news-record.com

The hit-and-run accident near Summerfield that claimed the life of avid bicyclist David Sherman has many people wondering if bikes and cars can coexist on the roads – 'can' being the operative word.

In April, Elon professor Eugene Gooch was killed while riding his bicycle. UNCG professor Mark Schulz is on the mend after being seriously injured when a texting driver's car struck his bicycle in 2008.

The Greensboro Department of Transportation still believes a peaceful coexistence is possible, especially with the proper education. The DOT has tried to make residents aware of bicycle safety through the "GSO Shares the Road" program.

Here are some tips about sharing the road.

Safety tips for motorists:

• Remember that bicycles are vehicles and are allowed to ride on the roads.
• Look for bicyclists before turning and before opening doors.
• Do not overtake a bicyclist before making a right turn. Instead, slow down, merge, and then turn.
• Do not assume that a bicyclist will ride as far to the right as possible. Good cyclists ride about 3 feet from the edge of the road, which makes them more visible to motorists and gives them space to maneuver around road hazards.
• Allow bicyclists to enter your lane to make a left turn.
• Do not drive or park in bike lanes. You may, however, cross them when turning or exiting a legally assigned parking space.

Safety tips for bicyclists:

• All traffic laws apply to bicyclists: stop at red lights, yield the right-of-way, signal when turning and ride on the road in the same direction as traffic.
• Wear a helmet.
• At night, wear reflective clothing and use bicycle lights.
• Ride on the right side of the road, but stay away from the edge of the pavement.
• Avoid riding on sidewalks. Motorists may not see you on the sidewalk until it's too late.
• Pass on the left.
• Watch for cars turning into bike lanes.
• Obey signs that prohibit riding, such as on interstate highways.