Bicycle Travel and Safety Tips

Summer Road Safety: Sharing the Streets with Bicyclists in Alaska

As summer continues with warmer temperatures and long days, more Alaskans are hopping on their bicycles to get around town, enjoy the scenery, or just soak up the sun. While some cyclists brave the roads year-round, summer sees a significant uptick in bike traffic. In fact, from 2019 to 2023, 55.5% of bicycle crashes in Alaska occurred between June and August. That makes this the perfect time for all of us to revisit the rules of the road and focus on safety.

Bicycles Belong on the Road

Under Alaska law (13 AAC 02.385), bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers:

"Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway has all the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle..."

This means everyone, whether on two wheels or four, shares the responsibility of keeping our roadways safe.

Safety Tips for Bicyclists

• Always wear a helmet.
• Obey all traffic laws. Stop signs, traffic lights, and lane markings apply to you, too.
• Ride near the right-hand edge of the road whenever possible.
• Never carry another person on your bicycle unless it's built for two.
• Use hand signals when turning or stopping.
• Stay alert at cross streets, driveways, and parking lots.
• Look over your shoulder carefully.
• Yield to pedestrians.
• Keep your bicycle well-maintained and in good condition.
• Ride cautiously, even when the roads look clear.
• Wear reflective gear or use bike reflectors to stay visible, especially at dusk or in low light.

Safety Tips for Drivers Around Bicyclists

• Give bicyclists plenty of room, at least 3 feet when passing.
• Be patient; don't honk or rev your engine near a bicyclist.
• Check blind spots carefully, especially when turning or changing lanes.
• Look for bicyclists before opening your door when parked.
• Yield to bicyclists at intersections and when making turns.
• Be cautious in neighborhoods, near schools, and on multi-use roads.
• Watch for hand signals as cyclists often use them to indicate turns or stops.
• Use extra care in low visibility, such as dusk, low light or during inclement weather.
• Remember that bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicles on the road.
• Be cautious in intersections. Nearly 90% of crashes happened at intersections from 2019-2023.

A note for drivers: Sometimes cyclists don't ride on the shoulder because of gravel, glass, or pavement conditions. These hazards may not be obvious from your car, so give them space and be patient.

What About Bike Paths?

Cyclists are not required to use nearby bike paths unless signs prohibit them from being on the roadway. While paths can be a great option for recreation, cyclists may choose the road for efficiency or safety reasons.

Where Are Bicycles Prohibited?

Cyclists are not required to use nearby bike paths unless signs specifically prohibit them from being on the roadway. These are often on busy highways, expressways, and other roads where it can be dangerous for cyclists to be on the road. Be sure to look for signs when riding or driving in these areas.

Everyone Plays a Part in Roadway Safety

In Alaska, an average of 200 bicyclists are involved in roadway crashes each year, and about 12.5% of these crashes resulted in serious injury or death. The responsibility of staying safe doesn't just fall on cyclists. Drivers, pedestrians, and all other users of the road play a crucial role. All bike-vehicle crashes are preventable with awareness and courtesy.

Whether you're pedaling to the farmers market, driving to a summer BBQ, or taking a walk in your neighborhood, stay alert, respect the rules, and watch out for each other. Let's make this summer a safe and enjoyable one for everyone who uses the road.

Resources For More Cyclist and Driver Safety

• Alaska Drivers Manual
• Alaska Administrative Code on Special Rules for Bicycles