1:57 p.m., Nov. 17, 2009----Autumn is an especially hazardous time for bicyclists, according to a three-year study in Newark that reports most bicycle crashes occur during the fall months. That is one of the statistics distributed by the Newark Bicycle Committee and the Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO).

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According to the Delaware State Police annual traffic statistical report, six bicyclists were killed and 120 were injured in Delaware, in 2008. That is the equivalent of more than two bicyclists injured each week, and this statistic only includes reported incidents. Many bike crashes are not reported.

Bicyclists and drivers of motor vehicles both need to exercise care and follow state laws.

According to the Delaware Driver's Manual, bicycles are legal vehicles, and bicyclists must obey all traffic laws. At the same time, motorists must treat bicycles like all other vehicles.

The Newark Bicycle Committee reminds both the Newark and University of Delaware communities to Bike Smart and Bike Safe.

According to a national study by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, in most car-bicycle crashes both bicyclists and motorists are at fault.

When bikes and cars are travelling parallel to each other, crashes are most often caused by:

--motorists turning into the path of a bicyclist,
--a motorist overtaking a bicyclist, or
--bicyclists turning or merging into the path of the motorist, most of the time making a left turn in front of the car traveling in the same direction.

When cars and bike riders are in crossing paths, the most common cause of crashes is either:

-- the motorist or the bicyclist failing to yield the right of way at an intersection or crosswalk, or
-- bicyclists failing to yield right of way in mid-block locations, such as driveways.

Three principles will assist bicyclists in sharing the road: control, predictability and visibility.

Tips for bicyclists

The following reminders for bicyclists provide tips on how to protect themselves and avoid injury:

--Always ride with the flow of the traffic; ride as far to the right of the roadway as practical and in a straight line.

--Wear safety gear, including a helmet and bright colored clothing. (Delaware law requires all individuals up to 18 to wear a helmet. The Delaware Driver's Manual also states that when bicycling at night, you must have a white head light visible for 500 feet, a red rear-reflector visible for 600 feet and reflective material visible from both sides for 600 feet, or a lighted lamp visible from both sides for 500 feet. A red tail light is recommended.)

--Bikes are required to yield to pedestrians on a sidewalk or across a roadway and in a crosswalk. A bicyclist should give an audible signal before overtaking and passing the pedestrian.

--Bicyclists must signal their intentions by pointing with their arm when they are turning left, right or coming to a stop. This gives motorists time to react to avoid a collision.

--In downtown Newark, it is illegal to ride a bicycle on the sidewalks of Main Street, but other walkways or pathways are legal.

--In areas where usable paths for bicycles exist, bicycle riders should use those paths and not use walks reserved for pedestrians.

--Parked bicycles need to be locked to bike racks, and not trees, shrubs, railings, fences, light posts or areas blocking doorways of buildings or access ways. On the UD campus, bicyclists are cautioned that the Princeton link and post fences on The Green are not secure.

--It is against the law to ride a bicycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

On the UD campus, anyone seeing a bike theft or tampering in progress should call the University Police at (302) 831-2222.

Tips for motorists

Some reminders for drivers:

--Keep an eye out for cyclists by scanning roadways in Newark and around the UD campus.

--Use caution when approaching a bicyclist and give the rider extra space.

--When parking on the street, check your rearview mirror and look to the side before opening the door to avoid hitting a passing bicyclist.

--When bike riders signal they are turning left, don't speed up to pass first.

--Remember bicycles are vehicles and should be given the same right of way and courtesy as any other vehicle.

--Always drive the speed limit, especially in residential areas, and be prepared to slow or stop for the unexpected.

The ordinances relating to bicycles operating in the City of Newark can be found on the city's Web site, by clicking on Municipal Code. At Municode.com, click on Newark Code of Ordinances, Chapter 20, then Article 22 and Article 27.

For more information on bicycle safety, visit the Delaware Bicycle Council's Web site.

Article by Cindy Genau