May is National Bicycle Safety Month and Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The San José Police Department is reminding drivers to always look twice for motorcycles and bicyclists when on the road. By practicing safe driving habits and taking shared responsibility on our roads, we can help everyone arrive at their destination safely.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 1,105 people killed and an estimated 46,195 injured while riding a bicycle in 2022. There were 6,218 motorcyclists killed in traffic collisions the same year. Motorcyclists were about 22 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and four times more likely to be injured.

“Bicycling is a great means of transportation and recreation, and everyone deserves to ride to their destination safely,” Lieutenant Scherry said. “Whether you are behind the wheel or on two wheels, we all share the responsibility to move safely on our roads.”

To help keep people safe while biking and walking, SJPD will conduct traffic safety operations throughout the month, focusing on driver behaviors that put bicyclists and pedestrians at risk, such as speeding, making illegal turns, failure to yield for right of way, and stop sign/red light running.

The San José Police Department suggests the following safety tips for drivers, bike riders, and motorcyclists:

Drivers
• Slow down and follow the speed limit. Be careful traveling through intersections.
• Look carefully for bicyclists and pedestrians before making a turn or opening a car door near streets or bike paths.
• Be patient when traveling behind a bicyclist and give them space when passing. California law requires drivers to change a lane, when possible, to pass bicyclists and always pass with at least 3 feet of space.
• Never drive distracted or impaired.
• Always check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
• Do not follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.
• If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful. Be sure that the rider is turning before moving ahead.

Bike Riders
• Use lights at night.
• Although not required for riders 18 and older, always wear a properly secured helmet. Helmets significantly reduce the chance of a head injury in the event of a crash.
• Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.
• Yield to pedestrians, just as a driver would. Pedestrians have the right-of-way within marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections.

Motorcyclists
• Always wear a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet with eye protection.
• Wear leather or other sturdy clothing such as a jacket, pants, boots with nonskid soles and gloves. Add reflective strips or decals to your clothing and motorcycle to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
• Ride defensively. Don’t assume a driver can see you. Avoid riding in a driver’s blind spot.
• Always keep your lights on, even during the day.

Lastly, both drivers and riders should never drive/ride distracted or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“Motorcycles may be difficult to spot, so be extra careful before changing lanes,” stated Lieutenant Scherry. “A simple double take could mean the difference between a safe journey and a tragic crash. Motorcycle riders do not have the same protections drivers and passengers do. Let's all do our part to keep each other safe out there.”

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.