Spring entices two-wheeled travel, prompts safety reminders
Brent Jennings, PE
Highway Safety Manager
With spring finally here, we need to be reminded that there will be more pedestrian traffic on the roads and sidewalks. Here are some important safety reminders for bicyclists and motor vehicle operators. All bicyclists should wear properly fitted bicycle helmets every time they ride. A helmet is the most effective way to prevent head injury resulting from a bicycle crash.
Bicyclists are considered vehicle operators; they are required to obey the same rules of the road as other vehicle operators, including obeying traffic signs, signals and lane markings. When cycling in the street, cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic.
Drivers of motor vehicles need to share the road with bicyclists. Be courteous—allow at least three feet clearance when passing a bicyclist on the road, look for cyclists before opening a car door or pulling out from a parking space, and yield to cyclists at intersections and as directed by signs and signals. Be especially watchful for cyclists when making turns, either left or right.
Bicyclists should increase their visibility to drivers by wearing fluorescent or brightly colored clothing during the day, dawn and dusk. To be noticed when riding at night, use a front light and a red reflector or flashing rear light, and use retro-reflective tape or markings on equipment or clothing.
Please make yourself and others aware of these simple reminders so that so that we all can have a safe and fun summer.
Motorcycle Safety
Spring is back and with it, motorcycles will be back on the roads. Idaho STAR (Skills Training Advantage for Riders), the state’s motorcycle safety program, held a Spring Opener to kick off the motorcycle-riding season and to reach riders with information to prevent crashes.
The event was hosted and co-sponsored by High Desert Harley-Davidson in Meridian. The spring opener included riding demonstrations, handouts, giveaways and information about the factors involved in Idaho’s motorcycle crashes. The focus was on what riders can do to avoid those crashes.
“Fatalities in Idaho have been steadily declining the last few years, thanks, in part, to motorcycle awareness campaigns,” said Stacey “Ax” Axmaker, STAR Program Director. (See the Idaho STAR website)
“We want to keep reminding riders about the importance of practice, training and keeping your riding skills sharp, and the spring openers are one more way to reach the riders of Idaho.”
A review of all 7,738 motorcycle crashes statewide from 1996 to 2010 indicates that STAR training is associated with a 79 percent reduced crash risk and an 89 percent reduction in the risk of a fatal crash. “With numbers like this,” said Axmaker, “we know we can help our Idaho riders prevent crashes; we just need to reach them.”
Rider training is not just for new riders; Idaho STAR has courses for all levels of riders and demonstrates some of the more advanced riding skills and techniques at the Spring Openers. This year, the program started three new courses to reach new and veteran riders (Introduction to Riding, Braking Skills Practice, and Cornering Skills Practice), offering a total of eight different courses.
The Idaho STAR Motorcycle Safety Program was established to reduce crashes and fatalities involving motorcyclists, primarily through rider training and education programs. STAR provides training for all levels of experience and ability, from people just thinking about buying a motorcycle, all the way up to expert riders.
You can find more information about Idaho STAR by calling (888) 280-STAR, visit its website or check Facebook and YouTube.
About Idaho STAR: The Idaho STAR Motorcycle Safety Program is an Idaho Division of Professional-Technical Education program and operates through the College of Southern Idaho. STAR is accredited by the National Association of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators (SMSA).
STAR training is associated with a 79 percent reduced crash risk and an 89 percent reduction in the risk of a fatal crash. STAR provides courses for all levels of riders, taught by Idaho certified instructors.
Published 3-29-13