Below are some safety tips for cyclists, suggested by myself. I also requested Eunice bicycle laws from Police Chief Randy Fontenot.
There are many cyclists in Eunice, and there is nothing wrong with that. I enjoy riding a bicycle and I plan to purchase one soon with cooler temperatures on the way. I enjoy riding a bicycle and love the exercise.
However, with many cyclists on our roadways, there are rules and laws to obey.
Familiarize yourselves with the laws.
Some laws include: Ride with the traffic.
If you must leave the right side of the road, whether it’s to make a left turn or pass another rider, only do so after confirming it’s safe. Use appropriate hand signals to alert motorists, and let riders in front of you know you plan to pass on their left as well.
Wearing a helmet is not the law, but it is recommended.
When riding a bicycle during evening and early morning hours, a suggestion is to wear light colored clothing. Have and use a bicycle light on your bicycle, and reflectors during this cycling time. This is the law.
Use common sense. Don’t wear earphones or earbuds. Cyclists should not wear earphone or earbuds while riding, as doing so can compromise your hearing and alertness.
Never use sidewalks, this is the law. Pedestrians have a right to walk on sidewalks.
Be patient with motorists. Cyclists heading out on road trips should anticipate some traffic and build that into their riding schedules. Cyclists put their own safety at risk when they hurry through busy intersections and traffic jams.
When approaching a crowded intersection, never pass a car on the right, as motorists might be on the verge of making a right turn and likely are not expecting to be passed on the right by a car, much less a bicycle.
Be patient when riding in heavily trafficked areas, remembering to keep an eye out for aggressive, impatient drivers looking to get out of traffic as quickly as possible.
Police Chief Randy Fontenot, said, “Bicyclists are required to obey all traffic laws, the same as if you are driving a motor vehicle. This means you must stop at stop signs, yield the right of way to pedestrians or other vehicles the same as if you were driving. You must use hand signals to signal turns or stops. You must ride on the right side of the roadway.
“Your bicycle must be registered in the City of Eunice.”