Watch out for those on two wheels this summer riding season

Clear roads and sidewalks along with long daylight hours are a boon for those who like to get around on bikes and motorcycles, but with the added freedom of spring comes heightened danger to those on two wheels.

Over the weekend, a pair of safety-related events were held for cyclists and bikers. One, at the Menard Center, put children through a “bike rodeo” designed to enhance safety skills and learn the importance of basics like wearing a helmet and watching for traffic. Another, held at Butte Elementary for beginning motorcycle riders, put participants through a rider safety course in the school’s parking lot.

Both events were a great way for folks to get prepared for the upcoming summer riding season, which hopefully will be fun and safe for all.

But while it’s great for cyclists and riders to be prepared, it’s often up to motorists of the four-wheeled variety to do their part to ensure the streets stay safe this summer.

The phrase “Watch for Motorcycles” is a popular one on bumper stickers, and for good reason. Due to their small size and the exposed nature of the riding, motorcycles are inherently more dangerous than cars. This danger is compounded by the fact that drivers aren’t always as aware of their surroundings as they should be. Whether it’s a distraction inside the vehicle (texting and driving, noisy kids, a favorite song on the radio) or road conditions that keep drivers’ attention elsewhere, bikers are often overlooked — with consequences that can often be deadly.

Likewise, motorists also have a tendency to overlook bicycles while driving, especially since bikes often ride in areas that are unexpected, like sidewalks. Bicycles are also often ridden by children, who aren’t always great at keeping tabs on what’s going on around them.

In order to make sure this summer stays safe for all involved, it’s important that drivers start looking out for vulnerable riders and bikers. Some easy ways to do this are to frequently check mirrors and blind spots, take extra time when switching lanes and keep an eye on the sidewalks for unexpected cyclists.

Those on two wheels can also do their part by obeying the rules of the road. For motorcyclists this means obeying posted speed limits and not making unexpected lane changes that can catch automobile drivers unaware. For cyclists, this means following the rules of the road when riding on the street by using hand signals and moving with the flow of traffic. Cyclists who elect to use bike trails and sidewalks also need to be mindful of traffic, especially at crosswalks and stop signs.

The easiest way to prevent a tragedy is to be prepared. This means riders and drivers alike need to be constantly thinking about their surroundings and being hyper vigilant for those around them.

By taking a few small steps toward safety, we can all have a safe, healthy and wreck-free summer.