Here's a tip that will help make the streets safer for cyclists as the weather gets warmer

Bicyclists often ride on the sidewalk; it is safer than riding on the street.

But there are potentially dangerous situations for sidewalk riders. A very common one occurs when motorists stop at stop signs or red signals but don't look to their right for cyclists. A cyclist who rides into the intersection, assuming the driver has seen them, could be hit. In fact this situation leads to more crashes for cyclists in Madison, young and old, than any other situation.

Fortunately it is easy to remedy this problem. Drivers have to get into the habit of looking both ways at intersections, not just to their left for other motorists. And cyclists need to communicate with drivers at intersections and proceed only when you are sure the driver has seen you and has acknowledged your right of way.

Of course even the safest bicyclist can get hurt so it's important that adult and kids wear helmets every time they ride.

For more information about safe bicycling contact the Madison Department of

Transportation at 267-1102.

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