Bicycle Safety is a shared responsibility of all

GREEN BAY, WI – (WGBW & WISS) – Warmer spring weather brings more outdoor activities. Local cycling experts warn that as more pedestrians and cyclists take to the roads, bicycle safety needs to be on everyone’s mind.

Peter and Tracy Flucke, are bicycling enthusiasts and experts from Green Bay who have completed several cross-country cycling tours and have published books about their adventures. They say that bicycle safety is a shared responsibility for cyclists and motorists alike.

Peter Flucke says motorists sometimes are so focused on their list of things to do and in watching out for other drivers, that they forget about the cyclists and pedestrians that share the streets. 

“What we forget about is that there are people out there walking. There are people out there biking. But because we didn’t say to ourselves, ‘Where are those folks?’” said Peter Flucke. “You need to be looking and watching for those, because it’s a shared responsibility.”

Tracy Flucke says to use the tools you have to keep people cognizant and aware of your presence as a cyclist.

“Bells are good, or just some way to let people know that you are coming up behind them, especially on the trails,” said Tracy Flucke. “Verbalize it – ‘Passing on your left’ – just letting them know that you are there.” 

Safety is the most important thing

Where you ride your bicycle or walk on the roadways is just as important as being alert, says Tracy Flucke. 

“One of the things bicyclists need to remember is you always ride with traffic. Pedestrians on the sidewalk or if they are walking on the road, always need to walk against traffic. It is much safer for them,” said Tracy Flucke. “Always wear bright clothes. Carry lights. Have lights on your bike. You know, take responsibility for yourself.”

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation says bicycles are considered vehicles on the Wisconsin roads. They are considered equal users by other vehicles. The DOT recommends the following safety measures:

• Be Visible. If you can’t see the driver, they can’t see you. Use extra caution when passing trucks, buses, or approaching an intersection alongside a large vehicle.
• Be seen when stopped. At red lights, stop slightly ahead of a waiting vehicle. Avoid the driver’s blind spot.
• Obey traffic laws, signs, and signals.
• Be aware of your surroundings. If using earphones, wear only one when riding.
• Ride on the road, bike lane, paved shoulder, or path.
• Enhance visibility with proper lighting. Use a white headlight and a red taillight.
• Wear a helmet. 

Before you take off on your bike

Tracey Flucke says to always do a safety and function check on your bicycle before you set off on any trip. She recommends an ABC Quick Check every time you get on your bike.

“The first thing you do is look at the Air. Check the air in your tires and make sure those are full,” said Tracey Flucke. “B is for brakes. Make sure your brakes are working. Spin the wheel. Touch the brakes back and front and make sure they are working. C is for the crank arms and the chain. Make sure they are operating well. Then you do what we call a quick check – you just take a quick ride down your driveway to make sure everything is operating right. Then you take off on your bike.”  

Benefits of cycling

Peter Flucke says that there are many benefits to cycling. Of course, physical fitness and mental well-being are at the forefront of those benefits. However, there are financial benefits as well.

“We drive our cars very little,” said Peter Flucke. “We get the physical fitness from it, but also we are financially stabilizing ourselves because we don’t have to pay for gas.”