Bike Safety

bike teamBicycle Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020, 938 cyclists were killed and an additional 38,886 were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes, a 21% decrease from 2019. 

see and be seen

Ashland Police takes part in the SEE and BE SEEN initiative sponsored by Drive Smart Virginia. Officers have safety gear to handout to anyone they come across that needs assistance with reflective items.

It is the responsibility of every road user to look out for others. Virginia law requires motorists to stay at least 3 feet away from pedestrians and bicyclists when passing. 


When heading out for a bike ride, remember these safety tips from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration:

  • Ride a bike that fits you—if it’s too big, it’s harder to control the bike.
  • Ride a bike that works—it really doesn’t matter how well you ride if the brakes don’t work.
  • Wear equipment to protect you and make you more visible to others, like a bike helmet, bright clothing (during the day), reflective gear, and a white front light and red rear light and reflectors on your bike (at night, or when visibility is poor).
  • Tuck and tie your shoe laces and pant legs so they don’t get caught in your bike chain.
  • Plan your route—if driving as a vehicle on the road, choose routes with less traffic and slower speeds. Your safest route may be away from traffic altogether, in a bike lane or on a bike path.
  • Drive with the flow, in the same direction as traffic.
  • Obey street signs, signals, and road markings, just like a car.
  • Assume the other person doesn’t see you; look ahead for hazards or situations to avoid that may cause you to fall, like toys, pebbles, potholes, grates, train tracks.
  • No texting, listening to music or using anything that distracts you by taking your eyes and ears or your mind off the road and traffic.

For more bike safety tips, click here.