What Role can Law Enforcement Play in Bicycle Safety?
· Most crashes can be avoided if both bicyclists and motorists follow the rules of the road. Heightened awareness of these rules among law officers can lead to: enforcing of laws, modeling of good behaviors and recognizing and taking advantage of teachable moments with both bicycles and motorists. The ultimate goal is to prevent crashes and enhance traffic safety. · Bicycles are legal vehicles and, unless specifically prohibited, can be expected on all roadways. Law enforcement officers come in contact with bicyclists on a daily basis and are expected to be experts on bicycle safety. · Law enforcement officers are the only ones who can enforce laws, both for bicyclists and motorists. · Law enforcement officers are in a unique position to assist with and add credibility to community efforts to encourage bicycling and improve bicycle safety. However, most officers do not possess the bicycle safety knowledge or the community assessment skills necessary to do this job. What is the Value of
