Bicycle Safety

The City of Coldwater Public Safety & Fire Department encourages all road users, including motorists and bicyclists, to respect each other and foster a safer transportation environment. Bicycles on the roadway have the same rights and responsibilities as motorized vehicles. 

May is Bicycle Safety Month, and our team, along with the help of our fellow community members, put together this informative Public Safety Announcement.  Please take a moment to watch it so that you and your loved ones can ride safely throughout the year.

Bicyclists Should:

  • Ride with traffic and follow the rules of the road.
  • Use hand signals when turning or stopping.
  • Obey traffic signals, signs, and markings.
  • When dark, a white light on the front and rear red reflector is required.
  • Ride on the trail, paved shoulder, bike lane, or bike route.
  • Be visible: wear appropriate high visibility safety gear, including a helmet.
  • Watch for debris that might make you fall or swerve.
  • Watch for turning traffic.
  • Ride no more than two abreast.


Drivers Should:

  • Give at least 3-feet when passing bicyclists. (See above for stricter local ordinances)
  • Obey traffic signals, signs, and markings.
  • Yield to bicyclists as you would motorists and do not underestimate their speed. This will help avoid turning in front of a bicyclist traveling on the road or sidewalk, often at an intersection or driveway.
  • Avoid distractions.
  • Obey the posted speed limit.
  • Stay alert and take extra caution at intersections, especially when making turns.
  • In parking lots, at stop signs, when backing up, or when parking, search your surroundings for other vehicles, including bicyclists.
  • To avoid "dooring" a bicyclist, never open a car door without first checking for passing traffic. One example of checking for traffic is the "Dutch Reach." This method involves the driver of a vehicle using their right hand to open their door, not their left hand. This naturally puts the driver in a position to check both in front and behind for approaching traffic.