AAA's Bike Safety Month Message: Share the Road--Newtown Bee

Google's image today covers Mothers Day and National Bike to Work Week.

HAMDEN — Traveling on Connecticut roadways require care and courtesy, whether operating a car or a bicycle. To generate a greater awareness for bicycles — in May/National Bicycle Safety Month, and at all times of the year — AAA Southern New England shares these tips for motorists and bicyclists alike.

Motorists must:

• Stay alert.
  
• Yield to bicyclists when turning.
  
• Check your mirrors and blind spots for bicyclers before entering or leaving a lane of traffic.
  
• Slow down and give at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist.
  
• Always check for bicyclists when opening your car door.
  
• Because bicyclists can ride on all roads, excepted where restricted, they have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists including the right to ride in the traffic lane. 

Bicyclists must:

• Follow the same traffic rules of the road as other roadway users.
  
• Ride in the same direction as traffic.
  
• Wear a bicycle helmet on every ride.
• Be visible by wearing bright colors during the day and reflective gear in low light conditions.

To mark National Bicycle Safety Month, AAA Southern New England has rolled out a new bicycle roadside assistance for its members in Fairfield, Litchfield and New Haven Counties.

The new free program means AAA members can request assistance if a disabled bicycle needs minor repairs or requires transportation to a nearby destination within one of these three counties.

To request service, members call the 800-AAA-HELP (800-222-4357), the roadside assistance number on their AAA membership card. An AAA service vehicle will meet members on any generally traveled road within AAA Southern New England’s territory, any time of day, 365 days a year.

After attempting minor repairs, if the AAA technician is unable to get the member back on the road, the member and bicycle will be transported free of charge within a defined radius.

More information on bicycle safety tips, brochures, videos, and the roadside assistance program, visitwww.aaa.com/bikesafety.

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