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Wednesday, April 23, 2014

SHARE THE ROAD WITH MOTORCYCLISTS THIS WEEKEND

This weekend thousands of motorcyclists are anticipated to visit Ocean City and the surrounding area as the Bikes to the Beach Spring Rally is scheduled to begin on Thursday, April 24. In correlation with Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, which begins May 1, the Ocean City Police Department is reminding motorists and motorcyclists to “share the road” and be extra alert to keep motorcyclists safe.

“Motorcycles are vehicles with the same rights and privileges as any motor vehicle on the roadway,” commented Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro. “Motorists should perform visual checks for motorcyclists by checking mirrors and blind spots before they enter or exit a lane of traffic. Pedestrians should also get into the habit of scanning for motorcyclists who might be hidden by other traffic.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are much more vulnerable than a passenger vehicle occupant in the event of a crash. Motorcyclists should remain alert to other drivers, never ride impaired or distracted and always wear a helmet and other protective gear.

In order to help keep motorcyclists safe in Ocean City, the Ocean City Police Department would like to offer the following tips:
  • Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width—never try to share a lane.
  • Perform a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or exiting a lane of traffic, and at intersections.
  • Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
  • Allow more following distance – three or four seconds – when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
  • Never tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.
In addition, motorcyclists should follow these tips to remain safe:
  • Avoid riding in poor weather conditions.
  • Wear brightly colored protective gear and a DOT-compliant helmet.
  • Combine hand signals and turn signals to draw more attention.
  • Use reflective tape and stickers to increase visibility.
  • Never drive while impaired or distracted.
In hopes of a safe and successful “Bikes to the Beach” event and Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the Ocean City Police Department reminds all drivers and motorcyclists to help share in the responsibility of keeping all road users safe, and do your part by safely “sharing the road.”

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Share the road with responsible Motorcycles you mean...

Joe, some motorcycles are responsible, others are COMPLETE idiots. They risk lives of others as much as their own. My friend was broadsided by a kid on a crotch rocket because he decided to pass on the left in a no passing zone, and did not see her turn signal that she was turning left.

I love sport bikes, they are very nice to ride, but driving them like an idiot either causes accidents or makes organ donors. I have seen motorcyclist cause accidents with others on highways, and they get away with out anyone seeing a tag or being able to ID the real cause.

So if you drive a motorcycle and want respect on road, GIVE it.

Anonymous said...

what other people do on the road should have no bearing on what YOU do on the road. two wrongs don't make a right kind of thing. unless you want total chaos, which we are not far from as it is.

Anonymous said...

Most motorcyclists are safety conscience on the road due to the simple fat that a bike is no match for any vehicle. Although there are some "cowboys" on bikes it is stupidity if they ride contrary to the laws of the highway...it will get them hurt or KILLED! SO HAVE FUN AND RIDE SAFELY enjoy the beautiful upcoming weekend!!!

Anonymous said...

I loved how 2 weekends ago I was turning left onto Rt 50 from Nanticoke Rd to go to the North end of town. There were about 50+ black motorcyclists traveling together. I had my 6 year old daughter in the truck with me. The red arrow turned green. We got about 3/4 miles down the road, headed to the bypass, and I was abruptly cut off by a biker who immediately slowed down about 20 mph, put his flashers on, and allowed his crew he was traveling with to all pass me. Then, once they got past me, 3 vehicles that were following them proceeded to cut me off one after the other. THe sense of entitlement some of these bikers have is incredible. It was extremely dangerous and they proceeded to do the same thing to other motorists going down the bypass. My suggestion to these IDIOTS is to not travel in such deep groups and don't put other motorists at risk b/c they feel as though they have to travel as a pack. A-holes.

Anonymous said...

5:49:

ACCEPT it! Just shut your engine off and enjoy our procession. We are not the idiots.

Anonymous said...

ACCEPT it! Just shut your engine off and enjoy our procession. We are not the idiots.

April 23, 2014 at 8:48 PM

courtesy would be to let the large group pass and avoid any possible mishaps, but your speech is asinine, and yes, idiotic.