Latest news with #NationalBicycleSafetyMonth
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Grand Jury calls Bakersfield's plan to reduce pollution by replacing cars with bicycles ‘nebulous'
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Kern County Grand Jury said trying to achieve reduced pollution in Bakersfield by getting more people to ride bikes instead of driving cars is 'nebulous,' according to a new report. According to the grand jury report released on Tuesday, the city of Bakersfield received a $200,000 federal grant for widespread implementation of bike lanes. The main goal of this decision was to lessen pollution caused by automobiles on the roads. However, the grand jury questioned the necessity of federal grant money, saying replacing one automobile with a bike would lead to a reduction of 0.00000119% of the Central Valley's annual CO2 production. Bakersfield police provide safety tips for National Bicycle Safety Month The report also said the urban design consulting firm that drafted the 'Bicyclist and Pedestrian Safety Plan' after it was approved in 2018 was biased towards bicycles over other automotive vehicles, as they reportedly expressed it on their website. The grand jury also said the extreme weather and poor air quality in Bakersfield are not suitable for a shift from cars to bicycles. The report also pointed out positives derived from the plan. For instance, the narrowing of automobile lanes to make space for bicycle lanes compels drivers to slow down, according to the report. The grand jury also reported accidents involving a motor vehicle and a bicycle are reduced by about 53% and injuries are reduced by about 40% to 50% when bike lanes are installed on arterial roadways, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. Never miss a story: Make your homepage For new road developments, the grand jury said bike lanes can be accommodated by being installed without inhibiting the flow of traffic. The grand jury made three main recommendations to the city for this plan: Consider revising the Request for Proposal material to better identify potential conflicts or biases regarding the proposals by July 1 Conduct automobile and bicycle traffic counts before installing new bicycle lanes on existing roadways, starting Sept. 1 Develop cost and benefit models before installing any bicycle lane by Sept. 1 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Yahoo
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.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Stockton police shares safety reminders for National Bicycle Safety Month
( The Stockton Police Department is reminding the community to be vigilant as May is National Bicycle Safety Month. Video Above: What to know about California's E-Bike Program Citing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, SPD said 1,105 people were killed while riding their bikes in 2022. The administration also said that 46,295 bicyclists were injured in that same year. Police said that as warmer weather arrives, more people bike for commuting, exercise or recreation. Police said it is important for everyone to look out for each other. 'Bicycling is a great means of transportation and recreation, and everyone deserves to ride to their destination safely,' Chief of Police Stanley McFadden said. 'Whether you are behind the wheel or on two wheels, we all share the responsibility to move safely on our roads.' Stockton police are giving safety tips for both drivers and bicyclists. Drivers should: Slow down, follow the speed limit, and be cautious going through intersections Look carefully for bicyclists and pedestrians before making a turn or opening a car door near bike paths Have patience and give bicyclists space when traveling behind them or passing them on the road Per California Law, drivers are required to change lanes, when possible, to pass bicyclists, along with having three feet of space during the pass Never drive impaired or distracted Bicyclists should: Use lights at night Always wear a properly secured helmet, even though it is not required for riders 18 and older Travel in the same direction of traffic Follow the same requirements as any slow moving vehicle Yield to pedestrians Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
