• Avoid busy streets. Riding on alternate routes used by fewer vehicles is always preferable to congested boulevards. Try to find ways to your destination that involve only crossing the busiest streets instead of traveling on them. • Light up. In California, bicyclists must use lights and reflectors at night. Bike shops sell inexpensive rear red reflectors and front-facing headlights—use them. • Take the whole lane when appropriate. In California it’s a bicyclist’s legal right to take the lane—if you are moving at the same speed as other traffic—and by doing so you have a better chance of being seen by motorists around you. This is advisable in a heavy traffic area where numerous vehicles are pulling in and out of traffic. • Signal your turns. California law requires bicyclists to make turns in the same way that car drivers do, using the same turn lanes. You must signal all of your intentions to motorists and other bicyclists around you. • Obey all traffic lights and stop signs. Again, California law stipulates that bicyclists have the same responsibilities in traffic as motorists, and are subject to the same regulations. • Rethink music players and mobile devices. Riding with ear buds is a personal choice, but it increases your risk of failing to hear what’s around you. And don’t text and pedal! In California, a ban on texting while operating a bicycle is under consideration. Share the Road Safely You may wear a helmet and bright clothing, but that’s not enough to be safe on a bicycle when riding among cars and trucks. Here are suggestions and reminders about California law that will improve your odds of not getting hit. Unmatched Trauma Care in Napa Valley Napa County residents and visitors rely on Queen of the Valley Medical Center as the only designated Level III Trauma Center in Napa County. We provide initial evaluation, stabilization and life-saving care to over 30,000 visits each year. 38 www. n A PAVA L L E Y L I F Eamg a zein. c o m ADVERTORIAL FEATURE
NVLife_MayJune_2013
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