A woman killed in a collision in Cathedral City sparks a reminder about bike safety

The death of a bicyclist who was struck and killed by a vehicle in Cathedral City Wednesday night has prompted local safety advocates and authorities to issue safety reminders to community members.

“Speed ​​is always a factor. I don’t think you can talk to anyone who doesn’t say speeding is a factor on our roads,” said Palm Springs Police Public Information Officer Tamara Wadkins.

May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and police departments across the Coachella Valley are encouraging cyclists to ride safely while reminding drivers to be on the lookout for cyclists and pedestrians.

“You actually have to change lanes completely if you can safely pass a cyclist,” Wadkins said.

John Siegel has been cycling for years and it is his passion to bring awareness to these tragedies.

“It is always an ongoing project of ours to ensure that our cities and our infrastructure reflect the needs of the community,” Siegel said.

He says cyclists need to take proper precautions – such as always wearing a helmet – and use reflectors and lights at night.

“It’s critically important to be as visible as possible, and we also know that we need to act predictably because drivers will encounter things they don’t see,” Siegel said.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1,105 people died while cycling in 2022 and an estimated 46,195 cyclists were injured. In 2021, 976 cyclists were killed (a 1.9% increase from 2020) and an estimated 41,615 cyclists were injured (a 7% increase from 2020).

The latest available numbers from Riverside County show the number of bicycle deaths and injuries in 2021, at 292, increased compared to last year, but still lower than 2019.

Desert Hot Springs Police recently issued the following safety tips for cyclists and motorists:
driver

• Slow down and stick to the speed limit. Be careful when driving through intersections.
• Pay careful attention to cyclists and pedestrians before turning or
  Opening a car door near roads or bike paths.
• Be patient when riding behind a cyclist and give them space
  Pass. California law requires drivers to change lanes whenever possible
  Pass cyclists and always leave at least one meter of distance.
• Never drive while distracted or impaired.

cyclist

• Use lights at night.
• Although not required for drivers 18 years of age or older, always wear one properly
  secured helmet. Helmets significantly reduce the risk of a head injury
  in the event of a crash.
• Cyclists must ride in the same direction of traffic and have the same exposure
  Requirements like any slow-moving vehicle.
• Give way to pedestrians just as a driver would. Pedestrians have the right of way on marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections.

The Coachella Valley Cycling Communities will host an event on Wednesday, May 15, to honor cyclists injured or killed on public roads. “Ride of Silence” takes place at Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs at 6:30 p.m. Click here for more information about the event.