Bicycle Safety

[Courtesy Sgt. James Learman, UWM Police Dept.]

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The bicycle is transportation at its most efficient. For the amount of energy put into it, a bicycle will carry a person farther than any other vehicle. A bicycle can be a great way to get around but the rider must be aware that he or she is much smaller than a motor vehicle and any collision, whether with another vehicle, a fixed object or a pedestrian, has a great probability of producing injury. Cyclists are required to obey the same rules of the road as motorists, with a few different rules due to the bicycle's small size and slow speed. Here at UWM we have a high volume of both pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Accidents and conflicts can be kept to a minimum by exercising common sense, practicing a little etiquette and following the rules of the road.

According to Wisconsin law, bicyclists' rights include the following:

Bicyclists may share the roadway with other vehicle operators.
Motorists must allow at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicycle.
Motorists must signal their intentions and yield the right of way to the bicyclist when appropriate.

Wisconsin law requires bicyclists riding on a road to:

Follow the same rules of the road as other vehicle operators.
Ride as near as they safely can to the right edge of the road (or the left or right edge on a one-way street), unless preparing to make a left turn.
Allow at least three feet of clearance between the bicyclist and any vehicle (moving or not) the bicyclist is passing.
Yield the right of way to traffic before entering a road.
Ride single file. One exception: Bicyclists may ride two abreast on roads without painter centerlines in cities and villages.

Wisconsin law requires bicyclists riding in marked bike lanes, on separate bike paths or on sidewalks to:

In a bike lane, ride in the same direction as the motor vehicles unless the bike lane is specifically marked to allow for two-way bike traffic.
Yield the right of way to those already in the bike lane, bike path or sidewalk.
Give an audible signal when passing other bicyclists or pedestrians in the bike lane, path or sidewalk. (An audible signal may be a horn or bell, or simply the bike rider calling out," Passing on your left.")
Enter or leave a bike lane either at intersections or driveways crossing the bike lane, or by dismounting and walking your bike into or out of the bike lane.
Ride on the right side of two-way bike paths.
Obey all traffic signs and signals that apply to a roadway running parallel and adjacent to a bike path or sidewalk.
Ride slowly and observe pedestrian laws when riding in a crosswalk.

Wisconsin Law requires bicyclists riding at night to:

Have a white light on either the bicycle or the rider that is visible from at least 500 feet (about one city block) to the front.
Have a red reflector at least 2 inches in diameter mounted on the back of the bike. The reflector should be visible from 50 to 500 feet to the rear. A red rear light may be used in addition, but not instead of the reflector.

Under Wisconsin law, it is illegal for bicyclists to:

Ride other than on or astride the bike seat.
Carry more people than the bicycle is designed and equipped for.
Carry any packages or bundles which prevent the rider from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars.
Hang on to any other vehicle on a roadway.
Ride on any roadway where a sign indicates that bicycling is not allowed.

If you are involved in a bike accident, Wisconsin law requires you to report the accident to the police if a motor vehicle is involved and (1) anyone is injured or (2) property damage from the accident totals $500 or more. Even if a motor vehicle is not involved, it is a good idea to report bike accidents to protect yourself from insurance and liability problems, and to help point out safety hazards to local police and traffic authorities.

This is not intended to be a comprehensive summary of all bicycle issues and rules, but to address safety concerns and traffic laws that apply to the UWM community in general

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