À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ

Bicycle Safety

Bicycle crashes are one of the top causes of injury seen in the Trauma Service at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ. Bicyclists and motorists both play a role in preventing crashes.

Tips for bicyclists:

• Follow the same rules of the road as drivers of cars. Follow California law VC21200.
• ALWAYS wear a helmet. It’s the law for children and youth under 18 years old.
• Make sure you are visible at night—with a white headlight, a rear reflector (required by law). Light colored or reflective clothing is recommended.
• Don’t swerve in and out of parked cars. You’re more visible going in a straight line down the road.
• Ride on the road. Sidewalks are for pedestrians and those going walking speed.
• It is illegal to ride with earphones in both ears.
• Pay attention at all times. Try to anticipate what motorists may do.

Tips for motorists:

• Share the road.
• Remember the 3-foot-law—a vehicle must stay at least 3 feet way when passing a bicyclist.
• If the road doesn’t have enough room for the bicyclist to ride, the bicyclist is allowed to ride in the lane.
• After parallel parking and before opening your door, check for bicyclists riding alongside your car or approaching quickly.

The Injury Prevention program in the Trauma Service at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ is working in the community so that bicyclists of all ages can ride the streets safely for transportation, recreation or fun.

• Practicing bicycling skills at school rodeos
• Teaching Rules of the Road in local classrooms
• Working with Stanford University on programs to increase helmet usage
• Partnering with local Police Departments to enforce and educate on helmet use and bicycle laws

For more information, please contact Maylyn Co atÌýmayco@stanfordhealthcare.orgÌýor 650-736-8095.

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Learn more about bicycle safety.
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