Teen Cyclist Hit on College Parkway

A pick-up truck hit a 16-year-old boy on a bicycle on College Parkway near Pennington Lane around 3:31 p.m. Sunday. According to Anne Arundel County Fire Department spokesman Steve Thompson, the teen was taken to the Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore with serious, but not life-threatening injuries.

With the beautiful, sunny weather that the Broadneck area has had this summer, motorists are beginning to see more and more cyclists out and about on local roads, increasing the potential for bike vs. car incidents. There was a deadly incident in North County just last week.

As more bikers are out, locals are emphasizing the importance of following certain safety rules.

Broadneck Patch Facebook Page reader Dawn Rice shared that a bike rider almost collided with her on Sunday at College Parkway and Shore Acres, but the cyclist was older than the teen that was injured.

"I was turning right onto College Parkway, and he was in the wrong lane (mine, going opposite traffic) turning onto Shore Acres," Rice said. "Drivers need to watch for bike riders, but the bikers need to follow the rules of the road and be responsible for their own safety as well."

owner Steve Ruck, who has ridden on the Broadneck area roads for many years, says he sees and hears of near-misses all the time.

"A cyclist should always know what a driver is doing," said Ruck. "I always try to make eye contact with drivers when I am stopped, so they are aware of my presence, too. You are always taking chances being on the road, so you have to be smart. And I tell my customers, there are more car vs. car accidents than those involving cyclists."

The offers the following safety tips for cyclists before and after they hit the road:

• Wear a helmet that fits properly. A bicycle helmet should fit comfortable and snug. Helmet straps should always be buckled.
• Help drivers to see you. Wear light or brightly colored clothing. Make sure your bike is equipped with reflectors.
• Ride on the right side of the road, with the flow of traffic.
• When riding in a group, form a single line on the right-hand side of the roadway. Be sure to leave plenty of room between you and the bike in front of you, in case you need to stop suddenly.
• Don't take chances, and don't wear headphones. Watch what is going on around you. Safe bicycle riding requires your full attention.
• Use designated bike paths when available.
• Always be on the watch for turning and parked motor vehicles.
• Clearly communicate intentions to motorists by using proper turn signals.

It is important for all motorists to remember that cyclists have a right to be on the road, so sharing is required by law. Here are some tips for motorists to keep in mind from AAA:

• Motorists need to increase their awareness of bicyclists when making turns and remember to look for bicyclists when traveling in a straight line.
• Check for bicyclists along the edge of the traffic lane before opening car doors so you do not cause a collision when exiting your vehicle.
• Allow for at least 3 feet of passing space between your car and the cyclist. Tailgating or honking can startle or fluster a bicyclist, causing them to swerve further into the driving lane.
• Be patient. Remember, cyclists are moving under their own power and can’t be expected to go the same speed as cars.
• Pay special attention to blind spots. Due to their size and the location of bike lanes, bikes can often get lost in a car’s blind spot, so double check before changing lanes, making right-hand turns or before opening your car door on the traffic side when parked.
• Be attentive on side streets and neighborhoods. Children are especially at risk in residential areas. Follow the speed limit, avoid driver distraction and always be aware of your surroundings. It is particularly important to be cautious when backing out of a driveway and onto the street.
• Use good common sense. For example, in inclement weather, give cyclists extra room.

Each year, there are more than a half-million collisions between motor vehicles and bicycles in the United States, according to AAA.