Bike safety event held for seniors after fatal bike accidents in the Coachella Valley
Reducing accidents and saving lives – that's the goal of a bicycle safety presentation held at a local senior center.
The Joslyn Center, in Palm Desert, hosted the presentation with the Riverside County Sheriff's Office.
Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions regarding bike safety and the rules of the road, which deputies were able to answer in the discussion-style event.
Deputies also provided several resources, including safety reminders and booklets from AAA that outline important information for cyclists and motorists.
This comes after two fatal bicycle accidents started the year: one on New Year's Day in Rancho Mirage and another the very next day in Palm Desert.
Some of the key points included the resources that law enforcement provided:
- Wear a properly fitting helmet
- When riding after dark, make sure appropriate lights and reflectors are installed so you can be seen by drivers
- Impaired riding is illegal – just like if you were driving!
- Ride defensively and watch out for driveways, parked cars
- Go with the flow of traffic, not against – cars turning out of driveways aren't looking out for you crossing from the right
- Ride single-file and as close to the right-hand curb as possible
- Be cautious of being in cars' blind spots
- Stay alert when turning left
- Know your hand signals to communicate well with drivers
Law enforcement also urges drivers to be cognizant of the bicyclists they share the road with.
