Bicyclists And Drivers - Can't We Get Along?

Bob Carroll

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Bicyclists and drivers need to respect each other on the road.

Fatal bicycle accident underscores dangers and need to follow the law

One day after turning 15, Fredrick Gardner was killed. The teen died Wednesday morning after being hit by an SUV as he rode his bike to school along Bull Frog Creek in Gibsonton.

The accident, according to authorities, underscores just how dangerous bicycling can be. In fact, Florida led the country with the number of bicycle fatalities last year with 124.

Many accidents can be avoided if motorists and bicyclists pay attention to their surroundings and follow the law according to Michael Rivera of the Tampa Police Department.

Rivera says for starters, bicyclists need to remember they have to obey all traffic signs and signals just like drivers.

Rivera adds bicyclists should also ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, not against it. In addition, anyone under the age of 16 in Florida is required to wear a helmet.

As for motorists, Rivera says drivers must now give bicyclists a 3 foot buffer when trying to pass them. It's part of a new state law that took effect earlier this month and violators can be fined $60.

From TampaBays10.com