EARN AN A++ ON YOUR BACK TO SCHOOL COMMUTE!

Originally posted on August 21, 2017

Back-to-school season is upon us. Thousands of kids are returning to Treasure Valley classrooms this week and will be flooding the streets with their daily commutes.

Here are 6 quick tips for drivers and cyclists to ensure we get the 2017 school year started safely!

MOTORISTS:

SLOW DOWN IN SCHOOL ZONES - Treat school zones with great care and be mindful of flashing lights and lowered speed limits (typically 20 MPH). Leave an extra 10-15 minutes early so you have enough time to arrive at your destination on time without feeling rushed.

ABIDE BY BOISE’S 3 FEET TO PASS LAW - if there isn’t a 3 foot buffer between your car and the cyclist, wait to pass them.

DON’T BE A DISTRACTED DRIVER - Do your part to end distracted driving. Be attentive to the road and drive responsibly. Drive without reading or sending texts, checking social media/the Internet, or using your cellphone for calls/listening to voicemail.

BICYCLISTS:

BE VISIBLE - Per Idaho law, a front white light and a red rear reflector are the minimum light requirements for cyclists from dusk until dawn. We would suggest a red rear light and some reflective gear or accessories to help illuminate yourself and your bike. Make eye contact with drivers - heck, maybe even wave!

RIDE WITH TRAFFIC - Ride with traffic, using the rightmost lane headed in the direction you are going. This will make your intentions clear to everyone on the road. Ride in a straight line, and don’t weave between parked cars.

BE MINDFUL - Watch for turning vehicles and cars entering/leaving driveways, ride outside of the “door zone” of parked cars and lookout for pedestrians, animals, potholes, and debris and other roadway hazards. Use proper hand signals to communicate your intentions to other road users.

We hope these car and bicycle safety tips will ensure a sounder and more successful commute for everyone!

Email us for more information on related topics:

-Route planning

-Drivers Ed for the every day cyclist (Traffic 101 Class)

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