SHARING THE ROAD: VEHICLES AND BICYCLES
By Contributor
Cyclists, like pedestrians, are vulnerable to significant injuries or death in car crashes said Nelson Police Department in a media release.
NPD said two contributing factors that attribute to drivers in car crashes involving cyclists are distracted driving and failing to yield the right of way.
“When you are driving you can help reduce the chance of a crash and address the common causes by sharing the road safely,” the release said.
“Don’t get distracted, shoulder check for cyclists, yield to cyclists, keep a safe distance and scan for cyclist.”
NPD said a person operating a cycle on a highway has the same rights and duties as a driver of a vehicle.
“As per section 183 of the Motor Vehicle Act, cyclists must not ride on a sidewalk unless authorized by a bylaw or unless otherwise directed by a sign, must ride as near as practicable to the right side of the highway and must not ride abreast of another person operating a cycle on the roadway.”
“Together cyclists and drivers can make our roads a safer place.”
