FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2020
Contact: Colin Parent, Executive Director
(858) 442-7374 | [email protected]
Drive, Bike, and Walk Safely During National Bicycle Safety Month
Circulate San Diego encourages everyone to “go safely” on new “slow streets,” and all streets, during National Bicycle Safety Month
San Diego, Calif. — May is Bicycle Safety Month and Circulate San Diego is encouraging people walking, driving, or riding their bikes to look out for one another while practicing social distancing measures.
While shelter-in-place orders are in effect, San Diegans still need to get to essential jobs, run errands, or go outside to exercise. San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer unveiled his slow streets initiative this week to make it easier for San Diegans to travel safely while social distancing.
Mayor Faulconer’s slow streets initiative includes closing segments of Diamond Street, Adams Avenue, and Howard Street to through vehicular traffic to allow for social distancing for people walking and bicycling. He also announced improvements to pedestrian crosswalk buttons and the re-opening of state Route 56 Bikeway, Rose Creek Bikeway, Rose Canyon Bikeway and the state Route 52 Bikeway.
“Now more than ever, San Diegans are finding that bicycling is a great way to travel to an essential job, to access essential needs, and exercise” Maya Rosas, Director of Policy said. “It’s important for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians to keep you and your family safe by remaining aware of your surroundings even though there is less vehicular traffic.”
These changes come at a great time because May is Bike Safety Month. Circulate San Diego has created a webpage with bike-friendly resources to encourage residents to get out and bike, safely and comfortably. Bike Safety Month is an important reminder about safety, but we should also remember to do everything we can to keep all road users safe. Webpage link: http://www.circulatesd.org/may_is_bike_month
Circulate San Diego suggests the following tips to help keep you and your family safe:
- Always wear a helmet and never ride impaired.
- Follow social distancing measures and maintain at least six feet of physical space between other riders and those out walking.
- Be seen: wear brightly colored and reflective clothing, and have bike lights handy (front white light and rear red flashing light or reflectors)
- Use hand signals when turning or stopping.
- Rules of the road still apply: Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow moving vehicle.
- Keep outside trips to a minimum; they should only be for essential items or exercise.
- Drive with patience: Drive cautiously and be mindful of the bicycle and pedestrian users.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
About Circulate San Diego
Circulate San Diego is a regional nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing mobility and making the region a better place to move, work, learn and play. Our work focuses on creating great mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promote sustainable growth. For more information, go to www.circulatesd.org.
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