Keeping bicyclists safe on the road.

Sharing the road with bicyclists or with cars may be a battle, but no matter where we reside on the spectrum, sharing the road is the law. The bicycle accident in Iona Wednesday can remind you about the dangers of being on a busy highway. Thursday, we’re taking a look at ways you can be safe while bicycling.

Avid bicyclist, Matt McHargue says a lot of the times, drivers have a lot going on in the car which decreases their attention. But as a bicyclist, making yourself bigger than you are, can help keep you stay safe.

“You can use daytime running lights, which have a bunch options as they flash or are steady. But that will increase people being able to see you. The other way is what I like to call defensive biking,” said McHargue, who also works for Barrie’s Bike and Ski shop in Pocatello.

He says defensive bicycling is basically the same as defensive driving by using rear view mirrors.
Or a radar system sold at bike stores, that lets you know when cars are approaching from behind you.

McHargue says people’s biggest misconception is only needing lights at night while bicycling.

“If I’m going to ride a bike on the road, it’s going to have a light on it and that light is going to be turned on every time I’m on it. You always need to increase people being able to see you,” said McHargue.

And his message to the drivers and bikers everywhere…

“If you see someone (a bicyclist), just realize there’s going to be more there, and get ready! Maybe slow down and move over. It’s really not that hard. Some of this stuff is very preventable.”

He also says even though bicycle accidents seem to happen more during the day, don’t forget your bike lights during the night, sunset and sunrise hours.

Barrie’s bike shop holds bike riding nights on Tuesdays and Thursday nights. They ride in groups to educate and promote safety around town.