MAY IS NATIONAL BIKE MONTH and MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH                                        

Richland County,  OH — As the weather warms up so does the urge to get back outside and hit the road (or trail) on a bicycle or a motorcycle. That’s why May is a National event for both modes of transportation.

May is National Bike Month as well as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Richland Public Health encourages all Richland County residents to get out and ride a bike for healthy exercise. In addition to the popular B&O Bike Trail, take advantage of the marked Mansfield Bike Loop. Don’t have a bicycle? You can check one out at the Mansfield-Richland County Public Libraries in Butler and Lexington. All you need is a library card (bikes provided by Richland Public Health). Here are some quick safety tips for bike users and drivers.

Safety Tips for Riders:

  • For all Riders: Protect your head. Always wear a helmet.
  • Make sure your bike is road-ready.
  • Bike Riders Be Visible: wear bright or florescent colors.
  • Motorcycle Riders Gear Up: wear proper protection including boots and eyewear.
  • Use signals (hand or turn signals) to indicate your intentions to other road users.
  • Check for traffic: 70% of car-bike crashes occur at driveways or intersections.
  • Obey the rules of the road (traffic laws).
  • Bicyclists should avoid riding at night or in low light conditions.

Safety Tips for Drivers:

  • Protect your life: Always wear a seat belt.
  • Be especially cautions around young bike users.
  • Remember that bike users are entitled to the full lane. Slow down and stay behind until safe to pass.
  • When passing a bike or motorcycle rider, give a three-foot safety cushion.
  • Look twice for other road users, especially at intersections.

As a bonus, bike riding is a recommended outdoor activity you can do without a mask (although Richland Public Health suggests all riders wear a helmet).

For more information, see: richlandhealth.org/bike-month/

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