Latest news with #bicyclists
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Montgomery Co. council member proposes new bike safety legislation
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) – There's a push to protect bicyclists in Montgomery County after nearly five dozen crashes involving them this year. Part of the problem is that drivers are using bike lanes as their own. Montgomery County Council Member Evan Glass says there have been 59 cyclist-involved crashes since January, one of which was deadly. He's proposing a bill to keep vehicles from standing, stopping or parking in bike lanes. 'We need to make sure that our roads are safe for everybody,' Glass said. It's something that cyclists say is needed. 'Blocked bike lanes force cyclists to move into car traffic, thus, negating the very purpose of those bike lanes,' Peter Gray with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association said. Capital Bikeshare to increase prices amid high demand For some, there have been a number of close encounters. 'On one occasion, a FedEx truck pulled into the bike lane as I was coming and didn't even check. I had to brake very hard to avoid colliding into the truck,' Erica Herrera, who rides her bike every day to and from work, said. Daniel Langenkamp's wife, Sarah, died in 2022 after a truck hit her bike. 'There are lots of people that would like to use bike lanes, but they can't because cars and trucks regularly park in the street, in the bike lane, keeping people from using those bike lanes safely,' Langenkamp said. Glass said, 'What this legislation will do is allow everybody who sees an obstruction to call 311 to contact the Department of Transportation immediately, and the department and agencies will then deploy individuals to make sure that blockage is fixed.' Glass will introduce his bike safety bill during Tuesday's council meeting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
22-07-2025
- CBS News
New bicycle safety signs around Denver's Wash Park aim to stop crashes, deaths
The Colorado Department of Transportation placed new safety signs around Washington Park in Denver to make it safer for bicyclists. CDOT said 79 bicyclists have been killed over the last five years across the state. One more bicyclist was killed Monday night in Denver in a hit-and-run. CDOT says they placed the signs around Washington Park because it is one of the most active parks in Colorado. Hundreds of bicyclists, walkers and roller skaters use the park each and every day. CDOT hopes to expand to other parks in the future. CDOT says the main reason Colorado is seeing so many bicyclists getting killed on the roadways is because of drivers failing to yield to bicyclists. There are two big rules to remember. First, bicyclists do not have to be at a complete stop at a stop sign. Bicyclists do stop at a stop light, but once it is clear, they can go through it, even if it is red. The second, when drivers are passing a bicyclist, they must leave three feet between them. CDOT says if both of these rules are followed, it can help lessen the tensions they are seeing between drivers and bicyclists. "Traffic deaths are entirely preventable on our roadways, especially when it comes to our bicyclists," said Sam Cole, Traffic Safety Manager with CDOT. "Bicyclists are only going five, 10, to even 20 mph at a time. You, as a driver, are driving 30 to 40 mph in a two-ton machine. You have extra responsibility to use caution around bicyclists." CDOT says this is the first time they have launched a campaign focused on bicyclist safety. Their hope is to do this annually around the summer. CDOT is reminding bicyclists not to ride around with headphones on so they can hear their surroundings. Also, bicyclists should have reflective coverings on their bicycles, wear reflective clothes, and have lights when riding at night.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Everything you need to bike to work safely, according to experts
Biking to work is the ultimate health flex — it lets you squeeze in exercise, skip traffic and start your day energized. Research suggests that cycling may lower your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and even premature death. It's also a powerful boost for your mental well-being. I live in a beach town where traffic is bonkers. Because a mere 5-mile drive can take up to an hour in the summer, I end up biking everywhere: to work appointments, the doctor's office, restaurants, the grocery store and more. Before I start pedaling away, I always make sure my safety bases are covered. After all, nearly 1,000 bicyclists die and more than 130,000 are injured in road crashes every year in the United States, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. My dad was in a bad bike crash when I was little, making me laser-focused on doing what I can to be as safe as possible on the road, including investing in gear to keep me safe and in one piece as I zip from place to place. With that in mind, here's what bike safety experts and an emergency room doctor want you to know about making your bike commute as safe as possible — plus some gear that can help support you on your journey. Again, biking to work is amazing for your health, but there are a few things to be aware of in terms of safety. "Commuting hours can be especially dangerous, given the increased volume of drivers on the road as well as the potential for altered visibility at