The City of Medford Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee:
Tips for Cyclists
The bicycle is one of humankind's greatest inventions. For the energy required to walk three miles-per-hour, a bike can go 12 mph. And the carbon footprint of a bicycle is a fraction of that of even the most fuel-efficient automobiles. Medford is on a roll, and each year there are more people discovering or re-discovering bicycling as a transportation mode that works for them. Bicyclists should treat other road users with respect and courtesy, whether these fellow road users are traveling by foot, by automobile, or by some other means. Bicyclists must obey the rules of the road. This means riding in the same direction as traffic and riding as far to the right as is safe. And cyclists must observe all traffic signals and stop signs, and indicate turns using proper hand signals. Bicyclists must always yield to pedestrians. Within Medford's Downtown area, bicyclists are prohibited from riding on sidewalks.1
All bicyclists should wear a helmet, and helmets are required by law for kids under 16 years of age. Free helmet programs for kids are operated by Siskiyou Velo, ACCESS, and Rogue Valley Safe Kids. These helmets may be distributed through your child's school. Every cyclist is an ambassador for bicycling. Please remember this when interacting with other road users. And remind yourself to treat all other road users as you would have them treat you. 1. City of Medford Municipal Code: 6.430
Resources for Bicyclists: Siskiyou Velo cycling club: www.siskiyouvelo.org Medford Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee: www.ci.medford.or.us/CCBIndex.asp ODOT Bike and Pedestrian Program: www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/BIKEPED/index.shtml Bicycle Transportation Alliance: www.bta4bikes.org RVTD Bikes on Buses: www.rvtd.org
The City of Medford Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee:
Tips for Motorists
Medford is a great city for bicycling. Our mild climate allows for year-round cycling, and much of the city's terrain is flat or rolling: perfect for cyclists. In addition, the city boasts an ever-growing network of inter-connected bicycle facilities, and it is increasingly possible to get wherever one needs to go by bicycle. Your friends, neighbors, and co-workers may bicycle, for recreation, for transportation, or perhaps for the health benefits. For some, a bicycle is their most affordable means of transportation. They may ride a bike because they have no other affordable option. Children also bicycle, as a way to get to school or perhaps just for the fun of it. Please share the road with bicyclists: They could be your neighbor or family member. Cyclists are required by law to ride as far to the right as is safe. However, on narrow streets, in 25 mph zones, on roads without a bike-lane or shoulder, or when debris or other conditions make the bike-lane unsafe, the cyclist is permitted to move into the travel lane. It is then the responsibility of the motorist to wait for a safe opportunity to pass the cyclist. Motorists should give cyclists a perimeter of at least three feet when passing, and should allow much more than this when passing at higher speed.
Be aware that cyclists ride at variable speeds. Some cyclists may travel as quickly as 20 or 30 mph. Do not pull into an intersection in front of a fast moving bicycle, and do not assume that a cyclist is traveling at a very slow speed. Under Oregon law, bicycle lanes are considered travel lanes. Do not park in designated bicycle lanes. It is illegal, and creates a hazard to bicyclists and motorists alike. Some bicyclists, like some motorists, tend to ride erratically, unpredictably, or aggressively. Remind yourself that these cyclists do not represent all cyclists, and that the vast majority of cyclists, like most motorists, use the roads safely and obey the law.
By treating all bicyclists with courtesy and respect, you can help make the roads safe for everyone.