MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The roadways in Memphis were a dangerous place for young bike riders over the last three weeks.
Two small children and two teens were injured in four separate hit-and-run accidents and they all happened at night.
This month, Safe Kids Mid-South said they wanted to raise awareness about bike safety by urging parents to teach their kids the rules of the road and reminding drivers to be on the look out for cyclists.
“Driver’s need to beware. They don’t need to be distracted. Certainly, they need to follow the rules of the road and stop at the light and the stop signs, but they need not to be on a cell phone texting or calling. They need to be fully aware of their surroundings,” said Susan Helms with Safe Kids.
Helms said parents need to make sure their kids always wear bike helmets and that they fit.
Young riders also need to be visible with colorful or reflective gear and should only bike during the day.
“Safe Kids here at Le Bonheur really recommends not riding at night even if you have the lights on your helmet or on your bike because they really aren’t easy for drivers to see,” said Helms.
AAA said drivers must yield to bicyclists when turning, give them at least three feet of clearance and never honk at a bike rider.
It could cause them to swerve in the roadway or crash.