sunrise and sunset," says Dr. Mark Conroy, emergency medicine physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Along with having the proper safety gear, Conroy recommends paying close attention to your surroundings. "Ride your bike as if drivers and pedestrians do not recognize you are there. Especially at busy times, your ride should be an active process where you are paying attention and trying to anticipate the unexpected," he says. Conroy also warns about the danger of parked cars, given that you can crash into a door that someone opens unexpectedly. "Nothing can be prevented completely, but just keeping aware of newly parked cars and the potential for doors to open can hopefully cut down on some of these accidents," he says. Following traffic laws is crucial too, says Alison Dewey, director of education for the cycling advocacy organization League of American Bicyclists. "When you're on a bike, you do have an obligation to follow traffic laws and ride responsibly to keep yourself and other people on the roadway safe," she states. It's also a good idea to stick to specialized bike areas when you can, recommends Martina Haggerty, vice president of infrastructure at PeopleForBikes, a nonprofit that supports bike safety. "When people can ride on bike paths, protected bike lanes or on slow streets that are truly connected, they don't have to rely solely on their reflexes to stay safe," she says. Dewey agrees, adding, "Protected bike lanes are a really great option. [They] can make a difference between safe riding and putting yourself in a riskier situation with traffic." And, of course, always wear a helmet. "Helmets are, by far, the most important piece of equipment outside of a bike that riders can purchase," says Conroy. Sure, you could just hop on your bike and start pedaling to work, but without the right gear, your commute might be more risky than rewarding. To stay safe on the road, here are a few essentials worth investing in. If you make only one purchase for your bike commute to work, make it a helmet. "A helmet keeps your head safe if you crash, fall or hit something," Dewey says, adding, "Your head is one of the most important parts of your body — you need to protect it." All helmets sold in the United States are required to meet standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. However, there's a surprising amount of variation between helmets. In other words, don't just grab the first helmet you see at the store and assume you're ready to go. At baseline, Conroy says it's crucial to find the right helmet for your head size, noting that it shouldn't be loose. Consider investing in an adjustable helmet for a more precise and snug fit. Another consideration? Price. "What drives up the price point is comfort features, like adjustability and vents," says Dewey. If you plan to ride your bike regularly, it's worth spending a little more to make sure you feel comfortable in your helmet. According to Dewey, if you'll be riding at night, dusk, early morning or in precipitation, a quality bike light is essential. Conroy agrees, adding that the farther you are from city lights, the brighter your light should be. "Additionally, there are options for flashing lights and different colors. These features can be helpful for riders to distinguish themselves, especially on more crowded roadways," he says. This one might not be a must, but it is handy to have, says Dewey. "Bells can be a nonaggressive way to help drivers and walkers recognize your presence," explains Conroy. If a bell isn't your thing, Dewey recommends making sure you're prepared to use your voice to let other people know you're approaching. Reflective gear is another one of Dewey's recommendations for alerting others to your presence. While your bike should have a white reflector in the front and a red one in back, Conroy says it's worth investing in a reflective vest, gloves or bag to improve your visibility from the sides. If you don't want to show up to work with a backpack-shaped sweat stain on the back of your shirt, consider investing in a roomy carrier. Dewey suggests considering a pannier — a bag that attaches to your bike's rear rack. "Just make sure you keep the straps tight and away from your wheels," she notes. While we're not endorsing texting while biking, having a phone holder can be helpful if you plan on using a navigation or fitness app. It's also safer than reaching into your pocket to check the time. Our top tip when shopping? Double-check that the option you choose is compatible with the diameter of your bike handles. Pop-up storms happen. While nothing will be able to fully protect you (especially your lower half) when you're biking in the rain, having a reliable rain jacket in your bag can make the difference between you being comfortable and spending your workday damp and shivering in the AC. Dr. Mark Conroy, emergency medicine physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Alison Dewey, director of education for the cycling advocacy organization League of American Bicyclists Martina Haggerty, vice president of infrastructure at PeopleForBikes, a nonprofit that supports bike safety Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
CBC
25-06-2025
- General
- CBC
Work underway to redesign Dutch Village Road in Fairview
The popular thoroughfare hasn't been upgraded in decades, but when the project is completed, it will make room for a new bike lane and more.
