Bicyclists, motorcyclists, motor vehicle drivers need to be cautious–Part 2
January 11, 2012
Bicycle fatalities are fairly uncommon in the Texas Panhandle, but on Thursday afternoon one Amarillo bicyclist was killed and one critically injured, according to the Amarillo Globe News. See our blog from Monday for more infomation.
In 2011, there were six pedestrian deaths, three motorcyclist deaths, and zero bicyclist fatalities from traffic accidents, the Amarillo Police Department reports. In 2010, five pedestrians, two motorcyclists, and one bicyclist were killed in traffic accidents.
In 2010, 429 motorcyclists were killed in Texas, the Texas Department of Transportation reported. More than half of motorcyclists killed were not wearing helmets.
Department of Public Safety Trooper Gabriel Medrano said that bicyclists and motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers in the eyes of the law, and they need to be just as cautious on the roads as motor vehicle drivers.
“They have to be really aware that they’re a really small object on the roadway and … people aren’t used to seeing bicyclists and motorcycle riders,” he said.
“Drivers need to be aware that there are bicycles out there and there are motorcyclists out there.”
Medrano advised that bicyclists should choose roadways with light traffic, wear helmets and reflective, brightly-colored clothing, avoid riding at night or early in the morning, and “ride as close to the right-hand curb as possible to stay away from traffic.”
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