Rockland County officials are reminding residents that bicycle safety is a shared responsibility as part of Bicycle Awareness Month this May, urging both cyclists and motorists to work together to keep local roads safe.

According to the Traffic Safety Statistical Repository, Rockland County recorded 90 bicycle-related crashes involving vehicles in 2024, resulting in one fatality and 83 injuries. Officials say the statistics underscore the importance of safe riding habits, increased awareness, and mutual respect between drivers and bicyclists.

Under New York State law, bicyclists are required to follow the same traffic laws as motorists and are granted the same rights on the roadway. Officials emphasized that cyclists should obey traffic signals, use hand signals when turning or stopping, and ensure their bicycles are equipped with proper safety equipment, including lights and reflectors.

Rockland County also reminded residents that helmet use remains one of the most effective ways to reduce serious injuries, especially for children. In Rockland County, all bicyclists are required by law to wear a helmet.

Officials are encouraging bicyclists to:

• Always wear a properly fitted helmet
• Ride with traffic and obey all traffic signs and signals
• Use front white lights, rear red lights or reflectors, and reflective gear at night
• Stay alert and avoid distractions such as phones or headphones
• Use hand signals when turning or stopping
• Ride predictably and remain visible to drivers
• Never ride while impaired by alcohol or drugs

Motorists are also being urged to remain alert, check blind spots carefully, share the road responsibly, and provide safe passing distance when traveling near bicyclists.

County officials closed the campaign with the reminder: “Eyes on the Road, Rockland. Stay alert. Follow the rules. Look out for one another.”

For more information on bicycle and pedestrian safety, residents can visit Rockland County Safe Streets Program.