CBS News
19-06-2025
- CBS News
Colorado prosecutors say no one will be charged in hit-and-run despite finding car
Cycling victim in hit and run reacts to news of no charges in the case Cycling victim in hit and run reacts to news of no charges in the case Cycling victim in hit and run reacts to news of no charges in the case Greg Johnson walks with a limp, part of the aftereffects of what happened to him the morning of June 18, 2022. An avid bicyclist, he was en route to Golden Gate Canyon for one of his long weekend rides. The ride followed his usual commute on a bike from Wheat Ridge to Denver International Airport and back for work most days. But that morning was different. He was struck from behind on 32nd Avenue in Golden by a car and went tumbling over it, taking out a side mirror on the way. He didn't wake up until he was in a hospital. Greg Johnson was struck in a hit-and-run on 32nd Avenue in Golden on June 18, 2022. Bob Shaver "Twenty-plus broken bones. The right femur was shattered into 40 pieces. Right hip was crushed," he listed as some of his injuries. He is full of new parts installed. A back surgery went poorly and he had to have it redone in February. It has been a tribute to his fitness and determination that he has gotten back on a bike. But a 20-to-30-mile slow ride is tops. It hurts to much with all the screws in wrong places he shares. "I'm never going to be back to what I was or where I was," he said. And there is frustration with what happened. "The only ones that have been held responsible for this have been my wife and I." As of June 18, 2025, the statute of limitations has ended the ability for investigators to file charges in the case they worked to make. In Colorado, aside from serious charges like murder or kidnapping, most felony charges have a three-year statute of limitations. And so with no charges filed, no one will be charged, he was told this week by the First Judicial District Attorney's Office in Jefferson County. Not that there wasn't a chance. In the days after the hit-and-run, Colorado State Patrol detectives leading the investigation, acting on a tip, found what they believed was the car involved. It was damaged and was missing the mirror that matched the one left at the scene. They identified an 18-year-old as the car's owner. He was arrested on a warrant connected to a prior DUI charge out of Denver. What they didn't get from the car's owner was a confession. They got no cooperation, says the Colorado State Patrol. Not from the driver or the other two people reportedly in the car with him. "The story that was relayed to me was that the three people who were in the vehicle, all three claimed to have been too intoxicated to know who was driving," said Johnson. In March, Colorado State Patrol investigators met with the district attorney's office. CBS Colorado's Alan Gionet interviews Greg Johnson. CBS "To file criminal charges, the district attorney's office must be able to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that a specific individual committed a crime. In this case, the investigation conducted by the Colorado State Patrol did not establish probable cause for who was driving the vehicle, and therefore, they did not recommend charges," said the First Judicial District Attorney's Office director of public affairs Brionna Boatright. Johnson said he heard little from the Colorado State Patrol about the investigation over the past three years. He says he's not upset, but disappointed. "There's got to be some means to follow through with this," said Johnson. Colorado State Patrol spokesperson Trooper Sherri Mendez said: "Our hearts go out to the victim… They put a lot of work into the investigation. In this case, we were all disappointed that the charges didn't go through." Johnson says friends continually ask, 'Why not charge all of them?' In order for there to be a conspiracy, there would have had to have been an agreement to hit the cyclist, explained Boatright. The charge under the circumstances of a traffic case would most likely be as an accessory. But a hit and run is a singular act, and charging as an accessory depends upon someone being charged as the driver. No one is accused as the driver at this point. In effect, the three believed to be in the car investigators connect to the case found a loophole in the law. Johnson says he understands the need to guard against abuse of the rights of the accused. "It is the way it is to protect people's rights from their standpoint, and I completely support and grasp that. But when you're on the other side of it and you look at it, I still find it a stretch to say it's serving justice, the fact that there were three people in that car. All three of them were culpable at some level, at least of not having the humanity to stop and render aid to someone who was severely injured." In the time he is back on a bike, Johnson loves to hear the sounds of birds as he passes them, but wishes he could ride farther up into the canyons like he used to. "I wish it had worked out differently. I wish I had never been on 32nd Avenue at 6 o'clock in the morning… with a drunk driver behind me. It is what it is now."
