INDIANA – With warmer spring weather drawing more cyclists onto Indiana roadways, federal and state agencies are launching a coordinated push for increased road safety to mark National Bicycle Safety Month this May.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)—a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation—is distributing safety resources aimed at protecting “pedalcyclists.” The agency defines the term as anyone operating a bicycle, tricycle, unicycle, or other cycle powered entirely by pedals.
To help cyclists minimize risks on the road, the NHTSA has made several educational materials available to the public:
- Visual Image Library: A downloadable database of graphics showing proper versus improper road etiquette. The library illustrates how to navigate intersections, utilize designated bike lanes, and correctly ride alongside motorized traffic.
- Helmet Standards Guide: A downloadable PDF titled “Choosing a Bicycle Helmet“ which provides specific instructions on how to verify if a helmet complies with federal safety regulations.
- Product Safety Recalls: Federal officials recommend checking the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission database by searching “helmets” to review the latest safety notices and manufacturing recalls.
Closer to home, the Indiana State Police (ISP) has issued an advisory reminding motorists to be highly vigilant as bicycle traffic increases. State police emphasize that drivers must carefully look out for both bicyclists and pedestrians, with a specific focus on keeping children safe in residential areas.
Comprehensive safety tip sheets for both drivers and riders are available here.
