Bicycle Safety Page
Resource
Bicycle Safety
In 2023, 43 people were hit and killed while biking on North Carolina roads. That is more than double the number of bicycle fatalities from 2022.
Bicycle Infrastructure
Bicycles are Vehicles
Driving Safely Around Bicyclists
How to Safely Pass A Bicycle
Nearly ⅓ of all fatal and serious injury bicycle crashes occur when drivers are passing bicyclists (Source: FHWA). Most lanes aren’t wide enough for a vehicle to squeeze past a cyclist without hitting them. In North Carolina, it is legal to cross a double yellow line in order to change lanes and safely pass a cyclist.
Hand Signals
Do you know the bicycle hand signals? People riding bicycles use their arms to signal that they are turning or slowing down. Familiarize yourself with these signals and give people on bikes plenty of space on the road.
Community Benefits
Adding bicycle facilities benefits the community and local economy. One analysis of shared use paths (also known as “greenways”) in North Carolina found that they provide substantial economic benefits to the surrounding community (Source: ITRE).
These Benefits Include:
- $19.4 million in business output
- $25.7 million saved from the increase in physical activity and reduction in congestion, traffic injuries, and air pollution
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the safest place for a person on a bicycle to ride?
The safest place to ride is with traffic, on the right side of the road. Bicycles are considered vehicles and have a right to use the full lane. If the lane is wide enough to allow motor vehicles to pass safely, ride on the right side of the lane. If a vehicle cannot pass you within the lane without hitting you, it is safer to ride in the middle of the lane, which encourages vehicles to move over a lane to pass. For more information, visit Bike Walk NC.
How often do I need to replace my bicycle helmet?
Replace your bicycle helmet any time it has been involved in a crash or is physically damaged. Keep in mind that after a crash, a helmet may look intact, but the foam inside a helmet is not able to withstand more than one hard hit.
How should a bicycle helmet fit?
A properly fitted bicycle helmet should comfortably touch your head on all sides, and should stay in place when you shake or tilt your head to either side. The helmet should sit level on your head and low on your forehead, leaving space for one or two finger-widths above your eyebrow. The chin strap should be tight enough that you can only fit one or two fingers under the strap. For more information, check out “Fitting your Bike Helmet,” published by NHTSA.
Are bike lights required when cycling at night?
Yes. Bicyclists riding at night must have an active, white front light (visible from at least 300 ft) and a rear, red light (visible from 300 ft) or reflective clothing.
Are bicyclists required to ride in bike lanes?
North Carolina law does not require bicyclists to ride in bike lanes.
What are Ghost Bikes?
Ghost Bikes serve as a memorial for a bicyclist who was hit or killed on the road. Ghost Bikes are painted all white and are typically stationed at the location where a bicyclist was killed.
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