Yuma, Ariz. – The City of Yuma encourages motorists and bicyclists to share the road in the interest of promoting safety and preventing injuries. “Sharing the road is everyone’s responsibility” is the theme of the first in a series of messages that will appear on the City’s social media and video platforms designed to raise awareness and mutual respect for others on the road.
The phrase “sharing the road is everyone’s responsibility” is a call to action for riders and drivers to acknowledge that both must act to ensure their own and each other’s safety. It’s also a reminder that the same rules of the road apply to both vehicles and bicyclists and that patience and understanding provide a foundation for safe streets. Motorists should understand that cyclists have the right to use a full street lane if a road is too narrow for a bicycle and vehicle to travel side by side. Bicyclists should understand that they should make themselves as visible as possible to drivers. Patience and respect by both parties is a key to ensuring safety for all.
The City’s messaging discusses helpful practices to ensure safety. Bicyclists can reduce their risk of collisions by making sure they are properly equipped with lights, reflectors and working brakes, that they use helmets, and are riding as far to the right of traffic as possible when no bike lane is available or when preparing to turn left. Drivers, in turn, should remain focused and free of distractions while operating their vehicle. Both bicyclists and drivers should make eye contact upon approaching one another. These actions together can create a culture where safety is the top priority.
Yuma’s ongoing commitment to road safety was recognized nearly 10 years ago when the City was named a Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) by the League of American Bicyclists, a bicycle advocacy, information and promotion group. Yuma has held a bronze-level designation since 2017 that reflects Yuma’s commitment to provide for all modes of transportation. This commitment has been reinforced by community efforts such as a Bicycle Friendly Community Workshop in April 2023, as well as a bike ride audit where participants evaluated routes firsthand and identified areas for improvement.
Beyond safety, sharing the road fosters a sense of community and promotes cycling as a viable option for transportation and recreation. For those interested in sharpening their skills, the League of American Bicyclists offers in-depth training and resources on their website, bikeleague.org.
To keep up with the City’s messages on sharing the road, follow City of Yuma Government on Facebook, @cityofyumaaz on Instagram or subscribe to CityOfYuma on YouTube.