Peninsula Clarion editorial: Time to watch for two-wheeled vehicles

  • Saturday, May 2, 2015 4:04pm
  • Opinion

Crews have been out clearing sand and gravel Kenai Peninsula roads, and with long sunny days and warming temperatures, it’s time for drivers to remember that were sharing the road with two-wheeled vehicles, both motorized and pedal-powered.

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month, as well as Bike Month. With many peninsula residents and visitors getting out on two wheels, it is imperative that drivers be focused on driving — not the cell phone or the radio station — when behind the wheel.

In a 2014 proclamation for Motorcycle Awareness Month, Borough Mayor Mike Navarre noted that motorcyclists face a constant threat to personal safety caused, in part, by lack of alertness on the part of the driving public, and urged residents to drive safely, exercise extreme caution to reduce accidents this summer.

Last year, the month took on a somber tone after a series of fatal motorcycle accidents across the state. The Southern Peninsula chapter of A.B.A.T.E., Alaska Bikers Advocating Training and Education, reminded drivers to take a second look, use turn signals and avoid distractions while driving, such as cell phone use. A public service message from the Department of Public Safety urges motorcyclists to practice safe riding habits, including riding with the assumption that other drivers won’t see you. Likewise, drivers are urged to treat motorcyclists just as they would other vehicles, including giving adequate space when passing or following.

For unmotorized cyclists, a proclamation issued Friday by Gov. Bill Walker proclaims the month of May as Bike Month; May 6 as Bike to School Day; and May 11-15 as Bike to Work Week.

Some reminders for those who will be bicycling on peninsula roads this summer: under Alaska law, a bicycle rider on a public road generally has all the rights and duties of the operator of any other vehicle. That means staying to the right, riding with traffic, using signals to turn or stop, obeying traffic signs and signals and yielding to pedestrians.

Make sure bicycles are in good working order with proper safety equipment, including reflectors, a red taillight and, if you’re riding at a time when vehicles are required to use headlights, a functioning headlight. Bicyclists should make themselves as visible as possible — that means wearing hi-vis colors for your ride. Fortunately, day-glo green is coming back into style. Most importantly, make sure you’re wearing a good fitting helmet. Helmets are required in Kenai for youth cyclists under age 16, but they are a good idea for everyone.

It’s a great time to get out an enjoy the Kenai Peninsula, and two-wheeled transportation can enhance the experience. We wish everyone taking their bike out for a spin a happy and safe riding season.

More in Opinion

This screenshot of an Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation map of PFAS sites in Alaska shows that contamination from so-called “forever chemicals” is observable throughout the state. (Screenshot | Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation)
Opinion: More action must be taken on PFAS

Toxic forever chemicals present in high concentrations in Nikishka Bay Utility Water Supply

Logo courtesy of League of Women Voters.
League of Women Voters of Alaska: Join us in calling for campaign finance limits

The involvement of money in our elections is a huge barrier for everyday Alaskans who run for public office

Promise garden flowers are assembled for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex in Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: Let’s keep momentum in the fight against Alzheimer’s

It’s time to reauthorize these bills to keep up our momentum in the fight to end Alzheimer’s and all other types of Dementia.

Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press
Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., questions Navy Adm. Lisa Franchetti during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Sept. 14 on Capitol Hill.
Opinion: Music to the ears of America’s adversaries

Russia and China have interest in seeing America’s democracy and standing in the world weakened

Dr. Sarah Spencer. (Photo by Maureen Todd and courtesy of Dr. Sarah Spencer)
Opinion: Alaskans needs better access to addiction treatment. Telehealth can help.

I have witnessed firsthand the struggles patients face in accessing addiction care

Former Gov. Frank Murkowski speaks on a range of subjects during an interview with the Juneau Empire in May 2019. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Need for accounting and legislative oversight of the permanent fund

There is a growing threat to the permanent fund, and it is coming from the trustees themselves

(Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Imagine the cost of health and happiness if set by prescription drug companies

If you didn’t have heartburn before seeing the price, you will soon — and that requires another prescription

Mike Arnold testifies in opposition to the use of calcium chloride by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities on Kenai Peninsula roads during a Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2023, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai Peninsula Votes: Civic actions that carried weight

Watching an impressive display of testimony, going to an event, or one post, can help so many people learn about something they were not even aware of

The Kasilof River is seen from the Kasilof River Recreation Area, July 30, 2019, in Kasilof, Alaska. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: Helicopter fishing a detriment to fish and fishers

Proposal would prohibit helicopter transport for anglers on southern peninsula

The cover of the October 2023 edition of Alaska Economic Trends magazine, a product of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. (Image via department website)
Dunleavy administration’s muzzling of teacher pay report is troubling

Alaska Economic Trends is recognized both in Alaska and nationally as an essential tool for understanding Alaska’s unique economy

Image via weseeyou.community
5 tips for creating a culture of caring in our high schools

Our message: No matter what challenges you’re facing, we see you. We support you. And we’re here for you.

The Alaska State Capitol is photographed in Juneau, Alaska. (Clarise Larson/Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Vance’s bill misguided approach to Middle East crisis

In arguing for her legislation, Vance offers a simplistic, one-dimensional understanding of the conflict