May is National Bike Safety month and Huntington Beach is redoubling its commitment to bike safety. If you utilize the beach bike path, you may notice new speed limit and feedback signs that display riders speed in an effort to make them more aware of how fast they are traversing the bike path. The new signage is just one more way the City is working to continuously improve infrastructure throughout the City for non-motor vehicle modes of transportation.
The signage has been installed at three different locations along the beach bike path between Beach Boulevard and Seapoint Street in both directions. The feedback signs are intended to emphasize bicycle speed limits so bicyclists are more aware of their speed and to encourage compliance with the 10-mph speed limit. If riders exceed 15-mph on the bike paths, the signs will flash as a notice to the bicyclist.
In addition to maintaining the speed limit on the bike paths, there are some other common-sense tips that will protect the safety of the cyclists:
- Always wear a helmet – it’s the law! The helmet should fit snugly. Buckle and tighten the chin strap so no more than one or two fingers fit between the chin and strap.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing. When riding during the day, it’s wise to wear bright, neon, or fluorescent clothing so you are easily visible to drivers, pedestrians, and others. At night, wear reflective clothing.
- Follow the rules of the road. Cyclists must follow the same rules as motorists, so familiarize yourself with traffic laws. Ride single-file in the direction of traffic. Use hand signals when turning and remain alert for opening car doors, grated storm drains and other hazards.
Bicycling is a great way to get exercise, reduce your carbon footprint and visit the sites around Surf City. However, its important to ride safely and take precautions. You can learn more at the National Safety Council’s webpage on bike safety.
