Bakersfield police provide safety tips for National Bicycle Safety Month
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Bakersfield Police Department encouraged the community to be alert and keep bicyclists safe in honor of National Bicycle Safety Month.
The department said they have been conducting traffic safety operations focused on driver behaviors that put bicyclists and pedestrians in danger. These behaviors include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield right of way and running a stop light or sign.
The BPD Traffic Division suggests these safety tips for the public to follow:
Slow down and follow the speed limit. Be careful traveling through intersections.
Look carefully for bicyclists and pedestrians before making a turn or opening a car door near streets or bike paths.
Be patient when traveling behind a bicyclist and give them space when passing. California law requires drivers to change lanes, when possible, to pass bicyclists and always pass with at least 3 feet of space.
Never drive distracted or impaired.
Use lights at night.
Although not required for riders 18 and older, always wear a properly secured helmet. Helmets significantly reduce the chance of a head injury in the event of a crash.
Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow moving vehicle.
Yield to pedestrians, just as a driver would. Pedestrians have the right-of-way within marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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