In 2024, an estimated 52,887 cyclists were injured in traffic crashes across the United States. Many of these crashes happened in busy areas like college campuses where bikes, cars, pedestrians and scooters often share the same space.
May is National Bike Safety Month. It highlights steps everyone at UA can take to reduce crashes and keep campus travel safe.
Cyclists are among the most vulnerable roadway users. Everyone can help prevent crashes by following traffic laws and staying alert.
Tips for cyclists
Cyclists can reduce their risk of injury by taking a few key safety precautions:
- Obey the rules of the road. Bicyclists must follow the same laws as motor vehicles, including stopping at signals and stop signs.
- Use bike lanes when available. If none are present, ride as close as practicable to the right curb and travel in the same direction as traffic.
- Do not ride on sidewalks. In Tuscaloosa, bicyclists are not permitted on sidewalks — ride in a bike lane or on the roadway.
- Wear a helmet whenever you ride. In Alabama, helmets are required for cyclists under age 16 and strongly recommended for all riders.
- Walk bicycles through crosswalks to improve visibility and safety.
- Don’t text and ride. Stay focused on your surroundings.
- Ride defensively and never assume drivers see you.
Tips for drivers
Drivers play a critical role in keeping cyclists safe:
- Give space when passing. Alabama law requires at least three feet on roads with speed limits of 45 mph or less.
- Slow down in high-traffic areas. Remember, the speed limit on most streets on the UA campus is 25 mph.
- Look for cyclists before turning or merging, particularly at intersections and driveways.
- Check before opening your door to avoid striking a passing cyclist.
- Yield and be patient. Bicycles are part of everyday campus traffic.
- Stay alert and avoid distractions to protect all roadway users.
National Bike Safety Month is a reminder that safety at The University of Alabama depends on awareness, respect and cooperation from everyone sharing the road.
Safety Reminder: UA Alert System Test
Weather permitting, the University will test its emergency notification systems, including UA Alerts, the public address system and digital signage, Wednesday, May 6, at 11:55 a.m.