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Community Corner

How to Bike Safely in Redwood City

Biking is becoming more popular, but safety concerns are preeminent.

As the economy continues to tank and families strive to tighten spending during the back-to-school season, bike riding is becoming an increasingly popular fashion of transportation for students of all ages.

But while more bicyclists are on the street, there is an by both bike riders and car drivers to share the road. When such an effort is ignored, tragedy can strike.

The necessity for increased safety and awareness was illustrated in June when a 12-year-old boy riding his bike near Farm Hill Road and McGarvey Avenue . The bicyclist escaped with only minor cuts and bruises and the car passengers were unscathed. Ultimately the police found the bike rider at fault for suddenly turning in front of the car while riding at night.

But the potential harsh reality of what can happen when cars and bikes do not share the blacktop was made abundantly clear.

Accidents like this call into question whether teens and children have been taught necessary lessons on bicycle and road safety before being allowed into traffic, at night, by themselves.

Naomi Hunter, spokeswoman for , said there is no standardized curriculum for students to learn about the rules of the road for bikers in public schools.

She said that some school principals may invite representatives from the onto campus to host seminars or rallies for students to learn about bike safety issues.

But with budget struggles plaguing city schools, the district is unable to dedicate resources toward integrating such lessons into its basic education plan, said Hunter.

According to city engineer Christian Hammack, the most common form of transportation in Redwood City is the car. But fellow city engineer Kevin Fehr said that rising gas prices have driven residents toward biking rather than driving, in an effort to save money.

The city is working to build more efficient bike routes into its plan for downtown, as city government officials envision a culture that is less reliant on cars and places greater emphasis on taking a bike, bus or train around town.

As emphasis turns from cars to alternative forms of transportation, the responsibility for ensuring safe travel for everyone becomes more important.

First, police advise that cyclists wear safety equipment. State law requires minors to wears helmets while riding bikes. Though there is no such legal impetus on adults, it's still strongly suggested by law enforcement that all bicyclists pursue similar measures.

Furthermore, a bicycle advocacy program brought forth by the Peninsula Traffic Congestion Relief Alliance encourages bicyclists to behave as they would behind the wheel of a car.

According to a safety manual offered on Commute.org, the program's web site, bicyclists should adhere to all standard traffic laws and not take advantage of the increased level of maneuverability that bikes offer compared to cars.

"If you act like a vehicle operator—signaling turns, turning from the correct lanes and stopping at red lights—drivers can predict what you’ll do," offers Commute.org.

To become more adept at understanding the rules of the road from the perspective of a bicyclist, the safety manual suggests bikers hone their skills riding in traffic during the weekend when fewer cars are on the road.

Local rides such as the Dumbarton Bridge Ride in Menlo Park and Canada Road in Belmont are suggested for beginning bikers to practice becoming familiar on how to ride in low traffic areas.

For more suggestions on similar paths, click here.

Other safety tips addressed in the guide include how to perform correct signaling gestures, how bikers should properly look over their shoulders at traffic behind them, and what is proper procedure for bicyclists regarding yielding.

To see more safety issues related to bicycling, including the safety guide, click here.

The organization also offers free, one hour workshops to interested businesses dedicated to increasing bike safety.

Ultimately, bike riding is a great way for people to pursue a healthier life style, avoid traffic jams and save money, among other benefits, said the safety guide.

But in order to properly enjoy those benefits, bikers and drivers must learn to share the road.

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