As the Labor Day holiday nears, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and its safety partners are reminding motorists that cycling season is still in full swing and it is everyone's responsibility to share the road.

Bicyclists are considered vulnerable road users due to their susceptibility to being killed or injured in a crash.

In 2023, there were 1,100 crashes involving a bicyclist in Pennsylvania, resulting in 27 fatalities. Of these crashes, 49 took place in PennDOT's northwest region, which includes Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Warren, and Venango counties.

In an effort to reduce overall bicycle crashes, injuries, and fatalities, Pennsylvania law requires all motor vehicles to allow 4 feet of distance when passing a bicycle and to travel at a careful and prudent speed.

It is permissible for drivers to pass bicyclists in a no-passing zone to avoid excessive delays, provided it is done with due care and allows for the required 4 feet of clearance.

“You should always be aware of your surroundings as a cyclist, even around a line of parked cars where you could be seriously injured or killed by a motorist opening their door," said Austin Soboleski, a Community Traffic Safety Project Coordinator with the Highway Safety Network. “Drivers are required by law to check for cyclists in their mirrors and blind spots before opening their door and cyclists should always stay aware of the door zone and maintain 4 feet between the cars and the line of travel where possible to keep themselves safe."

In Pennsylvania, bicycles are considered vehicles and are afforded the same rights and responsibilities as a motor vehicle with limited exceptions.

All bicyclists should follow the local ordinances that apply to riding on sidewalks. In areas where bikes are permitted on sidewalks, the cyclist must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing them.

Cyclists may ride on the right-most travel lane or shoulder and the left lane when making a turn. Cyclists may use as much of the lane as needed for safety but should attempt to ride as far to the right as conditions will allow as not to impede motorized traffic.

“One of the most effective ways to stay safe while riding a bike is by being visible to motorists," said Trooper Todd Bingman, a Community Services Officer with Troop E of the Pennsylvania State Police. “Always wear bright, reflective clothing that will garner the attention of drivers. If you are riding between sunset and sunrise, you must use a white front lamp and red reflector visible from 500 feet and amber reflectors on each side of your bike."

PennDOT also urges cyclists to be predictable in their actions, communicate using hand signals, and always wear a helmet.

For more information on bicycle safety, visit www.penndot.pa.gov/safety.

Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District1.

Follow local PennDOT news on X and like the department on Facebook.

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