BICYCLE SAFETY
Submitted by Code Enforcement Officer Ned Crossley

Summer is a great time to straddle a bicycle and get some exercise in the great outdoors. Understanding and using the laws that apply to cyclists will help riders stay safe, and drivers will know what is expected of a cyclist.

Idaho traffic law Title 49 chapter 7 contains the following rules applicable to bicycles:

• Officer Crossley is a Code Enforcement Officer for the McCall Police Department

  Due Care: cyclists have the responsibility to encourage a safe environment
• Cyclists are required to be astride a seat, no riders for which the bike is not designed. A child may be carried in backpack, sling or bike seat.
• Clinging to or following vehicles: no attaching to a vehicle or following so close as to create an immediate hazard
• Bicycles are to be ridden on the right side of the roadway (with traffic), unless on a one-way road with 2 or more lanes where riding with traffic on the left curb is allowed.
• Riding no more than two abreast in the traffic lane shall not impede normal traffic flow.
• Carrying articles: at least one hand shall be used to control and operate the bicycle
• Stopping & signal: when approaching a stop sign, shall slow to a reasonable speed, and if required for safety, stop, yield the right of way before entering an intersection. When approaching a solid red light, a cyclist must stop and yield before passing through the red light. A signal shall be given at least 100 feet before turn, unless both hands are needed for control & operation of the bicycle.
• Sidewalks: a cyclist must yield right of way to pedestrians and when overtaking a pedestrian or cyclist
  must give an audible signal. A bicycle shall not be operated where prohibited by official traffic control
  device. The City of McCall does not allow bicycles on sidewalks.
• Light and reflector requirements: when operating between sunset and sunrise, a light, visible from at
  least 500 feet, shining to the front and a reflector clearly visible to the rear.
  

While enjoying a bicycle ride, abiding by the traffic laws will help keep you safe
and can save you the cost of a citation.