Here are some safety tips for bicyclists and drivers from the California Office of Traffic Safety:

Drivers

• Slow down and follow the speed limit. Be careful traveling through intersections.
• Look carefully for bicyclists and pedestrians before making a turn or opening a car door near streets or bike paths.
• Be patient when traveling behind a bicyclist and give them space when passing. California law requires drivers to change lanes, when possible, to pass bicyclists and always pass with at least 3 feet of space.
• Never drive distracted or impaired.

Bike Riders

• Use lights at night.
• Although not required for riders 18 and older, always wear a properly secured helmet. Helmets significantly reduce the chance of a head injury in the event of a crash.
• Bicyclists must travel in the 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.
• Plan your route with the Walk and Roll maps.