May is National Bicycle Safety Month
The month of May is recognized as National Bicycle Safety Month, and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is using this time to raise awareness about the importance of bicycle safety for all road users. Bicycles are legally considered vehicles, which means bicyclists must follow the same traffic laws as motorists—and drivers should treat bicyclists as they would on any other vehicle on the road.
At the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), Campus Police are committed to promoting bicycle safety through education and outreach on campus. We believe traffic safety is a shared responsibility between motorists and cyclists.
Safety Tips for Drivers:
Stay alert and never drive distracted.
Look left-right-left and check behind before turning right on red.
Yield to bicycles as you would other vehicles.
Always give cyclists plenty of space.
Safety Tips for Cyclists:
Always wear a properly fitting helmet—it’s your best protection in a crash.
Obey all traffic signs and signals.
Ride predictably and use hand signals to indicate turns.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 1,166 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2023. Many of these crashes can be avoided if motorists and cyclists follow the rules of the road and watch out for each other. We strongly encourage all UTHSC students and staff who bike to campus to prioritize safety by wearing appropriate protective gear, such as helmets, and reflective clothing. Additionally, please remember to secure your bikes properly with locks on the designated bike racks to prevent theft and ensure the safety of your property.
Just as seat belts save lives in cars, helmets save lives on bikes.
For more information about bicycle safety, visit www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety
Stay safe and ride smart!
Campus Police