(WKYT) – AAA is reminding drivers and cyclists about road safety rules after a cyclist was hit by a car Saturday.
According to AAA, Kentucky had 488 crashes involving bicyclists last year. Ten people died and 323 were injured.
“Drivers, you need to remember that you’re sharing the road with others as well and they’re a lot more vulnerable than you are in your large vehicle,” said Lori Weaver Hawkins of AAA Bluegrass.
Seth Holbrook, a Lexington cyclist, said he tries to bike as often as he can near downtown. He has lights on the front and back of his bike, wears a reflective vest when it’s dark and always uses a helmet.
“It can really be the difference between a life and death situation when it comes to riding your bike out and about on city streets,” Holbrook said.
Minimizing distractions is key for both drivers and cyclists, according to AAA.
Cyclists should ride in the same direction as traffic and obey traffic signals. Drivers should avoid getting too close to the bike lane.
“There’s a lot of different things that could end up forcing you on your trip to share the road, which is what we want people to do if they’re doing things correctly,” Holbrook said.
“The important thing is to remember that all road users have a responsibility to keep bicyclists safe,” Weaver Hawkins said.
AAA recommends cyclists get off their bikes when they come to a crosswalk to cross the street safely. Drivers should check blind spots.