bicycle safety

Bike Boxes: Good Idea?

Posted on by Shaana A. Rahman
In light of the new Market Street bike boxes, the SFMTA has provided a handy infographic on how to safely use them:

In their press release, the SFMTA said that bike boxes are “designed to improve the visibility and positioning of bicyclists at intersections with traffic signals and to prioritize bicycles as they move through intersections. Bicyclists stopped in a bike box are easily seen by motorists, improving safety at intersections. Bike boxes provide a separated waiting area for bicyclists and can increase pedestrian safety by improving visibility and decreasing both motorist and bicycle encroachment into crosswalks.”
Also included in the press release was additional guidelines to using these bike boxes. Whether you bike, walk, or drive, it’s very important to know these rules.
What Motorists Should Know
When the traffic signal is red, motorists must stop behind the white stop line behind the green bike box. Motorists should not stop on top of the bike box, but rather keep it clear for cyclists to use. Right turns on a red signal will not be allowed at these intersections.
When the light turns green, motorists and cyclists may move through the intersection as usual, with cyclists going first. Motorists turning right on green should signal and watch for cyclists to the right.
What Bicyclists Should Know
When a traffic signal is red, bicyclists must enter the bike box from the approaching bike lane and stop before the crosswalk.
When the light is green, bicyclists should proceed as normal through the intersection. Bicyclists should be aware of right-turning motorists, especially while in the crosswalk and the intersection.
What are your thoughts on these bike boxes? Do they seem more helpful than potentially harmful?

If you ever need a bicycle accident attorney in San Francisco, Paso Robles, or the surrounding Central California Coast area, contact us for a free consultation.

New Bicycle helmets provide better fit for kids!

Posted on by Rahman Law PC

Correct fit of a child’s bicycle helmet is critical. Bicycle helmets are the only thing between getting seriously hurt or walking away with a headache. The Seattle Children’s Community Education website, has a Quick-Fit check as a simple, quick guide to ensure proper fit. Ensuring proper fit is something that Bell Helmets is passionate about as well. They’ve recently released a new “True Fit” helmet that has an elasticized band that fits over the back of the head. This helps the head stay covered on the forehead and back of the head. Here’s the link to the article if you’d like to read more!

Kids and Bike Safety

Posted on by Rahman Law PC

On December 10, 2008 The San Francisco Examiner put out a short article emphasizing the importance of keeping children safe on bicycles.

What used to be the job of Municipal Traffic controllers the responsibility has now been handed to the parents of young city riders.

For those of you who want to teach your children to ride in a safe environment I suggest the San Francisco Bicycle Coalitions’ Urban Bike Training or for the youngest ones in your family try out the Freedom from Training Wheels program also run by the SFBC.

If you’d rather stick with it yourself here is a great link to teach you how to teach the kids to ride.

Good luck, have fun and stay safe!