YOUR AD HERE »

Truckee Police launching share the road campaign

Margaret Moran
mmoran@sierrasun.com

TRUCKEE, Calif. — With summer in full swing, the Truckee Police Department is promoting a share the road campaign for bicyclists and motorists to ensure traffic safety.

“We support and embrace the adventurous outdoor lifestyle that comes with human propelled sports, but we are always concerned with safety first,” officials said in a recent advisory.

In 2012, TPD reported two fatal collisions, both involving bicyclists. The town averages one bicycle fatality a year, Truckee Police Sgt. Jason Litchie said a presentation to town council earlier this month.



“This campaign is designed to educate motorists and cyclists alike that there is plenty of room on Truckee’s roadways for safe enjoyment by everyone,” according to the department.

Officers will increase contact with riders and motorists this summer in an educational effort, Litchie said, which could include written and/or verbal warnings.



Below are some safety tips from various sources for bicyclists and motorists when traveling the region’s busy roads this summer.

For bicyclists:

Obey traffic rules such as speed limits, road signs and stop lights.

Use hand signals before making turns or changing lanes to warn traffic around you.

Ride with the flow of traffic.

Ride in single-file lines.

Watch for surface hazards, roadway changes and vehicles.

Use lights and reflectors at night.

Wear a helmet.

Maintain control of your bike.

For motorists:

Pay attention to bicyclists.

Slow down and give extra room when passing a bicyclist.

After passing a bicyclist on your right, check to make sure there is enough room before moving over.

Don’t pass bicyclists if you will be making a right turn immediately afterward.

Don’t blast your horn when approaching bicyclists. It could startle them and cause an accident.

Before opening a car door, look for bicyclists who may be approaching.

Don’t obstruct or block bike lanes when parking.


Support Local Journalism

 

Support Local Journalism

Readers around Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and beyond make the Sierra Sun's work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.

Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.

Your donation will help us continue to cover COVID-19 and our other vital local news.