Drivers, bicyclists and scooters can partner to stay safe at night

Earlier sunsets and rainy winter nights make it harder to see scooters, bikes, wheelchairs, and pedestrians on the road. Trauma and Emergency General Surgeon Dr. Christine S. Cocanour shared that she has spotted UC Davis Health employees riding in the dark without lights and hopes they don’t become patients in her department.

Cocanour shared that “when a crash occurs between a vehicle and a bike or scooter rider, it’s the rider who is most likely to be injured. UC Davis Medical Center treated 347 bicycle riders and 105 scooter riders for injuries in 2023.”

As leaders in our community, UC Davis Health employees can set a good example while driving and riding a bike or scooter. No matter how you travel, consider these safety tips to help keep our coworkers and patients safe on and off our campus:

Riders: See and Be Seen

• When riding a bike, use a light on both the front and back of your bike.
• Consider attaching a light to your helmet, especially when on a scooter or skateboard.
• Wear bright, reflective clothing. You don't need a whole new wardrobe– something like a reflective vest is inexpensive and can be worn over any outfit.
• Reflective tape is another effective and inexpensive way to add visibility to yourself. Add it to your fenders, frames, bags, and helmets to make yourself more visible.
• Be sure to only cross the street at the crosswalk or designated intersections– where drivers would expect you to cross.
• When the sun is rising and setting, it can be difficult for drivers to see pedestrians and cyclists. Always make sure drivers acknowledge you before crossing.

Drivers: Share the Road

• Remember that bicycles and scooters are considered vehicles, too, and are allowed take the lane that cars are in. Cyclists will often take the lane when there are no designated bike lanes, if there are hazards in the bike lane, or if the cyclist needs to turn left or right.
• Yield to bicyclists as you would motorists. In parking lots, when backing up or parking, search your surroundings for other vehicles, including bicycles.
• Drivers turning right on red should look to the right and behind to avoid hitting a bicyclist approaching from the right rear. Stop completely and look left-right-left and behind before turning right on red.
• Give cyclists room. Do not pass too closely. Pass bicyclists as you would any other vehicle—only when it’s safe to move over into an adjacent lane.
• Do not underestimate a cyclist’s speed when passing a cyclist in your lane, or when you see a cyclist in oncoming traffic. Let the cyclist pass before turning into a street or driveway.

Trauma Surgery, Trauma Prevention, and the Green Commuter Program appreciate your help in preventing crashes and making our campus a safe place for all travelers.