OPINION
DOCTORS Lounge
CYCLISTS’ Safety 3
Stanley Gall, MD
C
ycling is an increasingly popular
form of exercise, as witnessed by
an increased number of cyclists’
clubs and the number of single
riders one encounters during
the summer and fall. The enthusiasm for
cycling does not seem to equate with the
cyclists’ interest in safety. I have written two
prior “Doctor’s Lounge” articles, Louisville
Medicine 2014;61:36 and 2015:62:33, per-
taining to cycling safety. Since physicians
are interested in prevention of disease or
injury, additional information is needed. I
am terrified of hitting a cyclist, especially
on River Road at night in the rain when
I encounter a cyclist without front or rear
lights wearing black clothing.
Kentucky Statute (KRS 189.030(1)) Provider
guidance for cyclists:
1. A front light must be illuminated when
riding at night or when it is darker than
usual (heavy overcast or dark environ-
ment).
2. A red rear reflector or light on the
cyclist or bicycle must be function-
al whenever riding on a highway or
shoulder.
3. At night, when overcast or in a dark
environment, a steady or flashing red
rear light is mandated.
4. Bicycles shall be operated the same as
motor vehicles except on the following:
a. A bicycle may be operated on the
shoulder of a highway;
b. If a bicycle lane is provided, it must
be used whenever feasible.
32
LOUISVILLE MEDICINE
5. Not more than two bicycles may ride
side-by-side in a single highway lane.
6. A helmet must be worn if the cyclist is
under 18 years of age.
7. In all ways, bicycles are considered “ve-
hicles” by the State of Kentucky and
subject to all rights and regulations of
other vehicles:
a. Stopping at all stop signs and red
lights;
b. Signaling with hands, lamps or me-
chanical devices for at least 50 feet
before the turn.
In my 2015 article, I estimated that three
percent of cyclists were compliant with State
cycling laws. In the past two years, the com-
pliance number has increased to six percent:
that means that 94 percent of cyclists are
endangering themselves and causing auto-
mobile drivers to be terrified of a collision.
The use of flashing front and rear lights
is a no-brainer. The newer LED lights are
much brighter and readily available. Red
lights are also available as a built-in feature
on helmets and on bike pedals. They are easy
to attach and should be standard equipment
for any cyclist.
The environment where cyclists ride is
often shaded, making cyclist difficult to see
against the background. This makes flashing
lights a life-saver. While wearing brightly
colored clothing to improve the cyclist’s
visibility is good, it is not very helpful in
dark environments, at dusk or at night. The
job of the cyclist is to become as visible as
possible to oncoming or passing cars. The
cyclist must remember that a 4000-pound
vehicle verses a 50-pound bicycle is a losing
proposition for the cyclist, and an attitude
of accom