Safety concerns as bicyclists share the roads in warmer months

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A reminder from safety officials as we head into the warmer months. They say more people will be out biking and walking, which means drivers need to share the roads.

According to AAA Northeast there has been a rise in pedestrian and bicyclist deaths across the US, despite some safety improvements seen last year here in the state.

They urge people to utilize sidewalks and crosswalks as much as possible. Drivers should practice safe driving behaviors and don’t drive distracted.

So, as a driver the one thing you can do is slow down. As a pedestrian I am never going to assume that that car sees me. I’m never going to assume that if I step into a roadway that that vehicle approaching is going to slow down and stop. You got to wait for that car to stop and get that acknowledgment from that driver just to make sure that you are safe.

MARK SCHIELDROP, AAA NORTHEAST

MassDOT has been tracking ‘vulnerable road users’ throughout the state in efforts to improve roadway infrastructure for pedestrians and bicyclists.

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